Trans Athlete Chris Mosier Makes ESPN Magazine’s 2016 Body Issue

"I was in a body that didn’t really fit me for 29 years," says Mosier. "Now I feel comfortable in my own skin."
From: NewNowNext

 ESPN Magazine’s yearly “Body Issue” is one of the most anticipated of the year—featuring a diverse range of athletes from across the sports world appearing naked in artistic portraits.

When the 2016 hits next month, though, it will break new ground: Duathlete Chris Mosier will be the first transgender athlete to appear in highly coveted issue.

“As a trans person, I was in a body that didn’t really fit me for 29 years—now I feel comfortable in my own skin,” Mosier said in a statement. “That’s something that I’m proud of and wanted to share with other people.”

Last year Mosier became the first trans athlete to make a U.S. national team, and represented America at the International Triathlon Union world duathlon championship. (He finished 26th among 47 men in his age group and 142nd overall out of 433 competitors.)

His advocacy also led the International Olympic Committee to update its guidelines to be more inclusive of trans competitors.

Mosier celebrated his photos spread with a self-deprecating tweet.

HA! I'm so overwhelmed, I just looked at the list of tagged folks & thought "maybe I can get a @verified check now!" https://t.co/QtdRv1L0uW

— The Chris Mosier (@TheChrisMosier) June 21, 2016

He joins premiere athletes including Jake Arrieta, Dwaye Wade, Emma Coburn, Conor McGregor, Christen Press and out diver Greg Louganis in the issue, available online July 6 and on newsstands on July 8.

Below, get a sneak peek at Chris and the other “Body Issue” stars in all their glory.