Old School Muscle

Someone on this board may be old enough to remember this.

It was the late 1970s, and women's bodybuilding was pretty much unheard of.  I, as a teenager, had certainly never heard of it.  It was a break from school (probably over Christmas holidays) and I was up late, watching the Tonight show.  That was when Johnny Carson was the host, of course, but this was a holiday so there was a "guest host" (they used to have other people do it when Johnny wasn't there, rather than showing a rerun) and it was David Letterman filling in for Johnny on this night.

Anyway, I'm watching the show, and after a commercial break Letterman comes back on and introduces the next guest, saying something like, "here's something like you've never seen before" and the theme music from 2001:  A Space Odyssey starts playing, and a woman wrapped in what looks like a long satiny robe comes through the curtain.  When the first "ta-taaaaaaaaaaaa" strikes, she doffs the material to reveal herself in a bikini.  On the second, she flexes.  "Taaa-taa!"

That was the first time I had ever seen female muscle, and it made quite an impression on me.  I was struck dumb, completely fascinated.  She goes through what I can only guess was an early posing routine, to the pounding tympani and the rush of my raging hormones.  She seemed hugely muscular, although I am sure she wouldn't be by today's standards.  I was duly impressed.

When she talked with Dave after her "act," I believe she had a French accent.  It was European, I am sure.  She was not a native English speaker.  Of course, I wasn't listening that close.  Still trying to get a glimpse of that body.

I kept waiting to see here again, but never did as far as I know.  After that, we got the appearance of Laura Combes on "Real People," a smattering of athletic girls flexing on talk shows, and other such leading up to Rachel McLish.  Most of you know the story from there.  But I have never forgotten my "first time."

Even if I have forgotten her name.  Just like a man, I suppose.