Photospeak: 20 Athletes + Serena Williams Go Nude For ESPN’s ‘The Body’ Issue [Very Hot]

In a tribute to their bodies, 20 athletes are celebrating their athletic forms by stripping down for ESPN The Magazine’s fifth annual “Body Issue.” Here is a sneak peak at some of this year’s stars … Miesha Tate (l.), the 26-year-old No. 1 bantamweight contender on the women’s Ultimate Fighting Championship circuit, and professional snowboarder Elena Hight (r.) are just two of the female all-stars showing off their amazing physiques for the issue. While Tate sports nothing more than pink boxing gloves to pose nude on a private Malibu beach, Hight shreds down a mountain in the buff with just her board. Check out the other athletes showing off their impressive bodies

Matt Harvey

He’s Amazin’! New York Mets pitcher Matt Harvey shows off the toned form that’s made him the ace of the Mets’ staff in the upcoming issue. Though the right-hander is used to getting national attention for his play on the field, baring nearly all for the world to see was another story. “It was kind of nerve-racking at first,” Harvey told The Daily News. “I’ve never been fully nude in front of random people like that before — especially with a camera around. But now that it is all done, it was a fun experience.”

Courtney Force

NHRA funny car racer Courtney Force was one of eight athletes selected to nab a cover shot. The 25-year-old, who disrobes to pose with just a red gasoline can and a tire, said she took the opportunity to prove she is a true athlete. “We’re driving 10,000 horsepower cars and although I am a female, I have to work extra hard to drive one of these cars to keep up with the men,” she told The Daily News.

Kenneth Faried

Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried also appears on one of the covers and shows off his slammin’ basketball body for his spread in the magazine. Judging from the photos of the baller’s rock-hard abs, it’s no wonder the 23-year-old is nicknamed the “Manimal.”

Ronda Rousey

One cover model for ESPN’s 2012 “Body Issue” was mixed martial artist Ronda Rousey, who showed off her softer side wearing pink gloves. The professional athlete is tattooed with the Olympic rings.

Team USA Volleyball

They’re showing us what they’re working with! Before heading to the 2012 London Olympic games, the U.S. Women’s National Volleyball Team stripped down for ESPN.

Rob Gronkowski

Cover model and one of the NFL’s most sought after athletes is Rob Gronkowski of the New England Patriots. It may be the football off season, but Gronk still looks in perfect shape.

Candace Parker

Los Angeles Sparks forward Candace Parker previously posed for the magazine in 2009 and was pregnant at the time. “It’s nice to see the body transform,” Parker says of her two covers.

Tyson Chandler

Tyson Chandler of the New York Knicks shows off his tattooed body on one of the 2012 “Body Issue” covers.

Maya Gabiera

Here’s a view you don’t always get to see. Maya Gabiera is a 23-year-old surfer and Billbong Girl.

Jose Reyes

Here’s a body that hits close to home. Jose Reyes of the New York Mets debuts his bod on one of the 2011 covers that hit stands on Oct. 7, 2011.

 

Apolo Anton Ohno

Speedskater Apolo Anton Ohno is one of the most decorated U.S. winter Olympians and we think we know why …

Serena Williams

Serena Williams has certainly had her fill of controversy. But now the tennis champ is leaving her cute outfits on the court to serve up her buff bod, well, in the buff. The 28-year-old shows off her incredible physique on one of six sexy covers of ESPN magazine’s first ever ‘Body Issue” back in 2009. Tennis definitely does a body good! Williams isn’t the only athlete taking it all off …

Sarah Reinertsen

Sarah Reinertsen was the first female leg-amputee to complete the Ironman Triathalon when she crossed the finish line in 2005. While one of her legs may be mechanically constructed, Reinertsen has found a way to find comfort in her body.

[NYDailyNews]