Revisiting Her Iconic 2019 ESPN Body Issue Moment
When ESPN dropped its 2019 Body Issue, it wasn’t just another glossy celebration of athleticism—it was a moment of pure joy, power, and sparkle thanks to one gymnast who redefined what it means to move with freedom. Katelyn Ohashi, fresh off her viral floor routine that broke the internet (and possibly gravity), took center stage in one of the most memorable editions of the magazine’s decade-long run.
Unlike many photo spreads that focus on the chiselled and the stoic, Ohashi brought something else entirely: laughter, sass, and self-love. Her shoot radiated the same infectious energy that made her a household name—an explosion of confidence wrapped in grace. She wasn’t just posing for the camera; she was celebrating every inch of herself and every moment of her journey.
What made it so refreshing was the honesty behind it. Ohashi’s story wasn’t just about flips and medals—it was about reclaiming joy in a sport that once drained it from her. Her feature in The Body Issue became a visual exclamation point to that journey: a fearless display of strength and artistry, but also a wink to the world saying, “Hey, this is me, and I love it.”
The photos were vibrant, alive, and beautifully human. She didn’t look untouchable; she looked real. You could almost hear the rhythm of her routines in the still frames—those high-flying leaps frozen midair, the effortless smile that told you she was having the time of her life.
Looking back now, Ohashi’s appearance in the 2019 issue feels like a perfect curtain call for the series. It captured what The Body Issue always aspired to show: that athletic bodies aren’t just about muscle and motion—they’re about expression, resilience, and joy. And few have ever embodied that joy quite like Katelyn Ohashi.
Katelyn Ohashi Shines ESPN The Body.
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