Cadel Evans with teammates
It’s not often you’re publicly abused before breakfast. But that’s what happened after my Today Show appearance when I exclaimed that I didn’t understand the huge deal about Cadel Evans and thought the coverage of sporting victories was disproportionate. My skin is pretty thick but I will admit the abuse came as a bit of a shock.
Not to my husband. When I called him on my way into work, reeling from the complete slagging that was happening on Twitter, he said “What happened on the show?” and I said “Cadel” and he said “Oh no babe, you didn’t do your ‘sportspeople aren’t heroes’ thing, did you?”
Um, yes. I did.
I didn’t wake up on a hobby horse. I noted that Cadel Evans had won the Tour de France and I thought “oh, that’s nice for him” and that was about it.
My first hint that I was out of step with popular opinion came when the Today Show producer called to tell me about the topics for this morning’s What’s Making News segment.
“Karl wants to do the whole thing on Cadel.” What? The whole segment? Really?
Then, I watched from the make-up room as Karl called for everyone on the set, including Lisa, Dickie and Alicia at the desk, to rise for the national anthem to celebrate Cadel’s win.
There was talk of a public holiday.
And that’s when I started to become really baffled.
The rest is a blur, possibly a nightmare and certainly something I wish hadn’t happened because nobody needs to be called 500 different awful names before they’ve eaten their Weetbix.
This is our segment:
This was my general point:
Good on Cadel. I’m sure it was an achievement and great that he won. I’m not taking anything away from his physical sporting achievement. It’s impressive to be the best in the world at something.
But I’ve always had a problem with the way Australian sportspeople are revered as heroes and worshipped above every other profession.
To me, heroes are people who help other people or who somehow work selflessly to benefit others. Nurses, doctors, scientists working to cure diseases, those who work with sick people or disadvantaged people, fire fighters and those who risk their lives in wars or their daily jobs, those who volunteer…..you get the drift.
That’s my definition of hero. I’m not saying it should be yours.
Clearly, I am in the vast, vast minority here (I certainly know that after today having been called a dog, a bitch, unAustralian, a stupid, ignorant fool, told I should lose my job, fuck off and shut the hell up, go back to writing about lipstick……and that is not even the worst of it).
But sportspeople – who spend their lives honing their physical skills with vast support from sponsors and teams of support people – well, I don’t think the word ‘heroes’ applies to them particularly.
I think pursuing a life doing something you’re good at for the benefit of yourself is not heroic. It’s not a BAD thing, I’m not dissing Cadel (of course not!) but the idea that a sports person should be idolised because they can ride far or jump high or swim fast is, to me, a bit odd. I guess I’m just flagging the fact that if you do well in sport, the country and the media stop to worship you in a way that doesn’t happen to anyone else for doing anything else.
The abuse I received was instant and it continues, seemingly unabated. I have a pretty thick skin but by 8:15 I was in tears. I genuinely miscalculated the level of viciousness my comments (which I have made many times before) would provoke. My bad. Not for stating my opinion but perhaps for misreading the mood and the audience.
Many people have made the point that it’s great to have role models for kids to look up to, to encourage them to get on a bike or kick a ball. I agree absolutely. They’re certainly better role models than rappers or reality TV stars.
But I only wish other kinds of heroes would receive the same media and popular adulation, that kids could see that you could be wildly popular for helping others or doing something other than having a physical skill.
My husband explained to me that it brings people together and that this can’t be a bad thing. I guess. Things that make people feel good are important in a world of bad news. For that reason alone I can understand why it’s a good thing. And with the bad news that’s been around this past weekend, some good news is welcome.
But that’s not something I particularly understand either – I don’t feel closer to anyone or more proud to be Australian etc because someone won the most gruelling bike race in the world.
Anyway. I like to think I have a pretty good handle on popular opinion – not that I necessarily fall in line with it but I usually understand how it works. Not today though.
Two more things.
To those who are accusing me of being a killjoy, I would not have written this post of my own volition. I didn’t feel so strongly about it that I would have written it unprompted. It happened to be my Today Show day and I was asked my opinion and gave it.
Also, Cadel and other sports people are inspirational, strong, yep. We can celebrate them and should celebrate them – just like I celebrated when my cousin won an Oscar a few months ago. But I didn’t call him a hero.
If you strongly disagree with me, I would genuinely love to understand how sporting success makes you feel. Please don’t abuse me for not understanding it, I’ve had enough of that today. Still, I always have my mind open and am ready to learn about other opinions, this morning I was just expressing my own.
For a different view, check out Anthony Sharwood’s piece at The Punch here: http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/thank-you-cadel-youve-done-us-all-proud/
UPDATE: It’s 24 hours after I posted this and the reaction continues to astonish me. I had no idea that questioning the worship of a sports star could unleash such extraordinary vitriol. To those who have disagreed with me in a calm, civil way, I want to thank you. I have read much (not all) of the response. The Mamamia team have protected me from some of the most offensive abuse by deleting those posts so if you’re planning to leave that kind of comment below, save your breath because I won’t see it.
What I’ve learned from many of the responses is that ‘hero’ can be a subjective term. It may mean something different to you than it does to me. For many, it means role model, someone to look up to. Fair enough. I’m not telling you what to think or who to look up to.
My point was actually meant to be less about the word ‘hero’ than the disproportionate amount of media coverage and public adulation given to sports heroes as opposed to people who achieve equally amazing things in other non-sporting fields.
Comments on this post are now closed.
1,518 Comments so far
I think its amazing what some of these sport people sacrifice, and the strength they have in order to compete in the tough challenges that they face on the sports field and sometimes the hardships they endure in their lives to achieve their goal. As a keen sport viewer, they are inspirations. but not heroes.
