Sarah Reinertsen is no stranger to publicity. The world marathon record holder for women with a transfemoral amputation and the first woman to complete the Hawaii Ironman using a leg prosthesis, Reinertsen has appeared in the spotlight worldwide, including starring in CBS’s The Amazing Race, being honored as one of Runner’s World’s first Heroes of Running, and recently publishing a memoir titled In a Single Bound. However, her latest venture is one that will arguably bring her more exposure than any other thus far: appearing nude on the cover of ESPN THE MAGAZINE.
The October 16 issue of the magazine, dubbed “The Body Issue,” will appear nationwide with six different collectible covers and the theme, “all nude, all tasteful,” according to espn.com. Reinertsen is scheduled to appear on one cover with her long hair flowing and her running leg demurely crossed over her bare intact leg.
The Challenged Athlete Foundation (CAF) spokewoman has worked publicly to erase stigmas associated with disabilities, and runnersweb.com quoted her as saying, “It feels like the next step forward for me…. After emotionally exposing myself in the book, now I can let the world see my body as well. I’ve struggled with body image issues my entire life. Now, to be included in the ranks of great athletes like Serena Williams, Dwight Howard, and Adrian Peterson…I’m thrilled.”
