Beauty. Strength. Poise. Confidence.

The ESPN “Body 10” issue was released online this week and hits magazine stands tomorrow, June 29, 2018. This publication is a real work of art that I look forward to each year - because I love working with athletes and it gives the reader a better appreciation for the differences between bodies. This is a display of athleticism showcasing famous athletes from numerous sports and tastefully posed with beautiful backgrounds. This year’s edition features Seattle Storm point guard - and four-time Olympic Gold Medalist- Sue Bird along with Seattle Reign star soccer player - and also Olympic gold Medalist - Megan Rapinoe.

http://espn.reprintmint.com/galleries/the-body-issue/001-180709-sbmr.html

The first time I saw a Body issue was their 2nd edition when Diana Taurasi posed with a black basketball in 2010. At that time, I had known Diana for about 6 years and had maybe seen her without her hair in a ponytail three times... but her hair was gorgeous and the poses were elegant.  She looked strong and fierce... this is empowering!

http://espn.reprintmint.com/galleries/the-body-issue/001-101018-6-duo.html

What struck me the most from previous issues were the stories the athletes told, the tattoos so many of them have which are art in and of themselves, and, of course, the variation between people and unique human circumstances.  Last year the magazine included Kirstie Ennis, a Paralympian who wears a prosthesis after an above-knee amputation following her helicopter crashing while she was serving as a US Marine in Afghanistan.

http://espn.reprintmint.com/galleries/the-body-issue/001-170717-ke.html

She is rock climbing wearing a prosthetic leg! They've also photographed beach volleyballer Kerri Walsh (Jennings) late in her pregnancy and then again holding her newborn daughter.  The human body is capable of so many feats and is really so amazing, that I feel it is vital to celebrate our unique differences.

This magazine promotes positive body images for strong women. Of course there are strong athletic men included year after year, but there isn’t societal stigma against men having large muscles. So often women don’t want to be muscular- but this gives you a chance to see the beauty in strength.  It gives you an appreciation of the differences between body size, variety of sports that people compete in, and tells you something personal about each athlete.

ESPN doesn’t need any promotion... but if you haven’t yet seen the Body magazine for 2018, start googling and check it out because there is real beauty, poise, strength, confidence, and more beauty in this publication.