I agree with Mia’s sentiments. Sport people chose a sporting career path for personal honour and pride. and maybe in the end because of their stardom, they’re able to use that as endorsements to charities… etc. But I don’t believe that this is their initial thought when entering into a sporting arena.
As Mia mentioned on the show, the doctors, nurses, and firemen never get the same recognition as the sportspeople. So why should sport people be hailed a hero, where many are sacrificing their life to save others?
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You have to ask a couple of questions here about what happened this morning, with all due respect to CE.
1. Do sports “heroes” inspire other people, especially children, to go out and achieve a one in a million of feat of winning the TdF or America’s Cup when they will not have the backing of money, trainers, etc and they will have to have quite unique physical attributes to achieve that? So, what IS the real value in terms of inspiration to others?
2. I hadn’t heard of CE before the weekend and neither had any of my friends or family. Joining him now, as a fellow Australian, seems a bit like tagging along on the tails of a winner purely because he is a winner. That feels just a tad hypocritical and can’t be right, can it?
3. It doesn’t bring ALL Australians together because some Australians don’t have the affinity with sport that others do and isn’t it okay for them to say so or are they supposed to lie about it?
Sorry to hear you’re having such a bad day Mia. You don’t deserve it as far as I can see. It did seem as if Karl was leading you into a trap and that isn’t fair.
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Hmmmm Mia, I think you make a good point but I’m not sure I entirely agree- which is okay too- we all have our own opinions.
But I saw the segment on Today and it just felt a bit like you were trivialising his achievement. He has done something very few people ever will. And today should be HIS day- and I don’t think that detracts from other recent world tragedies either.
There is a news cycle and as annoying to some as it might be- this is current news!
I find it interesting that many of the people on this site have such disdain for sports. Like it or not, sports is ingrained in Australian culture, it has been for a very, very long time.
It has the ability to draw people together and remarkable sporting achievements have the ability to inspire and bring hope to a nation who may be going through very hard times- history can show you that.
Plus, as someone who has played sports my entire life- it can teach the value of commitment, hard work, determination, havin a go and never giving up- what is so wrong with that?? Some of the greatest lessons of my life have been learnt on a field or court,
I may get shot down for this post but everyone is entitled to their opinion- and while I don’t complete agree with you Mia, I do understand what you are saying
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Great post Gracie..
Completely agree.
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Totally agree with you Gracie. I have played some version of organised sport my entire life and I can honestly say that I have had some of the best times of my life playing sport. But I do believe that you’re either a sportsperson or you’re not and therein lies a huge difference of opinion. I would imagine that if I was not interested in sport at all I would find the media’s (and Australian culture’s generally) infatuation with sport completely frustrating and boring. But, I appreciate the effort, dedication and luck that it takes to be as successful as Cadel and I applaud it. It makes me feel good inside.
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Oh Miss Mia! Some of those comments are uncalled for and people do need to think a little and respect your opinion.
I agree with your comment about sports people been idolised here in Australia, and they are way over paid for it.
But your hubby is spot on.
It has made us thump our chests and be proud Aussies. It has had a nation throw its support behind someone and feel proud to be at the bottom of the world.
For the last few days, I have been excited to watch Cadel (and I am not a sports girl) and I have forgotten for a brief moment tax’s, increasing bills and shootings. Bliss!!!
And as I say to my children every day, Heros come in all different shapes and forms. They are not just your Spidermans or Firefighters. They are also every day people getting out of bed and having a belief in themselves and making it. It is a fairly lose view I suppose.
You need to have your own opinion, whether right or wrong, or whether we agree or disagree with you. Thats what keeps the world an interesting place.
Hugs to you and this will fade away over time.
Bron
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So what happens if Cadel Evans is found to be a drug cheat?
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glass half-empty
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Firstly, I would like to say that no-one should cop abuse over holding an opinion. It’s disgraceful to resort to such a low and gutless way to disagree with someonw. On the subject of Cadel as a ‘hero’ I actually only semi-aree with you Mia but it’s just on the overuse of the word. I think he should be termed a champion. As an avid fan of Le Tour, for me, Cadel is a personal ‘hero’. I like him because in this sport he’s never had it ‘easy’, he’s a cleanskin (ie anti drugs), has always been humble and thanked his support network and team, and he has tried and tried again until he reaches his goal. Last night was truly amazing and given that any person that actually finishes such a gruelling sporting event, let alone winning it, is amazing, we really should be proud of this gentleman. And he is a gentleman. To be honest, I actually don’t really follow other sports and get really cross about the whole ‘immortal’ crap they role out about the NRL, and the overuse of the term heroes, gladiators, warriors and the like. I personally think those that serve us in the military and their families are truly heroes, also the people that go and work on the charity front lines helping and saving others are also heroes. So whilst I get the hype about Cadel, for people that love the sport, I understand if people don’t because I don’t get the hype over swimming, rugby, tennis (shudder!), golf etc etc. It’s a personal thing, and people should be more respectful and understanding of everyone’s opinions even if they don’t correlate to yours.
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Hi Mia
Totally agree with you on this. I sat down last night and turned the TV on to channel 9 to watch the news at 6.00pm last night – thinking I might hear a bit more about what happened in Norway, what’s happening re the debt crisis in the US etc, but the first seven or so minutes was all about Cadel Evans, and the race wasn’t yet over (he still had to ride into Paris and not fall over I’m told). It’s great that he won a bike race in France, it’s an amazing personal triumph, but let’s get a bit of perspective on things, it is at the end of the day just a bike race.
I’m also sorry to hear about the abuse you have copped. It’s a free country and everyone’s entitled to have an opinion.
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Mia, I feel v sorry for you that you got abused,, but also a bit, well , der fred. Always best to watch your back when you chat about things that you don’t care about and that others are deeply passionate about, whether its sport or drugs or asylum seekers or the dole.
Other aussies who are considered heros: Fred Hollows, Dr Marshall, Dr Fiona Wood, that heart guy Chen?, all considered Australian heros. Best of their field in the world, who studied and dedicated their lives to their cause.
Perhaps people just respect the talent and dedication of that level of achievement: Cadel just never saved any lives.
Take heart, dear heart. chin up.
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I enjoy reading your opinions but this is what you do for a living – you go to the general population with your opinions and to push products – today you chose the wrong topic.
I think its wrong that people choose to abuse you but if you know how Australians feel about peoples achievements in sport, well you must know people are going to give you their opinions.
Its not always sunshine and flowers – pick your battles.
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I don’t like it when people throw abuse around, and I’m sorry you cried before brekky.
I agree with the person below who makes the point that “hero” is a media term more than it is a term used by the general population.
I’ve never watched more than 1 minute of the Tour.
I believe that any human achievement of this magnitude – such as Cadel Evans’ winning the Tour – is worthy of celebration. You don’t make it that far without emotional and psychological mastery, it’s not just about physical ability. This is something that I for one admire. It’s got nothing to do with nationalistic pride.
And all hyperbole aside, to even take part in that race is a pretty heroic achievement.
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I do believe that Karl’s point of you being ignorant Mia was, and may continue to be, the only thing I’ve ever agreed with Karl about.
I might also point out that you having steered many a publication in your time surely cannot be so out of touch with what inspires younger people. I think you let yourself down by claiming that you don’t know what inspires younger people, and more so in going out without total conviction in your point.
Watching the video, it is obvious the times where you flailed and failed to articulate yourself well and that, I might say, is more shocking than your actual (abhorrent) opinion.
My instinctive response when watching this was that you were going out today purposely to disagree on a point that you didn’t even have conviction enough to support.
Choose a side and equip yourself with a strong argument in future, maybe then you won’t feel the backlash so harshly.
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I am SO with you on this one Mia and fantastic that you spoke your mind about it. Yes, it was a great achievement for Cadel Evans, but it was his achievement not “Australia’s”. Why are some people so quick to hang onto sporting achievements of someone (or team) born in this country and claim it as “our” victory? As you so eloquently said, he is paid to do this, extraordinary sums of money at times, as are many elite sportsmen and women, and they do it for their own satisfaction and a job. Great for them, but “hero” status, no way. There are many professionals who have sacrificed years to be the top of their field yet are they lauded on the front page of the newspaper and elevated to hero status? I’m not trying to take anything away from Cadel’s achievement and neither were you but I agree that the public reaction (and Karl’s) was way over the top. Heaven forbid you should have a different opinion about what is important to you. You didn’t choose the topic for the morning’s show and you were dumped into the middle of it. Good on you for standing up for your own opinion and speaking what many of us feel about it. If others disagree then they need not be rude and abusive about it.
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I don’t agree with you Mia. I feel your comments are a bit “tall poppy” in saying that certain people deserve public adulation and others do not. I feel everyone deserves public adulation whether they are sports people or not. I am not into bike riding or sports in general but the Cadel win made me feel happy and proud to be an Aussie. My family has gone through a terrible time with two deaths in a week recently and this made me feel a tiny bit happy, which can’t be a bad thing.
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Mia…I love you and your work. I will continue to follow you…but today I lost a little bit of respect for you. It’s not that I disagree with your point. I get it 100%. I think it was just all in the timing and the way you delivered your message. Just because you don’t understand something and are not inspired by it, does not mean it is not newsworthy or inspiring to others. You can stand on your soap box about sports stars not being heroes on any other day of the year, but not the day after an Australian just won the most gruelling sporting event in the world. It was the way you said it. It was the look on your face. It was the “meh” approach you took to the whole subject. It was embarassing and uncomfortable to watch because I for one knew what the backlash was going to be like.
Why not look at what Cadel’s win can do for our society? Why not look at the person behind the win and the ability they now have to reach others with important messages. Maybe try googling him and finding out a bit about the man before you publicly diss on his worthiness of hero status.
An Australian winning the TDF is a GREAT thing. This debate did not have to take place the day after the event.
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I agree completely with you.
The ‘meh’ attitude was actually confirmed by Mia’s flippant “I just don’t care” and “good on him for doing it, whatever”. Really, that just shows really poor form and ignorance at it’s worst. It seemed her only argument was that he doesn’t even live in Australia—so? Most athletes live abroad when they are that level of training, it does NOT take away from the fact that he is Australian.
Who is Mia to decide what is or isn’t relevant, inspiring, worthy or indeed important to others? If this is her attitude and approach, I have to seriously question her overall relevance to popular opinion.
It’s really not about what the achievement is for, its about how that one person’s dream was realised and what learnings they can then pass on to others.
I wonder how any of us would feel if that was our child up there receiving such an accolade and being publicly dismissed as not being an important enough achievement?
At the end of the day, in a decade or 2, people worldwide will know the name Cadel Evans but how many will know of Mia Freedman?
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Terrific words
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Agree as well. Have always been a fan of Mia’s but today my heart sank a little bit watching her dismiss anyone who believes Cadels win was heroic. It was such bad timing when Australia were waking up to the news and feeling proud to be Australian. Almost like when Germaine Greer criticized Steve Irwin the day after he died. Timing is everything….
