Natalie Coughlin’s nude pictures from the ESPN The Magazine Body Issue are now publicly available. We’ve made sure to show a close crop of one of the images.<\/p>\n
The 12-time Olympic gold medalist and current American Record Holder in the 50 meter backstroke\u00a0was featured as one of 24 athletes in the annual Body Issue. This will be the seventh addition of the magazine, which most recently featured Michael Phelps in 2014. Other swimmers who have been included in the special edition are Ryan Lochte (2009) and Jeff Farrell (2010).<\/p>\n
Coughlin is\u00a0the first female swimmer to be featured. This year, Coughlin\u00a0is\u00a0joined by Bryce Harper (baseball), Kevin Love (basketball), DeAndre Jordan (basketball), Ali Krieger (soccer), Aly Raisman (gymnastics) among others.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur goal is to continue to evolve the issue year after year,\u201d ESPN The Magazine and ESPN.com editor in chief Chad Millman said in the piece. \u201cThe ability to capture both the strength and vulnerability of these extraordinary athletes through such powerful images and introspective interviews is incredibly moving.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Coughlin said she appreciates the diversity and representation presented every year in the Body Issue.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne of the things I love about the Body Issue so much is that it celebrates the bodies that allow us to be successful in our sport,\u201d said Coughlin. \u201cAs a sports fan, I love seeing the differences in body types.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
The magazine includes athletes from a range of sports, with a variety of heights, weights and body compositions. Not only can\u00a0you see them bare all in the magazine, but you can\u00a0see their pride in themselves, their sport, and of course, their bodies.<\/p>\n