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
Mia, I feel that it is unfortunate for you to have expressed your opinion about sportspeople being labelled heroes in relation to Cadel Evan’s victory in the Tour de France. I think the backlash that you are facing has less to do with your message (which has a certain hint of truth to it, but just a hint), and more to do with WHO you have chosen to take a dig at. With more research, you would understand the true significance of Cadel’s win, as well as the qualities that he possesses that make him stand out as a true hero. Cadel’s win has taken DECADES of hard work, determination and grit and he has overcome numerous setbacks to get to where he is today.
Sure, he may not be saving lives directly. But his victory in the TdF will doubtless inspire and motivate tens of thousands of people in Australia to get on their bikes and reach for the stars. You mentioned that heroes like ‘social workers’ are more deserving of recognition. If you take more than just a cursory look at Cadel, you would realise that he is not unlike a social worker, even if he may not realise it himself (is there really a difference?). He works for numerous humanitarian causes which is more than I can say for the majority of us.
As I understand it, your version of ‘hero’ requires some form of altruism and sacrifice. But as Dr. Bridie says, even the heroes that you describe, doctors and lawyers are not completely altruistic. And as for sacrifice, well, you don’t get to the top without having to make a mountain of sacrifices, as any sportsperson would know.
Lastly, having a dig at him because he lives in Switzerland is a cheap shot through and through and you should be ashamed of yourself for making that remark. A person should not be judged on where he is but WHO he is. If Cadel is not a true blue Australian, then I don’t know who is!
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Fully support your view Mia.
Sportsperson worship is utterly disproportionate. It is appalling that you were attacked for saying this.
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I don’t think she has been attacked for saying it but more for the way and manner in which she said it.
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Please – just the one name per comment. If you comment under many different names it does not make your point stronger – even if you agree with yourself
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Hey Mia,
You said exactly what I have said on numerous occasions. I don’t understand the disbelief and/ or vitriol that has been hurled at me in response either.
I think there are more of us than we realise; we have just learned to be quiet about it.
I also think there is something to be said about the regular commenters whose comments are usually based in anger or hatred. Why do they feel the need to share that ugliness?
I feel sorry that you had to bear all that abuse for expressing appreciation for the unsung heroes in Australia. Where is the “fair go” in that.
Please keep on commenting.
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I read your article, The Punch article and watched you with Karl. To put it simply in a country where sport is very popular you need to be concious of what you say about sporting achievements and how you define your views. I don’t believe you were being disrespectful to Cadel because in your circle most people probably have the same sentiments. Many responses to your article are simply from those who are biased either way and not looking at the whole argument. Save yourself the torment and go with the flow…makes life easier sometimes
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“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.”
Rather than be so dismissive of Cadel and other sportspeople, it would have been far better if you attacked the disproportionate amount of media coverage received by untalented “celebrities” such as the Kardashians and Brynne Edelsten. At least the sports men and women have done something noteworthy to deserve their media coverage and public adulation.
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Perhaps Mia could have made her point when talking about the outrageous amount of media coverage given to a recent royal wedding.
Or is it unreasonable of me to think that winning the Tour de France is a greater achievement than marrying a prince?
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Maybe doing a little research on Cadel before speaking on TV about him may have helped you to understand why so many are so happy for him. You could have saved your argument for the Monday after AFL or NRL Grandfinal and I’m pretty sure it would have been taken much better by the most of the people who disagree with you. People have been so upset because it seemed like a personal attatck on a a great man. Many people have followed his journey over many years. I know several people who have attended functions where he was a motivational speaker and have been inspired to change their attitudes towards their own lives. I understand your point about sports people in general and am amazed at things like Target releasing a clothing line by Shane Warne -someone that may have been a champion sportsman but has demonstrated questionable morals. There were so many better examples that you could have used to argue your point rather than using Cadel as an example and making comments such as ‘he doesn’t even live in Australia’ that made you look like you didn’t actually know what you were talking about. Maybe this may open your eyes to the fact that ‘some’ sports people are amazing people and may deserve the term Hero. Yes it may be an overused term and yes many sports people have done little to really deserve to be called one but in Cadel’s case he really is more than just a guy paid lots of money to ride a bike. As for sport being a self indulgent profession.
