Hottest Bods of Summer '23

When the pandemic was in full force and we had to scramble for content, we showcased and celebrated women in sports and other forms of entertainment for maintaining amazing physiques. Those features helped us stay afloat when we couldn't travel much and the world was in limbo. While we don't drop as many "Hottest Bods" features these days we are still in the business of celebrating body positivity and honoring productive women who are pursuing, education and greatness in their fields of choice. Without further delay check out our first edition of the "Hottest Bods of Summer '23," featuring an interview with Camiyah James of the Cincinnati track and field program.

Nia Johnson & Nneka Obiazor

Nia Johnson is a guard who has competed at Cal State Bakersfield (2018-19), UNLV (2020-21) and New Mexico (2022-23). Nneka Obiazor is a forward who has competed at Youngstown State (2020-21) and UNLV (2021-23). Johnson's top year so far was during the 2020-21 season where she averaged 12.1 points per game. Obiazor is averaging 12.6 points while shooting 49.1 percent from the field and 40.3 from three over her first 59 collegiate games.

Ariel Cummings

Ariel Cummings is a 6-3 former forward on the college basketball circuit. Cummings made her rounds during her career starting collegiately at Chipola Community College where she averaged 13.9 points and 11.5 rebounds during the 2019-20 season. Over the next two seasons she had stops at West Virginia and Seton Hall as she made the jump from the junior college ranks to the NCAA Division I level.

Brynn Santos

Over the years Brynn and her sister Autumn are former track and field athletes who have been featured in our series on various occasions. Brynn competed at Kent State as a sprinter from 2017-20. She finished her career at Azusa Pacific during the 2021-22 school year. The native of Waukegan, Illinois left that institution with a master of business administration in Sports Management.

Camiyah James

Camiyah James completed her second collegiate season which began after transferring from Central Michigan to Cincinnati. The jumper took some time out to share with us how she had to adjust to being back in her hometown of Cincinnati as well as what it takes to maintain her physique among other topics.

Winners Only: It's always great to talk with you Camiyah. You had your first season in your hometown of Cincinnati after transferring from Central Michigan. What were some of the positives that you can take from the season into next year.

Camiyah James: It was a tough year honestly but with patience and the right support system I was able to keep going. I had the opportunity to learn more about myself as an athlete but also a person. I found some new strength and strategies to work on my craft so I can see more of a big improvement.

You were very successful as a high school student and you're working to find success as an adult. What's the biggest difference, being a full-grown woman doing this?

The difference is being alone. You have to be okay with not wanting validation from other people and learn how to clap for yourself when you see little or big improvements. It starts with you.

You seem to be having a blast of an off-season so far. Great photo sessions showing off the summer bod on the beach. Are you as happy as you appear?

I’m getting there to be as happy as I appear.

Let's talk a bit about maintaining your physique. Unlike most people you can't just eat what you want and workout as you please. Give us a peak into what it takes to get to where you are physically?

It takes a lot. I’m still trying to figure that out as I go, but I would say it takes discipline and consistency. There are times I do want to eat everything but I just know if I want to get to a certain body physique I have to cut out certain foods and snacks.

What's the hardest food to cut off and how do you deal with it?

The hardest food was sweets and junk food. No more overeating or late-night eating

What has been the hardest part of your body to maintain and what kind of workouts have helped the best?

The hardest body part is most definitely my stomach, trying to keep a small waist. I wouldn’t say workouts have helped me get to this point but if I had to pick I would say cardio and running more.

If working out hasn't helped as much what has?

My diet, making sure I’m eating the right amount of protein and less amount of sugar & drinking lots of water.

Ok here's a fun and controversial topic. You've been one of the most featured athletes on the Prolific Sports TikTok account. Some times there are misinformed fans who think women athletes are forced to wear skimpy uniforms on the track. They take that misinformation and start complaining how women are being exploited. Please explain how women have the ability to choose the uniform style that they wear in competition.

Yeah I’ve seen that a lot actually. Yes we have the opportunity to wear whatever we want to wear in this sport. Whether that’s spandex and buns, it’s all about how the fans perceive us. If they think we’re being forced to wear clothing that exploits us during competition, they should stop watching us.

Yeah it's wild because people tend to watch what they like to complain about. Before we rap up what goes into your selection of style while on the track?

Honestly, I don’t have a selection of style. I like to be as comfortable as possible. Make sure my hair is done and that’s all I need.

Camiyah it's always nice to feature you. You have a fun aura that shines through the camera. Thanks for allowing us to share your journey with the world.

Thank you for having me and for sharing my journey.

If you liked this feature, check out: