Aly Raisman's body is her tool.
"As a gymnast, you use every single part of your body," she said. "Even your pinky toe is important."
Now, that body is gracing the pages of ESPN The Magazine's Body Issue, an annual tradition that showcases top athletes in peak condition. The two-time gold medalist and one-time bronze medalist talked to necn about what it was like shooting the nude pictorial.
"I was so much more comfortable than I ever would have imagined," the Needham, Massachusetts, native said.
With her mom on set, Raisman hung from rings and leaped from a balance beam. Her goal was to show her strength - something she hopes will be a positive example for her legion of fans.
"I eat really healthy, I work super hard, so I'm really proud of the way that I look," said Raisman. "It's cool to see all these athletes. We all do different sports. Our bodies are so completely different, but everyone's body is so amazing."
Even though she's 21, she admits the photos were a bit tough for her dad.
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"The other day when it came out, he was kind of freaking out," she said. "I think he's a little traumatized the past few days that it was me actually naked.
Still, she says she loves the photos and hopes her fans do, too.
There are 18 other athletes featured in ESPN's Body Issue this year. Locally, that list includes Revolution player Jermaine Jones, former Bruins player Tyler Seguin and former Boston College football player Anthony Castonzo.
