• 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • Join the riot newsletter
  • Wishlist
RunwayRiot
fashion for all women


  • Shop
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Beauty
    • Editor’s Closet
    • Our Obsessions!
    • Gift Ideas
  • About Runway Riot
  • Fitness
  • News
  • Beauty/Fashion
  • Designers
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
Wish
list
  • Shop
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Beauty
    • Editor’s Closet
    • Designers
    • Gift Ideas
    • Our Obsessions!
    • Guilty Pleasures
  • Beauty/Fashion
  • Fitness
  • Self-care
  • Current Obsessions
  • The Latest
  • These Women Are Supporting a Body Shamed Woman By Tweeting Cheesecake Selfies
  • New Report Says Body Confidence is a Critical Issue Worldwide
  • CrossFit Athlete Speaks Out on Body Image
  • Introducing RunwayRiot's My Body My Story: a Deeply Confessional Video Series on Women's Body Image
The Woman of the ESPN Body Issue Make Me Feel Empowered
by Lindsay Peoples | July 11, 2016 at 10:08 AM
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 

ESPN may not be my go-to magazine of choice, but this issue made me feel inspired and different about women and sports than ever before. The ESPN Body Issue features the top athletes, both male and female, from all different sports, showcasing their bodies, their strength and what has made them so successful: their talent.

It’s become more than a body positive spread and meant more to me than just seeing different body types displayed in a magazine. It’s about breaking down stereotypes of what women can do, about their strength, about equating beauty standards to a certain body type and pushing the limit further. The idea of wellness is often stigmatized by fitting into a certain size or looking a certain way, but this spread proves that wellness comes in all shapes, sizes, and forms. These women are all extremely active, and they’re not intimidatingly posing with 6 pack abs and no sign of wear and tear–they’re incredibly beautiful and raw and look like the kind of authentic woman I want to be. It’s a beautiful sight that I wish we could see more often. Scroll down below to see tidbits about the women of the ESPN Body Issue.

Untitled6

Christen Press
“I’ve spent a lot of time being insecure about my body, but it’s done so much for me. It’s my tool, my vessel for my job. I’m very grateful for the way that I feel when I play–I feel powerful, I feel fast, I feel unstoppable, and that’s because of my body.”

Untitled4

Adeline Gray

“The ability to redefine femininity through hard work and high goals in strong women is art and deserve to be shown to the world.”

Untitled9

Nzignha Prescod

“I’m so proud of how hard I’ve worked for this body. It’s the most genuine display of my dedication. I hope my feature encourages women everywhere to embrace muscles and strength and to love their bodies.”

Untitled5

Allysa Seely

“Eight years ago I hated my body as it began to deteriorate and defy me. As my strength, speed and grace slipped away and in turn awkward, uncoordinated movements were left I would have never imagined being in a place–again–where I was proud of that body. I did the shoot as a celebration of just that.”

Untitled8

Elena Delle Donne

“We all have body insecurities, and I wanted to show that as a woman you can be 6′ 5″ and powerful, and that’s beautiful too.”

Untitled7

Claressa Shields

“I wanted my pictures to show my beautiful side and also add to the definition of a strong woman. A woman life myself, people often say, ‘She’s too tough, she’s too strong,’ and there is no such thing.”

Tags: Athletes, Body Image, ESPN Body Issue, sports, Wellness
About the Author

Lindsay Peoples

Connect with me:
  • My website
I Want That!
Louise et Cie
Jael Leather Crossbody Bag - Beige
Buy Me + Wishlist
$278.00
Eugenia Kim
Bunny Greetings Floppy Hat
You Know You Want Me! + Wishlist
$475.00
Lauren Ralph Lauren
Nightshirt (Plus Size)
You Know You Want Me! + Wishlist
$64.00
Agent Provocateur
Agent Provocateur Davinah Bra Black - 32B
Shop now + Wishlist
$845.00
BLANKNYC
Attention Span Faux Fur Trim Jacket
You Know You Want Me! + Wishlist
$106.80
Yestadt Millinery
Division Flat Top Hat - 100% Bloomingdale's Exclusive
Gimme! + Wishlist
$147.00
Sole Society
'Kylie' Backpack
Buy Me + Wishlist
$49.95
City Chic
Wide Pants (Plus Size)
Gimme! + Wishlist
$99.00
J BRAND
9326 Distressed Low-Rise Cropped Step Hem Jeans/Disguise Destruct
Gimme! + Wishlist
$198.00
lulu dk
Love Code Charm Necklace
Buy Me + Wishlist
$68.00
kate spade new york
'sailors knot' bangle
Gimme! + Wishlist
$78.00
Free People
Candyland Pullover
You Know You Want Me! + Wishlist
$98.00
19 Female Professional Athletes Who Are Changing The Way We Look At Fashion
November 7, 2017 at 3:12 PM
11 Body Confident Trends for Transitional Wear
November 7, 2017 at 3:05 PM
The Power of 11: How to Align With Your True Self
February 14, 2017 at 12:50 PM
The Best Single Statement Shirts to Wear this Valentine’s Day
February 14, 2017 at 8:33 AM
Couples That Workout Together Stay Together
February 14, 2017 at 2:39 AM
RunwayRiot
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
Sitemap
  • Shop
  • About
  • Contact Us
  • All Stories
Join the riot
© 2023 RunwayRiot, LLC - All Rights Reserved.
  • FAQ
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy
  • Site Design
  1. Mediaite
  2. The Mary Sue
  3. RunwayRiot
  4. LawNewz
  5. Gossip Cop