As a teacher I see children every day who are never going to be scientists, doctors etc. Some have learning problems, others have families that would never be able to afford for them to go to uni. Some of these kids have such low self esteem and out look on life. Then they discover a sport, find something that they are good at, a coach or team mates that encourage them and self esteem grows. They find something they love and they have a reason to get out of bed in the morning and their attitude changes. Having a sport to keep focused on can keep these kids motivated and out of trouble. Yes it would be a fantastic world if kids had posters on their bedroom walls of inspiring doctors and scientists but for some kids they really need people like Cadel to be inspired by.
I am sorry you have been abused and I really don’t understand how any one thinks that can prove a point by insulting you.
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Much has been said about the word hero, and your somewhat contradictory use of it, so I thought I will say why so much of us who followed the tour have been so happy to see Cadel get his moment in the sun.
It isn’t *just* about the fact that he is a genuinly decent person who has competed in one of, if not the, toughest sporting events in the world and finally come out on top. That he is a very private man who has still been willing to deal with the attention that comes from being outspoken on causes that he believes in.
Or that he is generally aknowledged as a clean athlete, who has in the past missed out, by tiny margins, to people with question marks over them.
I have been a Cadel fan for years and those things have all played their part but it was during last years Tour de France that he really touched and inspired me. Early in the race, just as he took the lead, he fell and broke his elbow. He could have, and many WOULD have, pulled out at that point and noone would have said a word against it. Instead he fought on and finished the tour, despite immense pain, despite knowing he had no chance of winning or even a high finish and despite the fact that it lead people to people claiming he ‘failed’ in a way that would not have happened if he had withdrawn through injury. That sort of determination to complete a goal for its own sake is something I think should be rewarded and a lesson that I hope my kids learn.
You will have to forgive those of us who have watched all of that getting excited when this year things finally came together for him and he was able to get that victory. Yes it is true that he did it for himself and not some higher cause but I do not see that as a bad thing. He DOES use his fame and position to help others and that is wonderful but that is not what I find so inspiring.
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I’m extremely happy for Cadel, but a part of me knows where you’re coming from Mia.
A decade or so would’ve felt the same disdain*. (*My word, not yours, but you came across a little bit that way on the T show).
But in my humble opinion, Australia seems to increasingly embrace and revere an ever expanding diversity in our role models. I love that!
And ‘everyday heroes’ also have their own agenda. I notice this in my work in emergency services. Not to diminish any role, job – but we ALL do what suits us….really.
And media coverage? It’s sooo rarely a proportionate, truly realistic reflection of public opinion (or body image for example?)….I stopped expecting it to be a long long time ago…..
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Mia, just accept that you are entitle to your opinion but the majority of people do not agree with you. And please have a consistent view and stick with it.
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She’s not a cardboard cut out! No human is 100% consistent 100% of the time.
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I missed your segment on “Today” and was initially outraged when informed of what you said. I indeed often disagree with your views.
I have now watched the segment and also read your comments regarding John Coates.
I now realise that your views on the subject of sporting “heroes” are quite similar to mine. I do not at all understand how physical prowess turns you into a hero. I was raised in a world that considered only those who risked life and limb to help others to be a hero.
Some background; I am almost 60, a happily married father of 4 and grandfather of 1, a proud ex-serviceman (nasho) with a son and daughter-in-law both naval officers, an accountant and now a small business owner working very long hours. I am also a very keen cyclist who has raced both on the road and track and will get back to it when time permits.
I understand what Cadel Evans has achieved and know only too well the effort and dedication required to achieve that. I have enormous respect for him as a person and for what he has achieved. I believe it will be very inspiring for our children to know that it is possible to achieve truly great things if you try hard enough. I of course stayed up each night to watch the Tour de France (much to my wife’s annoyance and my increasing physical exhaustion) and am very pleased that I did.
Nevertheless I also do not consider Cadel a hero and furthermore I am embarrassed when sports people wear the Australian flag (I believe it shows disrespect for our flag) and there are calls for such things as a public holiday in their honour. We possibly disagree here but I also feel that we put too many others such as actors, performers, TV presenters, doctors etc on a pedestal which is undeserving. It may be a strange view but I believe that everyone has an important role and even a street cleaner for instance performs an invaluable service for society.
I apologise for writing so much but hope that your “protectors” allow you to read my comments, and that you realise that your views are not outrageous to all.
