I want an athlete's body!

Marie Claire's beauty director, Lisa Oxenham, on why the Olympics have sent her on a mission to get body beautiful

The Olympics have caused a new body craze - ripped and athletic. People are signing up for personal gym sessions and protein shake deliveries in their thousands. Marie Claire's beauty director, Lisa Oxenham, tells us why she's on a mission to steal Jessica Ennis' abs.

'It’s not the gold medals I’ve been obsessing over for the last couple of weeks - I’ve been transfixed by the female athlete's bodies. Wow!

It’s made me realise that looking firm, fit and healthy beats 90s skinny any day. Plus you feel so good when you’re strong, you can eat more, you’re happier, sleep’s good. What’s not to love?!

So I’ve come up with my dream bod – rower Helen Glover’s shoulders, Jessica Ennis’s ripped abs, Keri Anne Payne’s defined arms and Victoria Pendleton’s chiselled thighs. All I have to do now is up my visits to Heartcore pilates (four times a week should be adequate), eat fish, nuts and eggs like there’s no tomorrow and make a note to switch my peanut M&Ms breakfast for a Bodyism protein shake.

If I ever win this body beautiful - the roar will be loud enough to fill the Olympics stadium. Wish me luck!

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Lisa Oxenham is a trailblazing beauty editor, journalist, stylist, and creative director with over 20 years of transformative impact in the beauty industry. As the Beauty and Style Director at Marie Claire UK, she orchestrates high-profile shoots with celebrities and influencers, creating visually stunning and globally resonant content.

A passionate advocate for sustainability, Lisa serves on the Advisory Board for the British Beauty Council's Sustainable Beauty Coalition and the Media Advisory Board. She is also an ambassador for the Soil Association certification and the Amazon Research Institute. Through her "In The Loop" column, she keeps readers informed about the latest advancements in sustainable beauty and supports brands that champion environmental causes, emphasising the need for the beauty industry to reset its priorities.

Lisa's influence extends beyond words; she directs inspiring short films on sustainability and challenges in the beauty industry and is a sought-after public speaker. Recently recognised in the Who’s Who in Natural Beauty 2023, she also champions mental health and eco-conscious practices, demonstrating that glamour and environmental responsibility can coexist beautifully.