OK, I get it.  Any woman runner, (or female athlete in any sport) knows the amazing effects working out regularly has on her body. I doubt that there are many among us who, (even if it's buried down deep somewhere), can't honestly admit that she participates in sport at some level to stay in great shape and be attractive.  But COME ON!

So, I get home today and open up the August issue of Direct Access, which is the guide for the Dish Network satellite system.  I am really excited, because this issue's cover boasts schedules for the Olympic Games.  Cool!  Olympics in HD!  I leaf through. OK...no stories or images on women's track and field.  Dissapointed, I keep looking.  And what do I find?

Oh, there are some pieces about the female athletes all right.  The first is a glamour spread featuring swimmer Natalie Coughlin - the "Super Model Beauty" scantily clad in a designer gown. I quote: "Supermodel-level beauty is not a requirement of world-record-holding sprint swimmers, but in Coughlin's case, those high cheekbones and piercing blue-gray eyes are just a DNA bonus..."

But wait...there IS more coverage of the women athletes in Direct Access.  I have included a sample of one of the images from this article attached to this post (in case you're wondering where the hell THAT came from.)  And the story?  Here it is:

The Headline:

"Eye Candy- There Are Certain Olympic Events You Simply Don't Want to Miss - Whether A Gold Medal is On The Line Or Not"

An Excerpt:

Women's Swimming
"The weather's hot, so we'll be by the pool.  And because Natalie Coughlin can't always be in the water, we're hoping Amanda Beard, cover girl of Sega's Bejiing 2008: The Official Video Game of the Olympic Games, and Dara Torres - the first jock to pose for the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue-will be there too.  If there's a sexier set of athletes in the world, show us.  Please."

OK.  So in ancient Greece it was all about the boys.  Looks like a minor gender change is all that's changed since 776 BC.

And in case you're wondering, Direct Access does have a small mention of men's track and field, highlighting the extraordinary distance runner Bernard Lagat. Mmmm - nice cheekbones Bernie.

• Currently 2.5/5 Stars.

Tags: Olympics, bejiing 2008, olympic games, women athletes, bernard lagat, natalie coughlin

Yeah, I know. It seems like we take two steps up and one step back. But I also wonder about the athletes. I mean, do they condone having their images used in this way? Coughlin obviously knew what she was doing - I mean she gave the interview. Of course, editors can change everything with a swipe of the red pen, but I mean, if you read the article she sounds so vapid. I don't know. Maybe these women figure it's a way to get the best endorsement deal...If you can't beat 'em, join em? Posted by: bmoore on Jul 29, 2008 at 09:04 PM

hhmm...typical Posted by: Sarah on Jul 29, 2008 at 04:45 PM

REALLY? Good point Karen...have we completely lost site of what the Olympic games were about? Is that our destiny as women...to be a mockery in the face of greatness?! What a disappointment. Posted by: KDface on Jul 28, 2008 at 04:46 PM

Gross. Sex sells everything, but apart from apparel ads with shapely females...I have never heard of watching their 'cheaks' as a selling point for athletic events, much less the Olympics. Are the politics putting that much of a damper on the event this year?! Posted by: Karen on Jul 28, 2008 at 03:56 PM

Nice follow up to racing in heels. I think we as women, are, obviously, still not taken seriously. Look at these women, setting and breaking world records...but you are suppose to watch them for their sex appeal? What?! Is this the first year, the Olympics have been advertised in this way? Posted by: Betty on Jul 28, 2008 at 08:56 AM

Oops, meant Maxim, not Men's Health Posted by: elisal20 on Jul 28, 2008 at 06:04 AM

Wow thats really demoralizing. Those sound like excerpts from Men's Health or Playboy, its hard to believe that came in the form of an entertainment guide. Posted by: elisal20 on Jul 27, 2008 at 07:56 PM