Supermen and women of the athletic world strip down for magazine edition dedicated to the human body
By JAMES NYE
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Go ahead and take a good look at some of the planet's top athlete's who have dared to bare it all for ESPN's fourth annual 'The Body Issue'.
Ripped and toned, these sportsmen and women represent the limits to which the human body can be pushed and have been recruited from the leagues of the NBA, the rolling waves of Brazil and the tough competition of the Olympic Games.
With a special slant this year on the 2012 London Olympics, 'The Body Issue' includes a total of 27-world-class athletes all in the buff, from 7-foot-1, 240-pound basketball star Tyson Chandler to lithe Brazilian surfer Maya Gabeira.
Maya Gabeira is no stranger to surfing in the nude as she comfortably rides under a wave photographed by ESPN
Described by ESPN as a chance 'to unapologetically stand in awe of the athletes who've pushed their physiques to profound frontiers,' this year's edition says editor in chief, Chad Millman contains athletes who 'just recently popped.'
Personalities such as 25-year-old Gabeira, who is no stranger to surfing naked.
'I wouldn't really do it normally because it kinda hurts your boobs.'
Tyson Chandler, the 29-year-old New York Knicks center has his modesty protected by a basketball as one of the six front covers of ESPN's 'The Body' magazine
Noted for her big wave surfing ability where she is towed onto a 50-foot tall break by a jet-ski, Gabeira is also comfortable on the more sedate beaches of home.
'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,' said Gabeira who is a five-time Billabong XXl Award winner.
For the New York Knick's center, Tyson Chandler, 'The Body Issue' is a chance for him to let 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,' added Chandler.
'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.'
Anna Tunnicliffe, 29, steers her boat in preparation for the the 2012 London Olympics
Indeed, 29-year-old Chandler is particularly proud of his body, claiming to be very well proportioned.
'I'm tall with broad shoulders,' said Chandler to ESPN in an interview prior to the launch of the edition.
'And my waist is small.
'I'm into fashion, So I like the way clothes lay on me.
'I'm pretty much a normal person's size, just stretched out.'
Maya Gabeira in a less spectacular pose alongside Tyson Chandler playing for the New York Knicks
Also pictured is the impressive body of American sailor Anna Tunnicliffe, 29, who shows the strength which has won her a gold medal in the women's laser radial class at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Originally born in Doncaster, England, Tunnicliffe moved to the U.S. at the age of 12 and moved to Perrysburg, Ohio.
With the London Games this summer, the list announced Wednesday is heavy with Olympians, including sprinter Carmelita Jeter and members of the U.S. women's volleyball team.
Other bodies to bare all for ESPN include tennis star Daniela Hantuchova (left) and U.S Olympic sprinter Carmelita Jeter
Abby Wambach of USA is seen during the FIFA Women's World Cup 2011 Group C match between USA and Colombia at Rhein-Neckar-Arena in Sinsheim, Germany
Toronto Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista, New York Rangers forward Brad Richards and WNBA star Candace Parker will also appear in the July 13 edition.
Another athlete keen to remove her clothes for the ESPN issue is U.S. Women's national Soccer Team forward Abby Wambach, who feels that posing nude is all about confidence, 'it you have it inside, it will exude on the outside,' said Wambach.
Also taking their clothes off for the much anticipated ESPN mag edition is 29-year-old tennis star Daniela Hantuchova, who is known for her statuesque figure.
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