Robbie Rogers And Other LGBT Athletes Discuss The Elusive "Perfect Body"
Out athletes Robbie Rogers, Pat Manuel, Julie Shaw, and Lypheng Kim discuss the ideals that make up the elusive “perfect body” in a new video for Buzzfeed.
Society usually tells us that a “perfect” body is one that’s toned, smooth, and frankly unattainable for most. But for these athletes who dedicate their lives to building the perfect body for their craft, it’s about different things entirely.
For LA Galaxy midfielder Robbie Rogers, it’s about having the stamina for long term play. “I don’t really care what I look like in a bathing suit during the season as long as I’m able to run eight or nine miles a game,” he said.
For amateur boxer Pat Manuel and La Verne basketball coach Julie Shaw, it’s about feeling comfortable and healthy in your own skin. “The perfect body is a body that you’re comfortable in [and is] healthy for you. I think we all have to own our bodies and know what’s good for us, know what’s healthy for us,” said Shaw.
For USC Dragon Boat racer Lypheng Kim, it’s also about race. He asks, “Why is the world idolizing the perfect white image?”
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