Natasha Hastings made a name for herself when she became an Olympic gold medalist in track and field. Recently, Hastings showed off her toned body in a nude photo spread for ESPN The Magazine‘s Body Issue. Hastings spoke with rolling out about her decision to participate in ESPN’s controversial special issue. –amir shaw
Let’s talk about the ESPN Body Issue. How did you get involved with that and what was the process?
I did not seek it. ESPN actually reached out to me. They placed a call to my publicist and my publicist called me and asked me how I felt about it. Right away, I knew what issue she was talking about. And from there, it was just communication with my family and my boyfriend to make sure everybody was OK with it. I just wanted to make sure my family was comfortable because I didn’t want to do anything that might offend them. So I communicated with ESPN about what I’m open to do and what I’ m not open to do.
What were your thoughts when you finally saw the pictures?
I saw the picture with everyone else. I didn’t have a sneak peek or anything. Someone sent me a text and told me they saw my pictures online. There was maybe 30 seconds of me thinking ‘OK, I did this and now it’s out for everyone to see, and there is no turning back now.’ But after that, I took pride in the pictures and what it was showing. I was really excited and I was happy with the way everything turned out.
What feedback have you gotten?
The feedback has been mostly positive. I have seen some of the blogs and read some of the comments. A lot of times, female athletes are referred to as being too muscular and that’s not beautiful. But I did the shoot because, although I am muscular and toned, I am still all-woman and how I look is beautiful.
What are your thoughts when you hear a woman say that you inspired her to work out?
I think that’s awesome and its flattering. It’s flattering to hear older women, younger women, and even women my age say they want to have a body like mine. I embrace my body shape and it is a matter of knowing who you are and knowing your body. Obesity is something that is on the rise and something that we need to tackle, but at the same time we all should understand our body types and embrace it.
