(This story was originally written and recorded for Podcast #64, released on July 16, 2013.)

It was reported on June 18, 1970, that the Women’s Amateur Athletic Association warned female runners in London that they were no longer allowed to pad their bras.

The reason?  It supposedly gave those women an unfair advantage in track competitions.  

Marea Hartman, secretary for the association stated “We think that it is high time that built-up curves are ruled out of international women’s racing.”  She added, “Some of our flat-chested girls have not been too pleased with some of the photo-finish decisions which have gone against them.”

Sprinter Valerie Peat, who came in third in the previous year’s 200-meter run of the European games, was certain that she would have placed second if her bust had been larger.  “I have often said I could have done with a bit more up front,” she said.

Ms. Hartman added, “We want to be sure that the real girls, not the padded ones, win in any tight finish.”