ESPN Body Issue 2012: Power Ranking Hottest Female Pics

ESPN's annual Body Issue releases on Friday. In case you're new to the world, it's a yearly issue that features prominent athletes in the nude.

Previous issues have produced some personally memorable shots: Serena Williams and Diana Taurasi, to name two.

This year has its share of hot pics. I decided to put together a highlight-reel, or an all-star team, of this year's issue.

There are several male athletes in the Body Issue, including Rob Gronkowski, Tyson Chandler and Maurice Jones-Drew, but this one is ladies only.

The featured picture is of the United States volleyball team. They appear individually in the magazine, and one of them is featured in this slideshow.

Let's get it into the list.

7. Stacy Sykora: Killer Profile

This, my friends, is a killer profile.

Stacy Sykora of the United States' women's volleyball team makes this black-and-white photo look awesome. To think this young lady was in a terrible accident and suffered brain damage just last year is remarkable.

She has made a full recovery and will represent her country in the 2012 London Olympics.

What a remarkable recovery, and what an amazing figure.

6. Ronda Rousey: Say I'm Cute, or I'll Break Your Arm

Ronda Rousey beats people up for a living, and her primary weapon is a vicious arm bar. She is a Judo specialist, Strikeforce bantamweight champion and pretty damn sexy.

She's got a nice little Elisha Cuthbert, The Girl Next Door thing happening.

I'm feeling the little giggle behind the pink wraps and the falling hair. She may be higher on your list if you like your dates to offer you a sense of protection in case the night gets out of hand.

5. Candace Parker: Please Pass Me the Ball

Candace Parker is quite cuteiful in this picture. It's a new word that balances cute and beautiful. By my definition, it's really the best of both worlds.

Cute has a personality and spunkiness to it. Beautiful is sophisticated and elegant. If you can have a little bit of both, then you are killing the game.

Candace is lethal in this photo.

4. Suzann Peterson: Aces

Suzann Peterson is a Norwegian professional golfer—and very pretty.

I'll be honest, I had never heard of her before yesterday, but from this point on, I'll be looking for her at every LPGA event.

Who am I kidding?

Because of her, I'll start watching LPGA events.

3. Daniela Hantuchova: What a Back Hand

Simple and sexy; there's nothing like it. This photo of professional tennis player Daniela Hatuchova is the epitome of it.

It looks like they told her: "make like you're going to hit a backhand."

Then some guy from the background just yelled: "the hell with the racket, just stand there and look pretty."

It worked out fine.

2. Maya Gabeira: Surfs Up

Brazilian big-wave boarder Maya Gabeira tells us the waters fine, and I believe her wholeheartedly.

Something about this photo makes me feel like I'm watching the unrated version of Into the Blue, but whatever the case, I'm down.

A friend of mine told me, "anyone could look good in this pose." I said: "oh yeah. substitute Maya with Rosie O'Donnell."

He said: "OK, you're right."

1. Carmelita Jeter: Lord Have Mercy

Wherever she's running, I'm gonna get in my car and follow her. Lord knows I can't keep up on foot, but Carmelita Jeter makes a brother want to train for 2016.

She is an Olympic sprinter if you didn't already know, or this OMG pose didn't give it away.

I've always loved track and field, and the sprinting events are my favorite of the Summer Olympics. Jeter is the favorite to win gold in the women's 100 meters, and this picture should only increase her fan base.

This is the hottest pic in this year's ESPN Body Issue in my humble opinion.

 

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