Overdeveloped muscles and other uniquely Olympic proportions stand out nicely on a runway, says first-time model Mark Johnston.
He’s one of more than 15 Olympians who will strut their stuff for a good cause at the four-day Van Style event kicking off Thursday night. They’ll be joined by pampered puppies too, as the event also includes a pet fashion showcase, and lots more. Each event supports a separate local charity. Johnston says he’s happy to take part in something that will help raise money for local charities, including The Vancouver Sun Children’s Fund. But, he says, mixing jocks with frocks wasn’t that easy. “We’ve been a challenge to fit properly,” the two-time Olympic freestyle swimmer says, chuckling. In addition to modelling in the show, he acted as the event’s athlete coordinator. “All of us have overdeveloped something,” says Johnston, commenting on the hurdles they faced in fittings.
“So for the rowers they have got overdeveloped quads for the swimmers they have got really long arms and really broad shoulders. The gymnasts are very short, but they’re very muscular.”