UCLA gymnast Katelyn Ohashi goes nude for photoshoot, pulls off perfect mid-air splits while completely naked
Gymnast Katelyn Ohashi won hearts all over the world when she became a viral sensation for her inspired performance at a contest earlier this year.
The 22-year-old is now back in the spotlight after reportedly doing a nude photoshoot for ESPN's September Body Issue, which is slated to be the popular sports magazine's final printed issue as it shifts its focus toward digital media.
Ohashi earned a perfect 10 while competing in the 2019 Collegiate Challenge in January for her team—University of California, Los Angeles—before she went viral on social media and stunned fans across the globe, News.com.au reports.
Katelyn, from Seattle, Washington, is now making her breakout appearance in ESPN's iconic Body Issue alongside US Women's National Soccer Team star Kelley O’Hara and NBA point guard Chris Paul.
The gymnast was seen in behind-the-scenes footage from the photoshoot leaping high and flaunting perfect splits mid-air while being completely naked. Ohashi's flawless stills are set to appear in the final print of ESPN's annual September Body Issue which will be available on newsstands Wednesday. The widely popular issue celebrates the achievements of standout athletes.
Ohashi grabbed ESPN's attention after she went viral for the second time in January after her stunning floor routine during the 2019 Collegiate Challenge. The gymnast has now retired from the sport after completing her final year with the UCLA Bruins women's gymnastics team.
Katelyn has previously spoken about issues she has overcome with body shamers and trolls online, and said posing nude for ESPN is a big deal for her.
Earlier this year, she told CNN about how she was subjected to a series of shameful comments about her figure after she went viral on social media for her flamboyant floor routines.
"I feel like, a lot of times, I've felt alone when I was going through all this stuff," Ohashi told the outlet in August. "Social media portrays one side of a person that they don't mind you seeing, but the other parts are hidden and not so openly talked about. And so being that person that welcomes every person that doesn't feel 'normal' — or whatever that means, right — with open arms and make them feel like they're not the only people. Because trust me, everyone's going through their own things."
Ohashi is now using her platform to encourage other people who may be going through similar struggles with their body. She was recently given ESPY's Best Play and Viral Sports Moment awards, following which she addressed body shamers on social media.
"Being able to help people is what I strive for," Katelyn said onstage. "They always say, 'those 15 minutes of fame,' right? I've managed to elongate my time from one gymnastics video, which is really amazing to see. And continue to spread this positive message to other people that might be struggling or need to hear exactly what I've been through."
Meanwhile, ESPN revealed that they be ending their print issues and will focus their efforts on digital platforms. While the publication has planned the September issue to be its last one in print, it is still considering "differentiated print formats" for big series. "Our data shows the vast majority of readers already consume our print journalism on digital platforms, and this approach will maximize our reach and impact," ESPN said in a statement.