I didn’t think further of Cadel’s win until this morning when I visited Mamamia and discovered this post. Journalist Mia Freedman appears on The Today Show every Monday morning to talk about “What’s Making News”, which this morning focused heavily on Cadel Evans. Mia stated that her own opinion is that while Cadel had done a great thing, she doesn’t understand why sports people are regarded as heroes in Australia. She stressed, while being completely respectful in her own opinions, that she would like to see people like doctors and scientists and firemen, who all save lives – to be celebrated as heroes. Mia received a large amount of negative response via Twitter, majority of it personal attack.
I agree with Mia. I can understand, but don’t like, how this country worships sportspeople. I think it’s awesome that people have dreams which they strive to achieve – and often succeed – but should having an elite physical skill make you an instant hero? I’m not dismissing Cadel Evan’s achievement, because I do think it’s pretty great that he’s the first Australian to win the Tour de France and it is a big achievement. What I think is a tad ridiculous is that people are calling for a public holiday in celebration of his accomplishment.
Of course Australians are proud. International athletes are perhaps the people who create the most national pride, however sad that is. I can’t deny the feeling I get while watching Cool Runnings and despite everything they’ve been through, the Jamaican bobsled team carry their crashed sled across the finish line. I feel so damn proud of them and I’m not even Jamaican! I can remember watching the Sydney 2000 Olympics, and even though I was only six years old, I thought Cathy Freeman and her 400m gold medal were pretty damn awesome. And I don’t even like sport.
I’m not against sportspeople. And yes, some of them are heroes. What I don’t like is how difficult it is for other people to be recognised in the same way – even when they have an admirable skill and achieve great things. Why shouldn’t a front page headline boast of a doctor’s great achievement? Or a victim who has overcome hardship? I value saving lives far greater than scoring a goal or finishing a race. I’m happy for Australia to celebrate its sporting achievements. I just wish we could celebrate a lot more.
A hero is defined as, “Someone of distinguished courage or ability, admired for their brave deeds and noble qualities.” One of my heroes is Sophie Scholl because she was exactly that: courageous, noble and honourable, even in the face of fear and great consequence. Do you think sportspeople fit that criteria?
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