ESPN The Magazine dropped its “Body Issue” on Wednesday – the company’s response to Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issuebasically – and there was a familiar face from women’s football in it and on one of the eight covers: Sydney Leroux.
Leroux bared it all for ESPN’s annual no-clothes issue, which in previous years included fellow USA teammates Hope Solo and Abby Wambach. Alex Morgan appeared in body paint in 2012 SI swimsuit problem.
Why did Leroux do this? Leroux, in an interview with espnWsaid she understands what it’s like to be unhappy with her body, but now the 23-year-old appreciates who she is.
“I think a lot of women struggle with their appearance, and I wanted to show that everyone’s body is different. I think it’s very important to be an athlete, to be confident in your body and to show it off. I’m not going to say that I’ve never had a problem with my appearance, but I’ve reached a point in my life where I’m happy with who I am.”
Leroux currently leads the National Women’s Soccer League with 10 goals for the Boston Breakers.
Photo courtesy of ESPN.