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Massive fan of your work Mia, but think you missed the mark. It wasnt your comments, it was the timing of your comments that seen such vitriol. There’s always a time and a place for any comment..I’d suggest based on the feedback that it wasn’t the time, the place, nor did it get your point across either…
Unfortunately we all have our bad days, yours just tend to be very public ones mate
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I usually find your “opinion” to be way off track and wonder why on earth you are included in the various TV segments. Having discussed this in my workplace I discovered that most people agree with me. I’m no fan of the supposed sports heros but it is only fair to give cadel Evans the kudos he well and truly deserves today. You dismissed him and even said “he doesn’t even live here, he lives in Switzerland”. So what! It doesn’t matter where he lives, why he lives there, nor how much money he has. What matters is that he is proudly Australian and has endured much to achieve his win. While there are many unsung heros in our country I believe you do them a great disservice by denouncing Evans achievements. They most likely disagree with you as much as the rest of us do. Surely you didn’t expect to gain support by your behaviour today. My husband and I sat in disbelief as we watched you moth off. To be honest, we usually press the mute button when you appear on the TV but today you were pontificating before we got to do so. We can only hope this is the last segment the Today show ever give you. Go back and rethink your stance Mia. It’s the high profile people such as Cadel Evans who have the opportunity to be great role models for our younger generation. That’s a fact of life, like it or not. The quiet unsung heros want to be that, quiet and unsung. If they were out there shouting their own merits you’d be the first to criticise them. When the football players are called heros I cringe. The same for any sporting person. But surely Cadel Evans deserves this great moment of glory given the mental greatnes required to achieve this win. Just to complete the race requires mammoth fitness and mental commitment. To win requires something most of us will never have. If this isn’t an outstanding person with an outstanding achievemnet to show everyone that perserverance pays off then I’d like to know who or what else does. You should be ashamed of your high and mighty egotistical attitude that you portray at every opportunity. And, all in the name of your own self promotion and … for what ever money you can gain from such self promotion. Perhaps you need to think twice before being so quick to cast rocks when!!!!!
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That’s pretty harsh…’most people agree’ that Mia’s opinions are way off track? I doubt it, this hugely popular website, Mia’s books, twitter account and her multiple TV segments say otherwise!
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I doubt after today’s performance she’ll keep her high popularity stakes! Her own forums will naturally attract her supporters but, even here, many people comment on her lack of respect and poor timing. Mia needs to understand that to be so harsh towards someone who has achieved greatness in his field though long hard slogging for years does deserve all the kudos in the world. He is a sporting hero and a great example of what we can all do if we want. As mentioned earlier I’m not a sporting fan. I can’t stand people such as Mia being so dismissive of well earned praise when she more than willing to rave on about trivial things such as fashion and the like. If Channel Nine took a vote today I’m sure she’d lose her spot on the Today Show. We’re all entitled to our own opinions but there’s a time and a place she Mia got it terribly wrong today. She deserves the flake … not abuse, but definitely the feedback.
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I think you are wrong. Watching the segment actually made me like Mia more! I found what she said very refreshing, Australia is sports obsessed and I agree 100% on what Mia had to say about it. In saying that even if I didn’t I wouldn’t stop reading/watching what Mia has to say because I enjoy listening to other opinions unlike you haters who only want the whole world to agree with everthing you believe in. How very “un-australian of you” (said sarcastically)
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Cadel is very different to the sports stars who get the label ‘hero’ every week. This bloke has worked harder, gone through more crap and shown more grit and determination than any afl, nrl, practically any other sportsman has ever shown.
You can argue that most sports stars aren’t the heroes that we make them out to be, but this bloke is different. This bloke is the real deal. A bonafide legend who just happens to ride a bike an ride it bloody well.
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Hi Mia,
Poor lass – I did not see the segment. People really do idolise sports people and I agree that this is taken to the extreme in Australia. Especially when we excuse their behaviour off the field becuase of how much we love them on the field. But I really do rate Cadel Evans and the Tour de France. And here’s why:
I recently started distance running and am training for a marathon. For the first time in my life I have some understanding of how difficult and demanding any kind of ongoing training for a distance event is. And I’m a lame brained novice. Not an elite athlete. I did my longest ever run – 24km two Saturdays ago. The next day, I could barely walk. It took till Tuesday for me to run again. And two massages that week so that I could run 16km the following saturday in the pouring rain. This is NOTHING compared to what happens to me when I race. After a race I can’t walk AT ALL for a week. AT ALL.
SO what I FINALLY understand is that for these fellows to get on the bike every day and basically belt out a crazed distance race and then get BACK on the bike the following day and do it again, and again, and again for three weeks, is nothing short of a miracle.
Yes they have sponsors and huge $$ and equipment and physio and probably drugs to help too. But it still impresses the shit out of me. It is probably THE most difficult sporting event that occurs anywhere in the world.
And this is why it’s a TRIUMPH for Cadel to be the first Aussie to win. you don’t have to win on one day – you have to win for THREE WEEKS and keep your head and your body together. It’s heroic in a physical sense. Not in a “I’m saving the world sense” but there is certainly an amount of heroism required to undergo that much physical stress day in day out.
I hope this helps. I’m not comparing apples with oranges. He doesn’t save burns victims in Bali like Doctor Fiona Wood. He doesn’t build houses for the homeless. But from a physical persective, from a sporting perspective, he is a hero.
I think I only finally understand this as for the first time in my life I’m doing something pretty frigging difficult from a physical perspective – and so I have the UTMOST respect for elite endurance sportsmen.
Dry those eyes….
x Dani
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Great comment, Dani. I think most of us have no idea what it would be like to perform this kind of feat – it would be much easier to understand how physically amazing it is if I had tried to do any of it! Thank you for your perspective. xx
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Mia im not trying to attack you but personally i think you were a bit too harsh on sportsmen. Imagine if you had won a book prize for one of your books and had someone turn around and say “Why all the fuss. Its just a book. Its not like she did anything important like cure cancer”
A book you spent hours, days, weeks, months even years on. A book which you poured your heart and soul into. Something you were proud of. Then to have someone so publicly ruin your happy day.
