Phil Raschker in Garden of Eden? See ESPN the Magazine
The current issue of ESPN the Magazine is creating a buzz in Mastersland. It has a pictorial series showing naked athletes in “The Body Issue.” Masters are in the mix, including our own Phil Raschker. At 63, she’s not even the oldest athlete pictured (see No. 16). Masters swimmer Jeff Farrell is shown at age 73.
Phil Raschker also appears briefly in a video accompanying the issue.
Phil’s shoot is described thusly by Editor Nancy Weisman:
A tremendous woman. She was more comfortable nude than most are clothed. We chose a location in upstate NY where she could run and jump (a la log jump) into a swimming hole by a waterfall. The water was COLD and Phil jumped almost FIFTY times. Each time she landed you heard the “SMACK” of her bum and legs on the water.
Then she’d climb out and do it over and over and over again until we got the shot. Between the takes and sitting in the waterfall for 30 minutes, she was shivering uncontrollably. We wrapped her in a robe and I sat with her making sure she was okay. “I’m fine. Stop worrying about me” she demanded in her deep voice.
She was so determined to get the shot that she wasn’t going to let a little hypothermia get in the way. I think she’s my hero.
Phil during her August shoot for ESPN the Magazine.
21 Responses
What’s missing are photos of the male middle distance or distance runners who were born in the 1930s or even earlier.
What about a picture of Jerry Smartt (age 78) jumping off a haymow in Missouri while leaving nothing to the imagination? Or how about a photo of Earl Fee (81) riding an ice sled during an Ontario winter wearing the same thing he wore when he came into this world — nothing.
I hope that ESPN the Magazine can do something about this.
Oh dear. Pity that it has come to this, IMO.
Just what are these athletes trying to prove?And
what is the purpose of the pictures?It’s quite
disgusting as many of the subjects don’t look so
good without clothes/especially the bobsleder!I
suppose some of them just can’t stand to be out
of the spotlight for long>so going naked is a new
trick.And I can’t see that it helps Masters’
Athletes one bit; in fact I think it is quite
degrading and if Phil Raschker thinks nudity is
at the top of athletes lists, then I believe she
is wrong.
To honor/celebrate the human body! I think it’s great. Americans have always been a bit prudish. But naked is natural. Who here was born with a loincloth?
One thing about it, kids, at 79 I have a flat gut. We have some hot days in August. My ranch is private and I’ve been known(not seen)to only wear shoes and a hat outside. You’re right, once I hit the AC I had to dress. “Skinless in Missouri”smile. Smartty
Big cheers for the attitude displayed by my buddy Philippa and her fellow athletes. What an honor to be requested into that photo session.
I have the most difficult time understanding how someone can label the athletic human body ‘disgusting’ as in an above post, or that some point must be proven by the set of photos.
Each to her own as we so often say; for me I am impressed by Phil’s attitude and appreciative of all the athletes dedication to the preservation and maintenance of the temple. I would say “hats off” but it seems off point, and a bit like a cover phrase.
Hey, Rick, I didn’t say the athletic body was
disgusting, that’s why you can’t understand it.
But,there is a reason for everything and posing
in the nude has one too.
I have perused the photo gallery and I am impressed by the incredible display of confidence from all of the women and men featured. Wow and congratulations!
Phyllis check out the video. The atletes come across as funny, humble people who dont seem like they are trying to prove anything.
I don’t think the human body is disgusting but IMO flashing your nudity lacks dignity. But to each their own.
Since when do clothes make the athlete, man or woman?
Looking good Phil
What us mortals cannot imagine is what these “Master” athletes have celebrated all their lives with this body they love and cherish for it’s faithfulness to them, it is their treasure and a thing of beauty.
One of the rare shortcomings of being born in America is we are prudes with a strange sense of beauty> we value the results of a team doing plastic surgery, using tubs of makeup, professionally designed hair, and expensive clothing>> then have a contest and call that Beautiful!
The magnificence of what we see in this art in motion, is a life of love, effort, dedication, and the perfection of the body that carried them to great success.
Thank you, I celebrate this beauty, you honor us all…
I agree with Phyliss Provost…and I’m a male with a decent “six-pack.”
A comment regarding certain partcipants: once a “ho” ….always a “ho”
Phil is fantastic, she excells in every endeavor!
Phil, you look glorious, good on you for doing this.
I don’t understand how mature individuals could be offended or disgusted by those photos. These ESPN body photos express similar ideals many of the classic Greek & Romans statues you see at museums in Italy and we’ve been taught to revere in our high school/college art history classes.
And as for “who’s your daddy” who proclaims “…and I’m a male with a decent “six-pack.” -what are you talking about, your IQ?
No Peter the ice sled is out. I can assure you I would not be looking my best in the frigid weather. I know how it works. You hot climate Americans just don’t understand.
OK, Great Earl, I guess we can skip that shoot. Seemed like a good idea at the time.
PT
Mr. Fee,
That is what Photo-shop is for.
Interesting reading all the comments and perspectives. Certainly a variety of them. This is a free country and we should respect everyone’s right to their own opinions.
Appreciated the comments made by Charlotte Cobb. Beautifully said.
Some Americans are prudes and some have closed minds. Sadly some are both.
Ancient art, Greek, Roman and Vatican statues, European cities and museums, American museums and culture centers all display nude statues and art. It is to celebrate the beauty and gift of the human body. Love Michaelangelo.
So glad that the majority of comments have been positive regarding Phil’s choice. Again, I feel she was wonderfully candid, courageous and free spirited to pose for ESPN
And to the “naysayers” about the photo shoot – if the photos offend you, simply stop looking at them!!!!!!
This picture is on my wall as a daily reminder of inspiration. Phil reminds me every day “you can do it; I am proof”. Rarely are ‘mature’ women given empowering role models. Unlike our male counterparts who are given a whole gamut or heroes, we gals are given quality over quantity
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