THE ATHENS DREAM's 220 heavy-stock pages showcases semi-nude photos of Australian Olympians. It's currently on sale in Australia and probably 1-2 months later overseas. If you really need one, then go to eBay. Several Aussie sellers are auctioning them for US$40 to US$60 ex-postage.
Before the shoot, Lauren Jackson discussed with her family, team-mates and coach to see if they felt comfortable with the whole thing. Once they were alright, Jackson went to Black+White's Sydney studios to spend 7 hours with veteran fashion photographer, Steve Lowe, for the shoot. She personally selected the 8 photos amongst the hundreds for the magazine. As one can see, she is beautifully and powerfully portrayed.
"I feel really comfortable with my body and the shape I'm in, and I know I'm not going to look like this forever," Lauren Jackson told The Seattle Times. "I was really nervous at first, but it was conquering one of my fears. I felt very much empowered at the end."
I think it is very well done," Storm coach Anne Donovan said. "I think culturally in the U.S. its something that is always going to get a lot of hype here. There will be a lot of talk about this and there will be for quite awhile."
"I saw her pictures and I think she looks great," Bird said. "She did it for good reasons and hopefully this will not turn into a negative thing. "
After the Olympics, the magazine photos will be auctioned off to benefit charities. Jackson said she doesn't consider the project demeaning to women because it includes male Australian athletes.
On an interesting note, on page 219 Steve Lowe said, "It was amazing to work with with this super high-profile athlete and I think at the same time she's this really down-to-earth kid from a small surfie town on the coast."
Well, we Aussies knew what an über babe Lauren is.... and now it's the world's turn to know this is a fact. She's HOT! FIRE!
Urrrhhh! Looks like we'll be watching WNBA games from now on.... 2003-04 WNBA stats 21.2 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.15 spg and 1.94 bpg
The Athens Dream ISSN 0 9751914 6 2
220 Pages 250mm X 310mm X 18mm (W X H X D)
June 2004 BLACK+WHITE Special Edition
AUD$32.95 US$44.95 UK£29.95 EU€44.50
75,000 soft-cover copies
200 hard-cover limited edition copies AUD$125.00
To purchase your copy, go to the publisher's website at :
www.studiomagazines.com
The Athens Dream is available in two different covers :
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| Michael Klim, champion Australian Swimmer. | Lauren Jackson.... WNBA MVP |
References :
Olmscheid, Tom 2004, "Jackson bares all in Aussie magazine", USA Today, June 18, 2004. Retrieved: July 18, 2004, from http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/wnba/storm/2004-06-18-jackson-magazine_x.htm
Jayda, Evans 2004, "Nude photos of Jackson may stir up a storm of controversy", The Seattle Times, June 18, 2004. Retrieved: July 18, 2004, from http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2001959032_storm18.html
Kelley, Steve 2004, "Lauren Jackson is all about game", The Seattle Times, June 23, 2004. Retrieved: July 18, 2004, from http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/seattlestorm/2001962881_kell23.html
"What readers are saying about Lauren Jackson posing nude; MLB; NBA 2004", The Seattle Times June 24, 2004.Retrieved: July 18, 2004, from http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2001960456_mail20.html
A Western
Australia Michael Jordan Society presentation. Michael Jordan, the
best there ever was, the best there ever will be...