I think its great you have your opinion, but maybe today wasnt the best day to air it. Let him enjoy his day as he has spent many years working towards this day.I think Karl should have gone onto another topic and left it for the day. You both have different ideals on sportsman and going round in circles doesnt help.
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Great comment, I agree with you. It wasn’t the right place or time for Mia to be so flippant. But Karl was silly to keep pushing it like he did.
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I think Karl was genuinely trying to get Mia to change her mind. I think he was just as flummoxed by her apathy as she was by all the hoo haa! That and it made good TV, throwing her to the wolves like that…
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I’m not interested in what Kate Hudson called her baby, or what Jennifer Aniston wore on the red carpet or what make-up remover is the best product, but I don’t complain about these things being pushed on websites like this because I know there are people out there interested, it is what sells this site to them, not to all, but to some. Girls with big jugs is what sells men’s magazines. A beautiful kitchen sells a decorating magazine. And today, Cadel Evans on the front page of the paper is what sells that edition to some. So what? Its a business.
Is he a hero? In sporting terms, yes. In medical terms, no. In educational terms, no. In inspirational terms, yes perhaps. In scientific terms, no. There are many, many forms of heroism, and I think it is up to the individual to judge who they hold in high esteem as their ‘hero’. One person should NEVER tell another ‘he is not a hero, we shouldn’t call him that.’
And the ‘shoe analogy’?
Oh dear, that was just plain sad.
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Wow Mia- Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed.
I get you point but the delivery was very confrontational.
At the end of the day if winning makes people happy and proud and full of pride what is the problem?
I think sport has replaced war in the human need for battle and triumph. It is not a bad thing. People don’t get hurt( ok they do but not as much)
It is particularly strong in men- My husband only cries in sport victories. While I don’t really get it I can see it means a lot to a lot of other people.
I think something that moves people, makes them proud, entertained and excited is a service to man kind.
I Love this website. Your providing entertainment and I really appreciate that. It makes my day more interesting in the same way sport does my husbands.
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but did she call her cousin a hero??
NO she didn’t, because he isn’t.
no need to be a nasty pasty either
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I actually agree with you AND I like sports too. This is clearly a point about the idea surrounding the word “HERO,” and the amount of media attention that one man can get for winning a bike race. Then again, look at how much attention an idiotic, immature, lying, St Kilda school girl can receive and you’ll begin to understand the Australian media and it’s desperate need for a story that “sells.” Keep fighting the good fight, Mia! Just because a bunch of stupid sheep feel the need to abuse you because they completely
misunderstood your opinion, doesn’t mean
you don’t have a fantastic point! I’m proud of
Cadel Evans and yes, he is a great sporting
role model and an inspiration but you’re
absolutely right: He is NOT a hero. Get a dictionary people! Look the word up!
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Wow, what does your dictionary say??
I have : 1. a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities.
2. a person who, in the opinion of others, has heroic qualities or has performed a heroic act and is regarded as a model or ideal
I think “in the opinion of others” is the key point here, and Cadel can easily slot into that.
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Exactly the point I have been trying to make!!
Many words in the English language have multiple meanings. People who think that the word ‘hero’ only has one meaning are ill-informed
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Good Morning Mia. I am totally am on the same page as you regarding worshipping Sports people here in Australia. I don’t get it either and do not participate in viewing anything sporty. It’s just not my thing. I agree with all you say in this blog. After reading it I then watched the Today Show segment. It was…awkward. I think it was unfair of Karl (or the producers) to insist on you commenting on something you’re not interested in, and he knew damn well what you’d say would be controversial and you’d receive a backlashing (i.e. public whipping). I feel sorry that you got so upset this morning, and hope that you’re feeling better already. You can’t control what other people are going to say but I hope you can rise above. Deep breath. Smile. Move on. xxx
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Mia, I completely agree with you on every level here. There are far more important people in Australia doing far more important things and they don’t even grant an article in the paper, let alone the front page. This guy, though obviously great at what he does, does not contribute to the greater good. He makes millions of dollars doing what he enjoys. He’s no hero in my book. Sport is worshipped in this country in a way that just doesn’t make sense to me. Good on them for doing it and enjoying it and yes it may inspire some people to think they are capable of anything if they try hard. But they aren’t heroes. Not even close. And lastly, good on you Mia for standing by your opinion, unpopular as it is. You make a valid point and I only wish more people would listen.
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What about what Cadel has done for Tibet?
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Mia I understand where you are coming from but I also feel proud to be Australian and call Cadel an Aussie the man has put so much work into his career as a cyclist he has probably trained 24/7 to get where he is now and deserves recognition for it,he is a very humble man and a lot of other sport people could take a leaf out of his book,some footballers for instance may make people think badly about all sporting people but when someone like Cadel,Ian Thorpe,Cathy Freeman etc do good they deserve recognition.Maybe your just having a bad day Mia.
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I don’t think the putting sprts people on a pedistal to be worshiped is an Australian thing, i think its something that is inately human…. for how many hundreds of years have the modern and ancient olympics been held and the acheivements of these atheletes compared to as heroic or even god like. Even those in undeveloped countries worship and praise their elite be it at running, jumping or anything else.
I certainly don’t disagree with your comment of your opinion that Doctors and others that lend their time to bigger causes should be regarded in higher steed, but unfortunately they aren’t, they might get a special mention in the Australia day ceremonies and even have a hospital wing named after them.
I think everyone defines hero’s differently…. My parents are my heros, key sports people are icons or even legends in their own right, the qld origin team and Cadel performed heroicly but to me they aren’t heros but deserve a recognition none the less, they inspire, and isn’t this a key train of being a hero?
Heroic feats are only heroic in the eyes of the beholder.
