When the US women's soccer team won the Word Cup in 1999, it was thanks to Brandi Chastain. She scored the winning goal on a penalty kick and promptly ripped off her shirt to celebrate. The moment has been nicknamed "the bra heard 'round the world." The photos of her are infamous, and she became a household name, her moment in the spotlight eclipsing an amazing win for US women's soccer.
Her dark sports bra was part of the memorabilia installed at the Sports Museum of America in New York City. But when the museum went bankrupt and all the sporting souvenirs placed in probate, Brandi's bra was held for a ransom of $250, plus shipping. After many e-mails and phone calls, her bra is back in her hands to celebrate the 10th anniversary of her famous penalty kick win — an oddly sweet and sentimental tale.
Her disrobing on the field, to me, was a consoling gesture. When my husband sees me wearing a sports bra with no shirt, he always calls me Brandi. Kind of funny but also kind of sad that this is what she is remembered for since she is also a tremendous athlete. What do you think? Was this a great moment in women's sports? Can you name any other infamous sporty gal moments that have captured the nation's attention? Are there moments in sports where our nation's female athletes made you proud to be an American?
Gorgeous
don't really watch womans sport except 4 the tennis, prefer watching mens soccer
1It was before I was born but Billie Jean King beating Bobby Riggs makes me proud to be a woman. Also Dara Torres makes me feel proud to be an American. It's nice to know that life doesn't end after 40 or after having children
2Dara Torres for sure
3who cares about the bra - look at her arms and abs!!! Love it!! And I love Dara Torres too! I love strong, fit women who aren't afraid to have some muscle on them (without the aid of steroids or other hormonal supplements). Love love love it!!
4This moment was so amazing to watch! I thin it's funny that it got so much attention, especially considering how often men tear off their shirts after scoring a goal. I played soccer all through college, and it was no thing to take off our warm up shirts to switch to our jerseys. I mean...a sports bra offers a lot more coverage than a bikini. Anyway, anything (positive) that calls attention to women's soccer is a-okay in my book
5I think this moment was great because so many men realized how hot female athletes really are. For one second, they thought about what real women look like at their peak and not skinny models.
6i see many of you commented on the way she looks...sure thats great but check it out, she scored the goal that won the game. she effing won. thats what the moment was about, not about the abs and the arms. billie jean king is a favorite of mine as my family is a tennis type, but i think the entire issue that fitsugar brought up was that it had nothing to do with what she looked like as much as it did her athletic skills.
7I've never seen this... I don't watch soccer... and I have no idea who she is... haha
8As happy as I am for Brandi, I am unsentimental towards her disrobing on the field. It's not something I empathize with, but I do think it was a genuine, pure moment for her.
As far as having proud moments in sports, I am especially proud when an American athlete (man or woman) wins the gold metal in the Olympics. When they're at the podium, and the American flag is raised, and our national anthem is playing, I am proud of that athlete. So proud. At that moment, that athlete is arguably the best athlete in the world for that particular event. I admire him or her, and how he or she represents our country.
9I think it was a great moment in women's sports for sure! I honestly got goosebumps watching that, it was so joyful and completely genuine. I think it's okay that that is what she is remembered for, as long as a person knows the moment. If someone was making fun of it or something I wouldn't appreciate it, because after all, guys are consistently ripping their shirts off after a big victory....
10I hadn't realized her bra was such a big deal. I thought winning the game would have trumped her celebratory gesture.
11What always stood out to me about that picture is the look on her face. Just look at that expression - pure elation. And well deserved. At that moment she was arguably the greatest female soccer player on the planet.
People who focus on her sports bra are missing the point.
12I've always had mixed feelings about this. On the one hand, the whole situation was completely un-posed, unforeseen and an awesome display of true celebration and excitement. The ensuing media frenzy also helped put women's soccer in the spotlight, which it rarely has a spot.
Of course the other side is, like Fit said, why is that the moment we remember? I realize it's simply an iconic image, like many others in sports, and like KimPossible, I don't even notice the sports bra but I see her strong arms and impeccable abs!
Anyone who watches soccer at all will know this type of celebration after a goal is commonplace for men and they often go above and beyond her display but rarely get publicized because it's common.
Either way, looking at this photo always brings back great memories of growing up playing soccer and looking up to these women and admiring their strength and desiring their strong bodies, not the waif like bodies on the runway. I think they were great role models for girls.
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