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Professional Sports Stars Strip Down To Nothing For ESPN’s “Body Issue”

It’s that time of year again!

ESPN the magazine has released the stunning photos from its upcoming “Body Issue”, the annual look book featuring the world’s top athletes baring all in a series of fully nude photos.

This year’s issue includes 22 male and female athletes in their birthday suits, including 18-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps, five-time MLB All-Star Prince Fielder, and fierce Wimbledon contender Tomas Berdych.

Aside from documenting the side-ass of the most beautiful male athletes, this year’s Body Issue marks a historic first by shooting American soccer midfielder Megan Rapinoe, the first openly gay athlete to pose for the hotly-anticipated issue.

Rapinoe discusses her decision to come out in her personal interview with the magazine. “If you want to stand up and fight for equal rights but then won’t even stand up for yourself and say ‘I’m gay’ — that just started to feel weird,” she said, noting that she officially came out before the 2012 London Olympics because she wanted “to reach as many people as possible.”

Other male athletes posing for the issue include Marshawn Lynch, Serge Ibaka, Larry Fitzgerald, Omar Gonzalez, Bernard Hopkins, Jimmy Spithill, and Nigel Sylvester. Check out some of their best shots below:

 

Michael Phelps, swimmer, most decorated Olympian of all time

 

Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks running back

 

Prince Fielder, Texas Rangers first baseman

 

Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City Thunder power forward/center

 

Tomas Berdych, tennis

 

Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver

 

Omar Gonzalez, LA Galaxy defender

 

Bernard Hopkins, boxer

 

Jimmy Spithillyachtsman

 

Nigel Sylvester, BMX rider

all images courtesy ESPN

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