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WOW! I think you have a point and I actually think you were really up against it with Karl. “I think you are a little bit ignorant” – that was rude from him, and I think it is actually his sentiments that have led to you being attacked as you have.
I think that he had respected your opinion as YOUR opinion, even if it is different to his and not a popular opinion, you would have been spared some of the vitriol. Karl certainly seems to have incited this response – especially encouraging people to email you!! I’m sure your email has gone into meltdown.
I was excited for Cadel – I watched the coverage. I don’t consider him a “hero”, but I think he is an inspirational sportsperson.
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Hi Mia, I certainly don’t think Cadel is a hero – but I don’t think he would describe himself like that either. I think that’s a word that the media loves to throw around in all the wrong situations and is very overused. (I also don’t think we need a public holiday.) But I do think we can applaude sports people for their achievements. What’s the difference between giving celebrities all the attention they get? Why are sports people so low down on the list of people it’s ok to like or talk about but actors, singers, royalty, celebrities, authors, models etc are ok to get praise and recognition? I don’t think any of those people are heroes or necessarily great role models all the time but they can be recognised for their acheivements. There were a few articles earlier in the year about Emile Sherman winning an Oscar which was also a great achievement (and was exciting reading about it) but he’s also not saving lives. Why not Cadel and other sports people? I try to tell my kids that we are all good at different things so lets encourage diversity and success in all areas of life – please don’t leave sports out of that.
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Hi Mia,
I’m really sorry that you cried this morning. I agree with you that we don’t acknowledge everyday heroes, you are in the perfect position to do just that. Why don’t you start an “everyday hero” blog and people could nominate who they think has done something special.
Hope your day gets better:)
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I agree with you 100%. I think it’s really important for children to have role models and aspire to greatness in a field that that they are passionate about – saving the environment, horse riding, writing poetry, whatever it is – and I also think there are worse role models than sporting stars. However, heroes? I think not…. And in a sport that is constantly and continuously under fire for drug cheating? I think not even more so. (Not saying for a moment that Evans is a drug cheat – it’s very refreshing to hear a good news story come out of this sport.)
Well written and well argued.
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I am a fan of this site as I feel it is a great, safe, forum for people to voice their opinions on topics. Popular or otherwise.
I think it completely unacceptable that Mia has copped such horrid abuse for simply voicing her opinion.
Frankly, I agree with what Mia has said. I have never understood who would deem a professional rugby league player a role model . They may be great at playing their chosen sport but there are only a few who use their popularity and fame to do any good in the community.
In regards to some comments I have read I don’t think you will ever see this website referring to movie stars and other such celebrities as heroes unless they do something deserving of this title. And although this site does give a lot of attention to these stars it also draws attention to lesser known people in the public doing fantastic things.
Please don’t let this abuse get you down too much Mia. I really appreciate everything you do with this site and so do many of my friends.
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No way is any sports person a hero. They are a champion. Congratulations on his win he deserves a pat on the back but not a hero status.
The word hero is used to loosely these days it drives me nuts every time i hear it used like this.
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Hi Mia,
I have to say that I was a little dissapointed when I heard your segment on Today, I also commented on twitter, but I have also taken the opportunity to read this section and I think I understand more where you were coming from.
I think Cadel is an inspiration and my partner has been a professional cyclist for a number of years. He has never made it to the top level like ‘Tour de France’ but I know how hard he worked and struggled to be ther best he could be. So I think that is why I took your comments personally at first.
I do have to agree I would not walk around calling Cadel a ‘Hero’, I think he is amazing and an inspiration and cannot even fathom how hard he had to work to achieve this amazing feat, but yes I too would like to reserve the word ‘Hero’ for those special few (or increasingly many).
I still think that this achivement by Cadel warrants media attention but I also understand what you are saying. Keep your chin up.
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I agree with you 100%. Australia classes any sportsperson a hero that does well. They are an inspiration definately. Maybe my idea of a hero is different to most.Every body is different I suppose. Have they worked hard to get there…yes, have they made sacrifices…yes, are they overpaid and lorded…yes,yes,yes. Who hasn’t had to do those things. What about the single dads and mums going with out on a day to day basis so their kids can have shoes and a sense of appreciation for what they do have. The doctors that saved a drunk drivers life after failing to save the pedestrian he just hit. Before anyone whinges I am average, born and bred aussie bloke who loves his sport etc. If you can run,catch,hit,drive,ride etc you are a very talented athlete who has my respect and admiration. Being a hero is a whole different thing.
I used to think Carl was not a bad bloke but after the end of that interview, what a ignorant pig. Heres an Idea Carl if you cant handle someones opinion because it may differ to yours then dont ask for it in the first place. There is a difference between a discussion and a debate to the way you handled yourself towards the end. Do yourself a favour and make sure you dont ever interview my wife or mum with the same lack of respect you showed here. They are my hero’s.
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So much for the freedom of speach….. i take my hat off to you as you are the only person who finally said what most of us think. Hero my arse. I mean well done to him, but pushing the bike around or splashing in the pool, makes no one a hero. I completly agree with you definition of a hero…. Well done I say and keep up the good work, as for those that have abused and attacked you, shame on them, they don’t have to agree with everything the media says, its good to finally see someone speak their mind like yu did Mia and not follow the media’s propaganda ike bloody fools… Keep up the good work Mia and be proud of yourself as it takes lots of guts to speak up your mind, thats who our kids should look up to
well done
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You certainly walked into this one Mia.
The term “hero” is as overused in Australia society as “legend”. But why are people so emotionally attached to the outcome of a game or a race? I’d say it’s because they need to be.
Australians, men in particular, have a lot of trouble showing their true emotions so they need a catalyst to make it happen. Alcohol or sport. Whatever it takes I guess.
