Celebrating Athletes in ESPN’s 2012 Body Issue
While the awe inspiring performances that athletes provide us with is arguably reason enough to admire them, ESPN’s 2012 Body Issue has become a way for them to show off their perfectly sculpted physiques.
The Body Issue offers readers a spread of 27 world class athletes, and it allows readers to discover what type of body it takes to participate in a variety of sports at the professional level.
ESPN Body Issue 2012 Features Toronto Blue Jay Slugger Jose Bautista
Among those being showcased this year is the U.S. Women’s Volleyball team, who are currently preparing for the 2012 London Olympics.
Anyone interested in picking up their annual issue can do so on July 13th when it will hit newsstands everywhere.
New York Knicks player Tyson Chandler said ESPN’s Body Issue, gives the average Joe a chance to see what a pro athlete looks like.
ESPN Body Issue 2012 Features Toronto Blue Jay Slugger Jose Bautista
“‘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.”
Aby Wambach shares how she feels about her body image:
“I am a firm believer that if you feel good and you are happy and you are doing all the things you need to on a daily basis — whether it be for your profession or as a professional athlete — you are going to be more comfortable in your skin.”
Also included in this years issue is Toronto Blue Jay slugger Jose Bautista (Photo available July 11th).
When asked what he likes about his body Bautista said:
“I don’t do exercises to shape my body in certain ways. I do my baseball work, and by doing that my body ends up the way it looks. I’m proud of my body because it’s a constant reminder of what I do for a living and what I love doing, which is playing baseball, but it’s just an end result.
Here is a list of all the participants in the 2012 ESPN Body Issue, courtesy of the official website.
• 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
