When you think of any magazine’s "body" issue, several examples may come to mind. From the Victoria’s Secret swimsuit catalog to the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, there are plenty examples of magazine spreads with relatively homogenous body types represented. Small-framed, slim females with gorgeous hair seem to dominate the mainstream media, especially when summer rolls around and the heavier winter layers are shed. However, what is so important about this year’s ESPN Body Issue is the diversity in the images we see. The pictures not only present a larger group of athletes, but they also show those reading (who are traditionally non-athletes) that the bodies we want do not always have to equate to those in the swimsuit editions (though one must admit Adriana Lima and company look fabulous, too).
It’s all about perspective and knowing that healthy and athletic does not always mean skinny. There are different body types all over the world, and the ESPN Body Issue does a great job of highlighting athletic diversity in this year’s edition.
Each year, the Body Issue’s release is greeted with large media coverage, in part due to the de-stigmatized images ESPN aims to present. One notable featured athlete from this year includes Amanda Bingson, a Track and Field hammer thrower for Team USA. Amanda sat down with Morty Ain for her ESPN interview to shed some light on how she began breaking barriers for women in the hammer throw. Although she may not have a six-pack or overtly-toned muscle groups, “it's important to show that athletes come in all shapes and sizes,” Bingson said of her appearance in this year’s issue. This mentality, and the sentiments expressed in interviews of others for the issue, show a common theme of acceptance and continued growth as an industry.
Athletes, both male and female come in all shapes and sizes, and it is time we begin to appreciate that. Interested in reading more about this year’s Body Issue? Head over to ESPN and check out the features, or click through some of my favorite shots from this year’s spread!