Sport, to many, is their version of reading a good book. The way the story ebs and flows, will he won’t he win, the protagonist, the hero. Sure the hero in Lord of the Rings is a little hairy footed Hobbit and has never saved the life of an old lady in a burning block of units in the real world but in his story, he is the hero.
Personally I have far more room in my heart for those who sacrafice their own comfort, lifestyle, or safety for the betterment of others (as it seems you do too Mia) and I think the newspapers give far too much ink to the exploits of sports stars, but that’s what people want. Sport is the average man’s War And Peace.
Cadel is not a hero to me, but we all have our own heroes. The nasty comments you endured Mia were way too much. But think about your heroes, how would it feel if someone argued the point that they were not a hero? Not something you would like to hear I’m sure. You may not use the same base language and terminology to attack the messenger but the feelings might be there under the surface.
My hero is my mother and I can only imagine the swear words I might invent if someone put her worth up for debate.
Just one man’s thoughts.
SK
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So much for the freedom of speach….. i take my hat off to you as you are the only person who finally said what most of us think. Hero my arse. I mean well done to him, but pushing the bike around or splashing in the pool, makes no one a hero. I completly agree with you definition of a hero…. Well done I say and keep up the good work, as for those that have abused and attacked you, shame on them, they don’t have to agree with everything the media says, its good to finally see someone speak their mind like yu did Mia and not follow the media’s propaganda ike bloody fools… Keep up the good work Mia and be proud of yourself as it takes lots of guts to speak up your mind, thats who our kids should look up to
well done
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OMG! Mia! Oh sweetie poor you, nah I feel the same way totally, not just about the not really caring but about the sportspeople as THE BIGGEST heroes.
I agree with the public that displaying the level of commitment, dedication, self-sacrifice and perserverence that it takes to become an elite sporteperson is admirable. I agree too that this is something to be emulated inasmuch as you can say to the small fry ‘this is where those qualities can lead – you don’t think Cadal was discovered on a TV talent show do you? If you want success in life, you have to WORK for it’
But I also agree with what you said, ma’am.
MOST OF ALL, I am appalled (though unsurprised) at the public response to your POV. I wish I could make you a cup of tea and give you a hug right now.
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Mia I agree with you. I think fantastic for cadel’s achievements but this level of fan fair can be too much. Call for public holidays for sports people is getting ridiculous. I was ridiculed in the same manner when I voiced my opinion amongst work colleges that the afl add calling players “warriors” was offensive as there are actual “warriors” in afganistan and Iraq right now who know battle who don’t get that kind of recognition!
I believe that Australians do have a skewed sense of pride in our sports men and women.
I totally agree they are great role models especially if you love sport ,but we need to get some perspective and start giving recognition to other great people in our community like the paramedics, foster parents, teachers etc.
You should not get abused for your opinion even if it is not in step with popular following.
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Mia that is just awful. I am 100% with you on this one… If Cadel found the cure for cancer, or demantia on his ride then yeah he would be a hero. BUT he chooses to ride a bike for a living, He doesn’t even live in Australia.. Yeah Its great that he won but there are bigger issues that need to e reported on in the news than a bike ride that is often tard with drug scandals..
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This is probably one of the first things I have agreed with you about, Mia!
Personal anecdote – I will be running my first marathon later in the year. I asked my family and my partner’s family to come and cheer me on, and the response was lukewarm. I was venting to my Mum and she said that running a marathon would be a great personal achievement, for me, and if I was so upset over whether people were supporting me or not, then I was doing it for the wrong reasons.
I don’t like sport. It just doesn’t interest me, so any notion of sporting achievement uniting Australians is bogus – am I not Australian because I care about other things more?
I don’t believe any athlete that says they are “doing it for Australia”, because that’s really not true. Chasing glory in any discipline is always about personal success, happiness and fulfillment – it always blows my mind that sport is always elevated to some plane of unselfishness and ‘comradery’ (because Australian sports commentators seem to be incapable of correctly pronouncing ‘camaraderie’).
/rant
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Mia, total respect for sharing your own personal opinion on Cadel this morning. That’s all it was – an OPINION. Each to their own. Yes, you may be in the minority but hey, who cares?! Everybody is entitled to their own thoughts and you’ve made it perfectly clear that you don’t expect others to share the same view as you. Karl is awesome, Mia is awesome. If we all had the same opinion on everything, the world would be a very boring place!
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Hmmmm…. while I agree with you that our priorities are all out of whack in terms of who we idolise: sports stars, movie stars, TV stars, reality TV ‘stars’ and anyone with a whiff of celebrity (Paris Hilton and the Kardashians anyone?) I think your position in terms of saying that sports stars are not worthy of adulation is frankly a bit hypocritical. This site is always full of talk about ‘celebrities’ with far less talent and drive than your average sports star.
I think the reality is ‘you just don’t get it’ because you’re not at all into sport. That’s fine, but you *are* into celebrity and you give that/them far more coverage on this site than the ‘heroes’ you claim to believe need more exposure. If you really *truly* believed this you would use the powers available to you (ie this site and the influence you have in the media) to *increase* the exposure of those people.
I personally believe there’s enough adulation (like love) to go around… having more than 1 child doesn’t mean you love one any less, just like having adulation and admiration for one type of person (eg Cadel Evans) doesn’t mean we have any less adulation and admiration for others (eg the scientists, doctors, etc), it’s just that the media (of which you are a part) doesn’t give us the opportunity to openly adore them as much as we are presented with opportunities re: sports people and other celebrities (ie all day every day).
What I’m trying (badly) to say is that you should stay on your hobby horse, but please don’t rely on dragging someone down in order to raise someone else up. Use your power for good, not evil.
