Selectively Juggling

Name the professional athletes you respect the most and why.

Now if you were to ask my sports obsessed teenage son, with his savant like ability to recall 1000’s of sporting teams, athletes and events, you’d get a very different response. I however am clueless in comparison and as such will give a somewhat left of field response (nice sporting pun intended)

What I respect is a professional athlete who acts morally, isn’t caught up in the superficial and ephemeral world of celebrity. And if they do use their voice in the public arena it is to champion social justice and equality. I respect professional athletes who rose to the top, through sheer determination and grit, especially those who had to overcome significant adversity.

I really respect professional athletes who act as positive role models. For example here in Australia previous world number 1 female Tennis Champion Ash Barty exemplified professionalism and humanity. She was (and still is) a fantastic role model for young people, especially Indigenous kids. Ash was Australia’s second number 1 ranked international female tennis player, the first was champion Evonne Goolagong Cawley who is also Aboriginal. Her success and spirit had been the inspiration behind Ash Barty playing tennis.

Both Ash’s and Evonne’s legacies remain as both indigenous and Australian sporting role models.

I admire athletes who are courageously open about their sexuality, again acting as positive role models for young people who can identify, helping to break down stereotypes and normalise diversity.

I also respect footballer Adam Goodes, who is an indigenous Australian who has stood up publicly against racism in sport.

I don’t buy into all that celebrity, superficial‘merchandise’ crap.

I respect ethical athletes who work hard to create change, and especially those who use their success and fame to help make sports accessible for all.

Professional athletes like Cathy Freeman who’s brilliance, grace and intelligence helped to unify Australians in a moment of sporting greatness. Great athletes leave a lasting legacy.