The ESPN Body Issue celebrates the potential of the human body. This year’s magazine features athletes from all around the world with a special focus toward the 2012 London Olympics. Tyson Chandler, Maya Gabeira, Jose Bautista, and several woman from the US Women’s Volleyball Team.
ESPN released the cover of this year’s Body Issue (featuring Tyson Chandler) and a few images from the upcoming magazine.
“Each year, we stop to admire the vast potential of the human form. To unapologetically stand in awe of the athletes who’ve pushed their physiques to profound frontiers. To imagine how it would feel to inhabit those bodies, to leap and punch and throw like a god. To … well, gawk. So go ahead; join us.”
The ESPN Body Issue will hit stands on July 13th, just a few weeks before the start of the 2012 London Olympics. The issue features fighters, surfers, soccer players and basketball players but also features several Olympians. Twenty four-year-old decathlete Ashton Eaton, sprinter Carmelita Jeter, and sailor Anna Tunnicliffe will also show off their bodies for the magazine.
Tyson Chandler 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 do…. I think a lot of people are curious about it… I wanted people to look at my body and see why I’m able to do the things I do on the court. Also, it’s a very artistic shoot, and seeing that in past issues made me want to do it.”
Maya Gabeira said:
“I actually have surfed nude. I wouldn’t really do it normally because it kinda hurts your boobs…. 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.”
Here’s the complete list of athletes in the 2012 ESPN Body Issue.
Carlos Bocanegra (soccer) Daniela Hantuchova (WTA) Rob Gronkowski (NFL) Abby Wambach (soccer) Tyson Chandler (NBA) Candace Parker (WNBA) Maurice Jones-Drew (NFL) Jose Bautista (MLB) Brad Richards (NHL) Maya Gabiera (surfing) Ronda Rousey (MMA) Mike Smith (jockey) Tim Morehouse (fencing) Walter Dix (track) Danell Leyva (gymnastics) Suzann Pettersen (LPGA) Ashton Eaton (decathlon) Carmelita Jeter (track) Anna Tunnicliffe (sailing) Oksana Masters (paralympic rowing) USA Volleyball Team: Destinee Hooker Stacy Sykora Alisha Glass Cynthia Barboza Megan Hodge Nellie Spicer Heather Bown
Anna Tunnicliffe
Are you a fan of the ESPN Body Issue? You can see some photos (and a video) from last year’s magazine here. Or take a behind the scenes look at this year’s issue here.