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Mia I agree with you about the definition of a hero. As for role models, the number one role model in every childs life should be their parents/caregivers, not strangers. Fair enough they are on tv they have news stories on them they are seen on every talk show for a short time, but they are not ‘real’ in a childs life. I think the term role model is used by parents who feel inadequate, and lets face it what parent is perfect. Imperfection should be celebrated not passed on to someone on tv, so I don’t ride a bike or play football, but I am the most influential person in my childs life, for as long as I can be.
In society these days it seems as tho minorites rule, they definately make the laws. None of us should be abused by strangers before weetbix, and for those that had the energy to get that worked up are probably tired from staying up watching tv, lets hope they get as vocal and motivated to send emails when something serious happens…unfortunately we are only as strong/smart/evolved as the weakest/dumbest/devolved people, we got to support them to be stronger, to be smarter and evolve. Don’t apologise, the reaction is ridiculous, like I said as a mother you can understand sleep deprivation
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You have lost me! Finally the news has a really happy story of achievement and then you go on air.
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What a shallow person you are … clearly you have little intelligence
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Anon, dont say that about Mia, we all make mistakes
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From a person as stupid as you, that is a real insult….
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I didn’t say it about Mia, I agree with Mia 100%, it was the poster (Mum) that my comment was directed at
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I did know that, duh. I was kind of pointing out how nasty the comment was, whomever it was directed at.
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GOOD ON YOU for speaking the absolute truth… sports people are NOT heroes, not even close. If you enjoy sport, thats up to you, but IT IS A HOBBY and for Cadel a very lucrative profession.
Your freedom is bought by HEROES not sports people… your heart operations, liver transplants, life changing cures are available to you by people with professions that change lives .. YET these are the heroes that get little or no credit.
A BIKE RIDER – COME ON!!!! You can’t be serious – A HERO – what an unintelligent and shallow person that would give this hero status.
Sport is a hobby or a fitness regime – IT’S A GAME – Why have people become so narcissistic and obsessed with something that should be a past time. I don’t know Cardel – why on earth would I be proud of him?? I’m proud of the woman next door who gets up at 4am every morning to volunteer at the old persons home. I’m proud of the people who; with little help and little money rescue abused animals.
Get real people – Cadel is NO hero.
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He’s obviousy not to you, but he is to a lot of people. And you or anyone else don’t have the right to argue that point
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Mia, you’ve written an excellent and well-balanced piece above. Thank you for expressing yourself so eloquently, articulately and logically – many people would not be able to when surrounded by such vehemence and vitriol.
I think you are highlighting a greater issue here – that of the media using words with high amplification to describe so many things that they start to lose their meaning. Words like ‘hero’ and ‘tragedy’ are bandied about quite frequently and take away from the actual event by instantly slopping it into the same category as everything else to which that label has been applied. Nothing stands out when you highlight the whole page.
You are right in saying there should be more congratulations and recognition given to people who do many useful and potentially extraordinary things; real role models are few and far between and unless someone wins a prize or some-such, their work, regardless of how illuminating it is or what it has contributed, remains largely unnoticed. For children, or even adults, not to hear a word about someone’s life’s work when it has saved thousands of lives or similar, is a shame. It’s one of the great things I have noticed about the 7pm Project – they highlight issues or achievements that are still very important but perhaps not immediately topical or seemingly ‘newsworthy’.
As you say, Australia is a country where sportspeople are revered, and given the timing of these comments, it is not surprising (although still very distressing) that you have been subjected to swift and violent reaction. Sadly your very excellent point is lost in the general outcry – people en masse can be terribly black and white, and they only hear the (albeit mild) criticism in your words, rather than considering the direction or the intent.
I haven’t watched the video because I don’t need to. You are right to want to focus on more varied achievements and celebrate more diverse role models – but no-one would listen on a day like today and it is a shame that you’ve been forced to talk about it.
The media and public opinion are like a very big ship that will take a long time to turn around. In time, maybe lots more people who do amazing things out of the spotlight will be celebrated, and more of us will look up to them. One can only hope.
Sorry for the long post but I wanted to focus on the nuances of argument rather than ranting. Chin up, Mia.
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The article is good but the video is bit confrontational and insulting to sports fans.
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It amazes me that people often don’t research the actual word they’re talking about. By the nearest dictionary I had:
hero: a person, who is admired for their courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities:
So, going back to the original argument, is him winning the Tour de France an outstanding achievement. Bet your bottom dollar. Something that no Australia has EVER done. Just because he’s not YOUR hero doesn’t mean that someone else can’t admire his outstanding achievement. I think the argument is often trotted out to belittle sporting achievement – but really – is sporting achievement any less impressive than another achievement. The scientist who makes the discovery, is doing his job. The solider is doing his job. The sportsman, is doing, HIS JOB.
Heroism is in the eye of the beholder, because I can bet you to a bunch of 16 year old prodigy cyclists who are about to torture themselves to thousands of kilometres of training a way to try and become the best of their given talent – he most certainly is a hero.
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Ridiculous argument, the reason you wake up in a free country is because someone fought for that freedom. Put your adulation where it is deserved … not on someone who is doing something he enjoys and has fun doing. It’s not an achievement
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Your last sentence..Its not an achievement ???
Are you serious?
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“Heroism is in the eye of the beholder”… so true.
From the lovely movie ‘While You Were Sleeping’:
“You give up your seat every day on the train.”
“But that’s not heroic.”
“It is to the person who sits in it.”
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Agree 100%
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Mia, I completely agreed with you. By no means should Cadel and other sports persons achievements be down played but we hear more about them than we do people that do save lives.
Same as the death of Amy Winehouse was bigger news than the tragic deaths of the innocent people in Norway.
I think its disgusting the names you have been called today, just for having your own opinion. What sort of world would we live in if we all agreed with each other!
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