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I have read your update and I agree that people should not be rude but should put their comments in a civil way. I wish you had gone into your segment on the Today Show with the same attitude. It wasn’t just questioning the worship of a sportstar and I think you know that. Your manner was most distasteful and you don’t even seem to see that. Unfortunately for me this is the last straw in my following of you. I have more and more often found you contradictory and ill-informed on topics and I think there are no more excuses for this. You are meant to be a professional in your industry and are paid to be informed. You had a go at the media for giving this too much attention. I would like to have a go at the media who pay you for letting such unprofessional behaviour go unchecked. I know these things are sometimes a play to ignite debate but I am not sure this is the case here. If so, shame on you all for being so rude about a person just so you can generate business. I won’t be watching when you appear on the Today Show anymore. And I won’t be reading any of the publications you write in or your blog. That’s the choice I feel I need to make on this one. Good luck with things and I hope you can take and learn from this experience. You have disappointed a lot of people and I have not seen that you are big enough to own your actions and apologise for being so condescending and dismissive of others.
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Firstly…….holycrap on a cracker. Its crazy town around here. But I think you’ve hit the jackpot in encouraging more men to your site Mia! The secret has been unlocked.
Secondly (who the f*ck knows why I’m counting my paragraphs), but I love sports, always have. I played heaps of sports and had amazing friendships that remain today, well over 15 yrs since starting sporty stuff. It is deeply important to people, and its pretty well documented that sport is one thing that can bring confidence, focus, and a sense of belonging in young people. Sports ‘stars’ keep the fire burning in the heart so to speak as we get older! And from the footage, Cadel’s win had an amazing impact on his teammates, they were united, there is no better feeling than being united with your fellow peers/community/family etc.
I agree sports people are overpaid (but I doubt Cadel is), more so football, cricket etc. However, I think there should still be media coverage, but I’d probably be far happier if women’s sporting achievements were on an equal in this regard & in the amount of exposure they got in papers.
Cadel’s win was extraordinary. I don’t watch the TDF, however when it is on I keep up with news snippets about it, so I’ve known Cadel’s struggles. And his efforts were heroic in my eyes – his courage is amazing. You do have to be a warrior to conquor something like the TDF and I believe how you do one thing is how you do everything. Many people have spoken of his contributions to causes, this takes courage and self-belief, and fearlessness, plenty of people can’t bring themselves to confront the less ‘pretty’ aspects of life. Being a good human being, and not taking the path of least resistance takes courage, and I think that is what so many of us relate to with Cadel. Whether its in the Arts, Community sector, legal field, Yoga, Media, etc we all want to be warriors and be courageous & yet grounded in our contribution.
Certainly don’t agree with abusiveness of responses and hope you are having a far more peaceful day, lots of Om’s all around!!!
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Mia, not only are you a hypocrit, you are sexist.
Mia, Do you remember this quote:
I am genuinely in awe of her achievement. Back when she set out on her voyage, crashed on the first night and then set out again, I was a doubter. I still am a little bit. Now that she has returned a hero (as she should, her achievement is astonishing) it’s easy to say it was a wonderful thing for her to have done.” (May 17, 2010).
it is from you! so an athlete with a vagina can be a hero, but an athlete with a penis can’t……
A definition of a hero is within the eye of the beholder. If I want to class Cadel as hero, I will. You don’t have to understand but don’t p*ss on our parade.
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Gold.
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BOOM!!!! Love to hear your response to that one Mia??
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“I am genuinely in awe of her achievement. Back when she set out on her voyage, crashed on the first night and then set out again, I was a doubter. I still am a little bit. Now that she has returned a hero (as she should, her achievement is astonishing) it’s easy to say it was a wonderful thing for her to have done.” – When I was 16, I got my ears pierced, suck on that Jessica Watson. Mia Freedman (May 17, 2010).
So Mia you just don’t like cycling, or just Cadel?
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I hope I’m not the only person to agree with you, Mia. I think that the crazy deification of sports people (not to mention, in Australia, HORSES!) is totally weird. Having run marathons, I have a tiny inkling of what athletes put themselves through and I admire their talent, stamina and discipline. But heroes? Nope. What about teachers who face ill-disciplined, unmotivated and grumpy adolescents every day? And go back and do it again the next day and the next – for pretty crappy pay, I might add, not millions in endorsements. Or, let me see, aid workers who spend months in places like Somalia facing horrible tragedy and despair? People on tiny incomes managing to life lives of dignity and purpose? Medical staff in remote isolated parts of the world? Volunteers of any sort who give up time to do something good – fight a fire, regenerate some bush, clean up rubbish? It takes a dire lack perspective and a dismal dearth of values to elevate a sportsperson (or an actor) – whose focus is themselves (not knocking it; it takes all sorts and I don’t deny the pleasure that sports people – or actors – give to many) over those who do something for others. Just saying.
