Out diving legend Greg Louganis is among the all-star athletes appearing naked in ESPN The Magazine’s upcoming annual Body Issue.
Being HIV-positive, says the former Olympian, “taught me that I’m a lot stronger than I ever believed I was. I didn’t think I would see 30, and here I am at 56.”
Louganis admits he’s in better shape now than a lot of his contemporaries, a fact he contributes to making healthy choices.
“It’s all about making healthy choices. I think HIV has helped motivate me mentally and physically. I look at working out and doing something physically active every day as being as important as taking my meds.”
The issue breaks new ground in LGBT representation, with trans duathlete Chris Mosier also shedding his clothes for the campaign.
“As a trans person, I was in a body that didn’t really fit me for 29 years—now I feel comfortable in my own skin,” Mosier said in a statement. “That’s something that I’m proud of and wanted to share with other people.”
Other pros appearing in the issue include Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade, UFC fighter Conor McGregor, volleyball player Christen Press, Houston Texans defensive tackle Vince Wilfork and Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta .
Wade, who turned down the Body Issue for seven years before agreeing to do it, admitted he’s had to overcome being uncomfortable with his body.
"This is as authentic as it gets."@DwyaneWade talks dropping the robe for #BodyIssue: https://t.co/xa9Jxgg4Ub pic.twitter.com/GkdWqA1RVf
— ESPN (@espn) June 21, 2016
“[Doing the shoot] was one of those moments where it’s good to overcome a fear of something,” said the 34-year-old NBA star.
“It’s bigger than me showing my body off. That’s not as important to me as telling a story of overcoming a fear. It hopefully gives someone confidence to really be their authentic self.”
Below, check out more sneak-peek images from ESPN’s “Body Issue,” available online July 6 and on newsstands on July 8.
"Hey Jake, want to be in the body issue?" "Sure." "You have to pitch naked." "Finally." https://t.co/JDnFXGro0M pic.twitter.com/LovGwxnPfS
— jon greenberg (@jon_greenberg) June 21, 2016
Christen Press will appear on the cover of the 2016 #BodyIssue. The issue drops July 6th. pic.twitter.com/MVn1bdVBpX
— espnW (@espnW) June 22, 2016