The WHY: these nasty, derogatory and just completely disheartening comments that were recently spoken about me is why I chose to do the magazine. Female athletes are consistently criticized for their appearance by society. It was these very comments spoken to me when I was younger that made me want to shield my arms, not lift too heavy all to please people like this. When I got to college I realized the value and beauty in my muscles and how I needed them to be the best athlete I wanted to be. I could either listen to the words of people who didn’t matter or chase my dreams and reach my full potential which would take training harder and lifting more. I know so many people that shield their beautiful selves because they are afraid of what others will think and or say. . It took me a long time to love myself and I’m so proud that these words don’t affect me anymore but someone out there is still hurting and hiding their beautiful bodies, strong, small, large, whatever because of hateful...