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I find this website quite fascinating… Not just for this post, but for most of them. Especially Mia’s posts. It really shows the power of para-social relationships.
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Aaaah, Mia. if you’d done just a smidge of research before getting on the tellie yesterday, your life would be so much easier right now.
You kept asking if Cadel has saved anyone’s life. Directly? Probably not. (But you never know!) Indirectly? I’m pretty sure all his charity work, especially with the Manasarovar Academy in Tibet has probably saved quite a few lives. Did you know he auctioned off the bike he won the 2010 world championship on to raise money so the Academy could buy the land their school sits on? And now the guy who won the auction is raffling the bike off to raise funds for the Cerebral Palsy Education Centre so they can buy some equipment and teaching aides. It’s the bike that keeps giving!
I’m also think he’s also saved a few lives indirectly by encouraging people to get exercising instead of sitting on the couch and wallowing. More people fit and healthy means less pressure on our medical system and helps out the people you kept mentioning – doctors!
I don’t disagree with your core point – sporting people are often lauded as heroes when they don’t deserve it. But Cadel is a hero because if nothing else, he’s shown that you don’t need drugs to win. Dedication, hard work and single-mindedness can get you to the top.
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Good on you Mia I agree with you completely. Don’t let the abuse get to you. The trolls that think it’s their right to abuse you for expressing an opinion, which hurt noone, are not worth your time.
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and again, just like Mia, you are putting people down. No, it’s not nice that people said mean things but what she said was very mean-spirited too and she needs to own that. Have your opinion by all means but don’t be rude.
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I believe the response is born from the “idea” that some of the professions you mentioned are exclusive to an extent. I understand that everyone has access to an education, but not everyone is raised in an environment conducive to enhancing that pathway.
For every Cadel, there is a thousand weekend, part-time, not-so-pro sportspeople who basically have to sacrifice a little of their own life to volunteer (mostly pay) to build positive communities through sport. This is additional to a job which pays the bills, with no individual prize at the end of the day, I guess it is seen as accessible to everyone.
It really is uplifting to see someone “make it” and feels like a huge pat on the back to those people who’s only aim is to promote a positive lifestyle.
Sorry about the nasty comments.
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Mia, what has change since May 2010? You said Jessica Watson is a hero but you question cadel.
“I am genuinely in awe of her achievement. Back when she set out on her voyage, crashed on the first night and then set out again, I was a doubter. I still am a little bit. Now that she has returned a hero (as she should, her achievement is astonishing) it’s easy to say it was a wonderful thing for her to have done.” (May 17, 2010).
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Obviously there are a lot of opinions flying around this forum. Many people have posted in response to Cadel not saving lives and so on. He may not be directly saving lives by means of surgery or research, but he will have no doubt inspired many to get on a bike for competition, social or health and well being. In being a healthier human being, your chances of developing cardiovascular and many other diseases are reduced. Lets face it Australians aren’t exactly the healthiest of people, so even if one person is influenced by him being in the spotlight to get on a bike, he has possibly saved or extended someones life. I think if more kids of today are inspired by athletes to get out and do something, there would be less of a need for the people you classify as heroes (doctors, surgeons etc.).
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An ignorant and parochial response to what is an epic, awe-inspiring event that always attracts the world. I think what people are annoyed about is that you said you ‘didn’t care’. That’s fine, you don’t have to, but it wasn’t gracious of you, particularly as you demonstrated you know next to nothing about him or the sport. Also, why keep mentioning that he doesn’t live in Australia. So what? What are you implying? That he’s not a true blue Aussie or something? How very dated and myopic of you. I found Cadel’s victory deeply inspiring and I’m not a sporting or biking fanatic.
