Athletes from across the world shed their ladies sportswear recently to take part in the global naturist swimming championships.

The championships were first launched in 1971 and national teams from eight countries took part this year: Great Britain, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Holland, Belgium and Switzerland, the Daily Mail reported.

Britain played host to the contest this year for only the second time in 17 years and Jessica Hatcher, from the Daily Mail, stripped off and won three bronze medals for the nation.

Explaining the appeal of exercise in the nude, another member of the British team told Ms Hatcher: "It's about being free. Being naked makes me feel good. Swimming in the nude is even nicer, it's the most natural thing you can do."

The International Nudist Federation organises a whole host of sporting events including swimming, tennis, volleyball and beach volley ball.

Exercise is a very important part of a healthy lifestyle, but for those that do not fancy bearing all to get fit, fashionable and functional ladies sportswear can be bought from online shops. ADNFCR-2569-ID-19459057-ADNFCR

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