American swimmer Amanda Beard was the first Olympic athlete to use the Beijing games to stage a protest today, unveiling a nude photo of herself as part of an anti-fur PETA campaign.
The US glamour girl held a life-size poster of her new advertisement, which shows her kneeling naked in a pool of water with the slogan 'Be comfortable in your own skin. Don't wear fur'.
"The Olympics are a great forum for me to use to get my message out," Beard said. "It's a great thing for me to do.
"I'm saying not to kill innocent animals. There's nothing negative that goes into that."
"I've done Playboy. I'm comfortable with my body," Beard said. "I go to the office in a swim suit. I'm comfortable with shedding a few more items of clothing. I don't think it's too crazy or risque."
Mindful of Chinese government issues regarding protests and security, Beard said she wanted to make certain her message was conveyed without a great disturbance.
"You have concerns. I'm not out here taking my clothes off. We're doing it in a very positive way," Beard said.
The two-time Olympic gold medalist, who will defend her 200-metre breastroke title from Athens, said she loves competing against the Australians.
"It will be great. I mean, the Australians and the US, they always bring the best out of each other," she said.
Asked who posed the biggest threat in the pool, she was quick to answer: "Leisel Jones, obviously. Lethal Leisel."
"I wish her the best of luck. She's a great competitor and I look forward to racing her."