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Your comments in relation to the achievements of Cadel Evans were ill-informed, tackless and no doubt a cheap way to drum up controversy or traffic flow to your website at the expense of another person. I guess it has worked, I’d have never visited this site otherwise. So congratulations it has worked. I see you have your team protecting your from personal attacks on your blog, it’s a pity Cadel didn’t have the luxury of that when you personally attacked him yesterday. To go on about the fact that he resides in Switzerland as a reason not to applaud his achievement is ridiculous. So, we should scrub any Australian who has chosen to pursue the top of their game by going overseas to do so? Give me a break. Sport may not directly saves lives but it gives people hope and provides role models for society. Cathy Freeman inspired a generation of Aboriginal Australians to better themselves, likewise Sachin Tendulkar being an inspiration for the children of the slums in India, or Ronaldo for the children of the streets of Brazil. How about Lance Armstrong giving people with cancer hope of a quality of life after the cancer passes. I was personally inspired by the Oarsome Foursome as a kid. I took up rowing because of these guys and I still row today in Masters competition and lead a healthy life. Are these guys heros? Well they were in my eyes and were excellent role models. I now coach school rowing crews as a side to my professional career and I hope this will at least provide a role model for these kids to follow. I think this is probably a more worthwhile contribution to society than running a gossip blog. Mia, you are clearly in the minority on this issue and maybe you are best to leave her minority comments for a blog site read by but a few
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I have to totally agree with Mia. I also object very strongly with the misuse of the word ‘Hero’ in relation to sportspeople and have done so on many occasions and like Mia, to vitriol. I have every respect for what Cadel acheived and congratulate him whole heartedly but he is not a ‘hero’. Like Mia I do not understand the way Australian’s worship sports and the people who participate in them ie; AFL players who are treated like gods in this country. Why? Just how does that question make me un-Australian? Is that all we are defined by? Why is this opinion so feared? I just don’t understand the anger my (and Mia’s) opinion generates.
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Frank’s comments are malicious and completely unacceptable. Moderators should delete immediately.
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Cadel is also the oldest winner of the race since 1933, that shows that you are not too old to even ride a bike for fitness.
He has a few firsts.. first Aussie to win, first Non-european, and he has inspired alot of people, so the news says, for people top get on the bike, even if some only last a month, there will still be alot that stay on it because they will feel better and that has to save lives just by making people more fit and healthy.
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First Australian, yes. First Non-European? No. Lance Armstrong is American.
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sorry, i was distracted, 3rd Non-European
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How ignorant of you Mia. I would like to see you become an idol and role model like he will foreve be. Not only has he achieved something no Australian has ever done before him, but the mental and physical strength that is required not just for a year but for a lifetime shows a strength and dedication we should celebrate!! What Cadel has achieved will motivate our youth and our children that dreams can be achieved! even more so that it will inspire more Australians to live healthier lives by getting on a bike.
Cadel is certainly my hero
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I too am conflicted by sport, and its place in our society. Whilst I love sport I do not love the business of sport.
All too often consumers of sport lack sportmanship which makes them hard to deal with and understand.
So a reminder people
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sportsmanship
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Couldn’t agree with you more Mia – good on you.
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You said ‘you didn’t know much about Cadel..’ and that really showed in your interview. Anyone who excels in their specific field should be congratulated and can be used as a source of inspiration to others. To detract from his victory by saying he is paid for it is a bit insulting. Trust me, as a Medalist in international sporting competition and living off my credit card for the duration of my sporting career, sport is not always the glamorous money spinner you are trying to make it out to be. A livable income is barely achievable for most sportspeople. To have a go at him for not living in the country seemed like a dismal attempt to play negatively on peoples nationalistic feelings and not worthy of airtime.
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I’m a keen follower of cycling (and have been letting my job get in the way of my own cycling lately :<) and I have been eagerly awaiting the day when an Australian won Le Tour.
Cadel's achievement is massive, he's spent so much time and effort to get to the pinnacle of the sport, and he's somebody who everybody can look up to as a role model.
I heard this morning from an American friend, jealous that an old friend of his had heard how well Cadel was doing, managed to delay their flight from Paris so they could spend hours waiting on the Champs d'Elysee to see him ride in as winner. I'm jealous of that too. Neither of us thought we would see an Australian winner of Le Tour for many years yet.
Unlike previous winners of Le Tour, he's never been accused of drug taking – his effort is all his own physicality… and I wish I had that same level of dedication and skill. I saw via twitter (while stuck in HKG airport) that there were speed bumps in the time trial stage, and he got airborne over them and kept going. At the speed he was going, and with such skinny tires, that is freakish skill.
