Olympic fantasies

The centuries old tradition of Olympic competitions is one that inspires lofty ideals while simultaneously focusing on the very down-to-earth possibilities of the human form. Even those of us who don't have any particular interest in organized sports sit up and take notice when the heroic bodies of the Olympiad stride across our screens or other media.

And, I dare venture, those events that bare the most skin (such as swimming or diving) may arouse the most attention of all. How many millions have experienced their own private fantasies involving Olympians like Michael Phelps or Alexandre Despatie?

The original Olympics were, of course, performed in the nude. And while we may be glad that some sports still come close to that ideal, it's disheartening on one level to see the development of new high-tech swimsuits that cover the body more than ever.

But in our mind's eye, at least, we can turn back the clock to a less skin-phobic era, and imagine athletes who are willing to bare it all for sport, for country, and for the ideals of naked achievement.

That's the little fantasy I indulged in a few years ago in the studios of photographer Andrew Adam Caldwell, in which I posed as a would-be swim champ who refused to stay clothed. And in this month's gallery I share those fantasy images with you.

Whether your fantasies are Olympic, or just Olympic in size, check out this month's photo set, Olympic Cock, now on display in the Nakedism photo gallery.