Amanda Beard splashed into America's hearts during the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta winning two silver medals and a gold medal in women's swimming. She climbed the medals podium holding her teddy bear, becoming an instant icon in the hearts of Americans. She has gone on to represent the USA in the 2000, 2004, and 2008 Olympics, but has become more well-known for her provocative Playboy and Sports Illustrated pictorials.
Brandi Chastain is front and center in one of the most memorable pictures ever from a women's sporting event. After scoring the winning penalty kick during the 1999 Women's Soccer World Cup, she famously peeled off her jersey and collapsed onto the turf in exhaltation. The image appeared on dozens of magazines worldwide.While the image below is clever in its concept, it's very singular in a sport that epitomizes teamwork.
Jennie Finch has done something that a normal American has most likely never done, she has struck out multiple Major League Baseball players. While most likely more well-known for her statuesque figure and bleach blonde hair, she throws serious heat, often reaching over 70 mph in fast pitch softball (that's the equivalent of over 100 mph in baseball). The sad fact is that millions of girls around the world will never be able to see what an incredible athlete Jennie Finch is, softball has been removed as an official Olympic sport for at least the next two Olympic games.
