 |
| 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 |
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.
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.
More photos when you continue...
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.'
For the New York Knick's center, Tyson Chandler (above), '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.'
'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.'
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.'
'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 is no stranger to surfing in the nude as she comfortably rides under a wave photographed by ESPN |
Personalities such as 25-year-old Gabeira, who is no stranger to surfing naked.
'I actually have surfed nude,' the Rio-native told Men's Health Magazine.
'I wouldn't really do it normally because it kinda hurts your boobs.'
Personalities such as 25-year-old Gabeira, who is no stranger to surfing naked.
'I actually have surfed nude,' the Rio-native told Men's Health Magazine.
'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,' said Gabeira who is a five-time Billabong XXl Award winner.
 |
| Anna Tunnicliffe, 29, steers her boat in preparation for the the 2012 London Olympics |