I agree with you that we overuse the term "hero"; it's annoyed me greatly for many years that the media goes on and on about the latest "hero" who is just somebody who can play / participate in their sport better than others. It particularly pains me that rugby league, rugby union and AFL footballers get called heros – their sports involve significant personal injury (especially to the head), and we hear so much about unacceptable off-field behaviour from them.
I also agree with you that people who save lives are heroes. VC winners. Nurses. Doctors. Firefighters. And if you want to draw a slightly long bow, the public servants who designed and implemented our public sewerage and public health systems.
Sure, you could have expressed yourself differently – hindsight is 20/20 – but please be reassured that you've got at least two commenters here (me and my wife) who agree with your sentiments regarding heroes.
Chin up – today will be better,
JimmmyMick
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I guess it comes down to what each of us values – to each their own. I loved the race and I after watching these guys face many challenges over 3 weeks I would say Cadel is a hero to me. Determination, humility, dedication, focus and a cohesive team that worked together to achieve the ultimate success at an elite level are a few of the things I valued, and found inspiring.
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Good on you Mia, don’t let those who can’t express their thoughts in an effective way, get you down!
I agree that the media coverage for Cadel was astounding, I was also shocked that Amy Winehouse’s death bumped the media coverage for the Norwegians either….but that is a whole other debate!
The beauty of the media is that this was yesterday’s news now!
BTW I’m interested on your take that Karl set you up? I know you are close to Lisa and Karl and wondered what the fall out was from yesterday?
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Hi Mia, I am so disappointed that you have been so viciously attacked. I am a cyclist and admire greatly the achievements that Cadel has produced these past weeks as well as his previous accolades. Is he a hero? In many peoples eyes, particularly those who have little to cling to, yeah he would be. To me personally, not so much. Hero to the sport of cycling? He should be, as he has achieved the most revered win of the sport. Hero to all Australians? Stretching the bow probably a little too far. But this is what we do as a nation , idolise the simplicity of publicised achievement by e.g. sporting heroes whilst the unpublicised heroes, like those currently in The Horn Of Africa, go unnoticed by most Australians. Those are the TRUE Heroes.
Like it or not, as Australians this is how we roll.
Cadel is a “CYCLING HERO” and I am proud of his result as a cyclist, and as an Australian.
What I find “unAustralian” is how you have been attacked simply for having an opinion. You are entitled to it and I for one applaud your courage to express it. You should not need to “gauge” audience mood simply to appease them.
For what its worth………
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Hi Mia
Don’t stress too much , us cyclists ARE a passionaite lot! Anyone that has ridden up a mountain knows just how really tough these guys that ride the Tour are. Cadel has struck a chord with us, because he is the quintessentail Aussie battler, from humble beginnings. He came second twice in the tour and last rode rode to Paris with a broken arm, that is TOUGH and determined. He give a lot to charity and has a real passion for Tibet and while sometimes misunderstood he is a genuinely nice bloke. To win in the way he did against so many odds, to me shows incredible courage and to many in Australia that makes him a hero in our eyes. I know 100s in Canberra that sat up till 2 in the morning to support and millions all around the world yelling go Cadel. It may be just a sport, it may be that he is paid to do what he loves, but it bought us together in a way that I haven’t seen since we won the Americas cup. I went to work on Monday and everyone was talking about. We love to know down our Tall Poppies in Australia. Remember this is a sporting event like NO other. They cycle for THREE weeks, gruelling, hard and at times dangerous riding, to win is momumental, for an Aussie to win in a race dominated for over 100 years by the Europeans is incredible. I can honestly say at 1.30 in the morning I stood with many 1000s of Aussies in my lounge room and sang our National Anthem with tears pouring down my face with pride in out little Aussie Battler. Let us enjoy these moments, in a world full of so much pain it is truly grand to share in these moments.
I am a 50 yr old female cyclist who took up the sport 5 years ago, and it has changed my life and I have no barrow to push. I agree many sports people ( footy players etc ) are NOT heros but what Cadel accomplished really does put him in the category.
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Wow, 1400+ comments and counting, coming from NZ it’s great seeing the aussies fighting…
You probably won’t see this link Mia, but if you do, take 5 and give it a read.
http://www.bridie.com.au/component/content/article/47-a-letter-to-mia-freedman
Personally I agree with you, but I also agree with Bridie.
