Here I resume the “Famous Photographs” series. Today’s photograph is that of Michael O’Brien –who is regarded as the first ever streaker during a major sporting event. Streaking is commonplace in the western world of sports.
Streaking is the act of running naked in public areas. Although discouraged but this act is not generally seen as ugly demonstration of nudity in public. Streaking is considered more for public amusement.
Michael O’Brien was the man who started this trend in sporting world.
Michael O’Brien's being covered by Bruce Perry. Photograph by Ian Bradshaw.
On April 20, 1974, a rugby match was on at Twickenham (a suburban town near London). England was playing against France. During the half-time Michael O’Brien ran naked on the field before a crowd of 48,000 people. Princess Alexandra was also in attendance. O’Brien did this stunt in order to win a bet. But this 25 years old man was not in good luck. The police arrested and fined him 10 pounds –it was exactly the amount O’Brien had won in bet! Moreover, he was fired from his job the very next day. His employers did not like his mischievous behavior.
Later, O’Brien went on to become a successful businessman in Australia. He shunned the media for 32 years and tried to keep mum about his adventure. In 2006, however, he eventually spoke on an Australian TV show called “Where are they now?”. O’Brien regretted his stunt and said that streaking is a stupid thing to do. He said he was not proud of starting this trend.
Bruce Perry is the Police Constable who is holding his helmet in front of O’Brien’s private part (which was no longer private!). The organizers of the said TV show had also invited Perry. On the show, Perry gifted the famous helmet to O’Brien and said “I feared he would be mobbed, or that other people would follow suit. I felt embarrassed so I covered him up as best I could.” He then added “It was a cold day – he had nothing to be proud of”.
Now this famous policeman’s helmet is on display in the museum at Twickenham.
This photograph was taken by Ian Bradshaw. The photograph won numerous awards including the World Press Photo of the Year. It was also chosen as the “Picture of the Year” by Life magazine and “Picture of the Decade” by People magazine.
Related Articles:
