The new ESPN Body Issue 2012 edition will feature more naked athletes, this time with a focus on the 2012 London Summer Olympics. Among those inside the magazine posing nude are MLB's Jose Bautista, soccer star Abby Wambach, and tennis star Daniela Hantuchova.
According to Inquisitr.com, there are 27 athletes in all covered, or uncovered, inside the latest "Body Issue." Others include NFL Patriots star Rob Gronkowski, WNBA star Candae Parker, seven members of the Team USA volleyball team, as well as New York Knicks star Tyson Chandler who is shown on the cover of the magazine. Surfer Maya Gabiera, and Oksana Masters, who participates in paralympic rowing are also represented.
Maya Gabriela is shown among the pictures (NSFW) at Inquisitr, and comments about surfing naked, saying:
"I actually have surfed nude. I wouldn't really do it normally because it kinda hurts your boobsÂ…. I feel sexy when I am surfing in my bikini, which is rare because I am usually in a wet suit on a big wave, so when I get the chance to, it feels great."
While it may sound like an excerpt from a Playboy article or centerfold story, it is in fact part of the ESPN Body Issue. The latest edition of ESPN Magazine is set to hit newsstands on July 13th, which isn't far ahead of the 2012 London Olmypics.
NBA star Tyson Chandler, who is on the cover, said:
"The Body Issue' is a chance for the 'average person' take a good look at athletes bodies and why we are able to do the things we doÂ…. I think a lot of people are curious about itÂ… I wanted people to look at my body and see why I'm able to do the things I do on the court."
His cover photo shows Chandler, naked, with a basketball positioned on his right leg, covering up his cotch area. However, the star player's posterior is on display along with his many tattoos. Basically, it shows off the fact that Chandler is in shape, which high-paid athletes are expected to be these days.
Some may take issue with the ESPN Body Issue, but it may really be ESPN's best answer to the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, which in recent years has become more racy, leaving less to the imagination. If athletes want to show it off, why not? Of course, some may not view all of the images as beautiful, but it certainly will get people talking. The question is will they be admiring these athletes or laughing behind their backs in locker rooms and on the streets?
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(Image Source: Wikimedia)
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