These ESPN portraits of athletes doing what they do naked show the majesty of the human body

ESPN has continued its tradition of celebrating athletes' hard work, discipline and focus in its latest annual Body Issue this month, with a host more famous sporting faces performing the actions of their respective sports nude.

The artful images have a body positive message amid harmful scandals over "revealing" gymnastic outfits, and come accompanied with a quote from each athlete about their approach to their discipline.

Here's some of the most striking portraits:

Kevin Love

I was really looking forward to the playoffs. This injury [dislocated shoulder] is one of the hardest things I've dealt with. When I would out for four to six months, it was a big blow to me. I lost a pretty good amount of weight after the injury, close to 15 pounds. The timing is never great, but I ask myself, 'What can I do to better myself in the meantime?' You look at guys around the league and reassess'.

Aly Raisman

Sweating in the gym, covered in chalk; that's when I'm most comfortable. Most girls are used to wearing heels and dresses, I'm used to being in a leotard with no makeup on. I love that.

DeAndre Jordan

When you're younger, everyone wants to be a point guard. Everyone wants to shoot fadeaway jump shots all day. Nobody wants to be a big man. Nobody wants to go stand on the block and just set picks. But in my case, I grew so fast that my position had to change. I was 6ft 3in my freshman year of high school, and after the summer I was about 6ft 8in.

Chantae McMillan

You know the song 'Bulls on Parade' by Rage Against The Machine? It plays in my head right before a hurdle race. It's an internal scream, just superloud. I might look calm and composed, but I'm screaming on the inside; it's crazy what goes on in there.

Amanda Bingson

If I want to throw far, I'll do a handstand first. It helps me get amped. We don't really have crowds when we compete, so you really have to get yourself going.

Natalie Coughlin

I have scoliosis. It's a 27-degree curve, so when I get into the racing portion of the season, I have to be very careful. All the muscles along my spine lock down if they're not healthy.

View the full gallery here

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