When the popular ESPN The Magazine Body Issue hits newsstands on Friday, there is no doubt that the talk of the issue will initially be American soccer goalkeeper Hope Solo. When the dust settles, however, a new star will be born in American gymnast Alicia Sacramone.

Sacramone first entered the public eye during the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Although she was somewhat overshadowed by teammates Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin, Sacramone gained rapid popularity due, in part, to her striking beauty. 

Just as quickly as she had become one of America's sweethearts, though, she became a goat due to what was perceived as a choke job during competition. She fell during both her floor exercise and on the balance beam and was largely held responsible for the United States finishing second to China in the team competition.

She also placed fourth individually in the vault and balance beam, meaning she left Beijing with just one medal despite being favored for far more. Since 2008, Sacramone has been out of the public eye for the most part, but with her appearance in the Body Issue, she is returning with a bang.

The reason Solo's appearance in the issue is so highly anticipated is not strictly because of her beauty, but also because the women's soccer team's performance in the World Cup is still fresh in everybody's minds. She has also remained relevant by competing on Dancing With the Stars.

Most of the general public either doesn't know or doesn't remember who Sacramone is, so she has a second shot at making a first impression. With her appearance in the Body Issue sure to be a rousing success, her performance in Beijing will likely be all but forgotten if it isn't already.

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With the World Gymnastics Championships set to begin in Tokyo on Saturday, the timing of Sacramone's appearance in the magazine couldn't be better. Not only will Sacramone herself become a star, but she could help return gymnastics to the popularity level it achieved in 2008.

Whatever the case, most who buy the issue may be doing so for the name recognition of Solo, but in the end, they'll be glad they did due to the presence of Sacramone.