Former Australia star reveals she has ‘no regrets’ over nude calendar as country prepares to host Women’s World Cup
FORMER Australia Women’s star Tracie McGovern has no regrets about taking part in a nude calendar 24 years ago.
The ex-midfielder was Miss January in a calendar that was produced to promote the women’s side ahead of the Sydney Olympics in 2000.
McGovern, who is the founder and director of The Australian Sportswoman website, enjoyed the photoshoot and looked back on her snap with pride ahead of the Women’s World Cup.
“A lot of people knew me as Miss January.
In an interview with the BBC, she said: “It was mainly about the profile. We wanted to get bums on seats at the Games, but I don’t think any of us expected the attention that we got.
“I had a great time, although the team shot was a little awkward. We all had our robes on, we got into position and then we threw the robes off, had the photo taken and then scrambled to get them back on.
“I don’t regret it at all. I look at that photo after 20 years and I’m proud of it.”
McGovern spoke about the backlash the team received but hopes people no longer feel shameful about that period in the history of the Matildas.
“There were some feminists that felt that we had sold out,” McGovern added.
“I totally respect that opinion and not all of the team took part in the calendar photoshoot. I did it for my own personal reasons. And then I did it for the greater good of the team. I think we achieved that objective.
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“It was controversial, but again we got people to go to our games and we got the name out there. Could we have done it any other way? I’m not sure.
“I really hope that people will start to embrace that part of history and don’t feel shameful about it.”
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