In helping women win, breasts may be a bust.
ESPN The Magazine took a smart look at breasts in its new edition, interviewing female athletes, while sifting through research that suggests breasts hinder sports performance.
According to the story, every cup size adds nearly half a pound per breast, creating a physics dilemma. Because of this, some well-endowed pro golfers get special swing advice, and a number of Olympians get breast reductions, Hess writes.
UFC fighter Ronda Rousey, who grapples with her own breast issues during bouts, summed up the article in her own inimitable way: "You don't see big titties in the Olympics, and I think that's for a reason."
A 2010 Orange County Register article, titled "Victory or Bust," highlighted female athletes who sought improved results through smaller breasts.
Tennis player Simona Halep of Romania, who had built a gallery of male fans because of her 34DDs, had them reduced in 2009 because they hurt her reaction time, according to the Register. She was ranked 352nd in the world in 2008 and was ranked 30th as of Wednesday.
“There is no question that big breasts get in the way and many women get reductions for this reason,” plastic surgeon Dr. Val Lambros told the outlet. “The Amazons, as reported by the ancient Greeks, had breast amputations so they could shoot their bows better.”
Unfortunately, even women not going for gold or glory are apparently set back by bigger breasts. A study of D-cup joggers by the University of Portsmouth found that "inadequate breast support affects a female's running kinetics, which may have negative physiological consequences on sports performance."
Even if a more robust rack were a disadvantage in sports, as the evidence suggests, let us consider one major exception: Serena Williams.
Counter arguments, anyone?