And the gold medal for exhibitionism goes to...
UK’s first Olympic women’s rugby side, baring all for a magazine
They are stronger and bulkier than most women – but it seems the country’s top rugby players have no qualms about showing off their physiques.
The team-mates have posed for a naked photoshoot ahead of the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Five of England’s Olympic Sevens team stripped off for the latest edition of Women’s Health magazine to challenge stereotypes that surround women rugby players.
Keen violinist Amy Wilson-Hardy, 24, who plays centre for England, told the magazine: ‘I always do my hair and make-up before a game; looking feminine helps my confidence. I train eight times a
‘I always do my hair and make-up before a game’
week and I can see how my body’s changed just by looking at old photos.
‘I’ve grown to love my bigger legs and bum – they’re vital for bursts of speed.’
Winger Michaela Staniford, 29, added: ‘The “rugby girl” stereotype doesn’t really exist. At 5ft 8in and just over 11st, I’m quite light – perfect for being lifted to catch the ball.
‘But I struggle to maintain protective muscle mass. Every three hours I eat protein, as well as fruit and veg.
‘I have to be disciplined, but when I retire it’s going to be brunch and cocktails!’
For full-back Danielle Waterman, 31, who helped England win the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2014, her natural muscular build meant she was always going to play rugby.
‘I’ll always remember trying on my prom dress and being upset at how broad and muscular I was,’ she said.
‘It was my brother who pointed out that my build was the very thing that would help me achieve my dreams of playing pro rugby for England.
Miss Waterman added: ‘My body is how it is – 5ft 8in and powerful. For good reason.’
Rugby is making its return to the Olympics for the first time since 1924 when the 15-a-side game was dropped.
Twelve nations will field seven-aside men and women’s teams in Rio following a decision in 2009 by the Olympic Committee to bring back the sport.
The full interview appears in the September issue of Women’s Health, on sale tomorrow.