Victoria Pendleton

The biggest issue for me is the broader one of why it is that so many female athletes feel there is this need to validate themselves by stripping off for lads' magazines, when male athletes seem to be appreciated purely for their skills or athletic ability. It's the disparity that bothers me - not the fact that she's done it. Very few women are able to stand on their own merits, which is a shame.

The worst thing though is that FHM feel they have to airbrush her to be 'acceptable'. No wonder everyone's body image is fucked up...

Sorry but this is shit. Male footballers are often used as models for fasion shoots. David Beckhan is often lusted over by women. I have seen many 'hunky' athletes of all sports go down this route. They get a bit of extra cash and pubicity.