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I’ve updated this post above.
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Will you also admit that you switched the argument to “he’s not a hero” to cover up your lack of research on Cadel Evans and the sport of cycling?
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I just don’t appreciate lack of respect by not finding out anything about this great sportsman, and most of all – great person, like Cadel is….
Some arguments were just pathetic – “he does not even live in Australia” – he does, when his work allows him – he has professional races for 9 months of the year, hence he has a base in Europe and for the rest he is based here….Not to mention all the work he’s done for Tibet and charities around Australia…..I can tell you – when he comes to Geelong, and rides with the crowd at Amy’s ride, everyone feels inspired and honored to ride with him…
And, happy birthday to your husband, who is a hero for giving kids breakfast on his birthday, because you had to give us your opinion, and probably get paid lots of money for it…..
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As stated in the Oxford dictionary a hero is: “a person, typically a man, who is admired for their courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities”.
What category does Cadel not fall into?
I feel sad that you can’t be happy for another persons achievements. I absolutely would be appalled if my children had those thoughts.
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I think the vitriol aimed at you is pretty rough. I too get tired of the endless adulation fo sports people (well lets be honest in this country mostly men)….which can sometimes drown out the achievments of others – artists, doctors, nurses, writers etc etc…
But….I also think that the adulation is less about the actual abilities and more about the dedication, single mindedness, the endless hard work, the training, the negation of all other activity thats needed to be elite at such a sport….maybe??
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I totally agree with your point of view. I’m really happy for him, I agree that it’s a great achievement for him, but…so what? And even more so for many other sportspeople. Good on you for saying it and being honest.
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Oh Mia, How niaive you appear to be – now. I beleive you meant every word you said and unfortuantely your ignorance has caused you grief. Which now after the fact you regret and are backpedalling (lol) very quickly. I too do not understand how you can call Jess the sailor a hero yet not Cadel Evans? I think you missed the point with what goes with such a wonderful achievement Cadel has accomplished by winning the tour de france with his team. Did you know he is only the 3rd non European rider to win and we have waited over 108 years for this? So much commitment and sacrifice for so many years. Perhaps a little more research on this topic and a lot more respect on your behalf and the backlash would not have been so bad for you. Oh and one more point, Cadel lives in Australia in the off season and lives in Europe when he is racing. Please dont be so flippant when you dont have all the facts. I hope you learn from this mistake and I dont have to cringe next time you are on the Today Show. Good Luck!
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Why is everyone commenting on what Mia has achieved? In no way did she EVER compare herself to Cadel, or the doctors etc that she’s talking about. She doesn’t want to be called a hero… she wants the use of hero to be toned down and not thrown out willy nilly. Focus on the problem at hand, not on Mia please.
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I work with doctors and nurses and can tell you that “saving lives” is not their only motivation for doing their job. If they were, they would be working in Africa somewhere doing it for people who don’t have the luxury of basic medical facilities.
No – they are in private practice raking in a fortune. Driving around in cars that cost more than my home, taking holidays that are worth more than my annual income.
You have your head in the clouds if you think these people are doing it for the love of curing people. You should check your definition of “hero”.
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I’m with you Mia. We love the Tour. It’s great entertainment and Cadel has achieved a terrific result for himself, his team, sponsors and no doubt for the popularity of cycling in Australia. It is good to have role models for young people to emulate. Nonetheless, it is far from heroic, unlike the many people who dedicate their time, money and often their life in the service of humanity. Take a cold shower folks and get it in perspective. It’s a sport.
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Why is it that as a sports fan I can appreciate the brilliance of a musician, be inspired by medical discoveries or marvel at the wonders of mother nature and yet so many not of the sporting “faith” seek to ridicule and belittle the achievements of a sportsman. An elite athlete is brilliant, inspirational and a wonder of mother nature. Cadel Evans won the world’s greatest individual sporting event after 108 years of Australian’s competing to do so. It is not only the greatest sporting achievement by an Australian in history, but it ranks very highly among the greatest achievements of all time by any Australian in any aspect of life. No, he has not cured cancer. No, he has not discovered life on another planet. And no, he has not given us world peace. What he has done is set THE example and inspire all Australians that through hard work, persistence and pure determination you can achieve anything you want in life. He is everything that Australians seek in their heroes…humble, passionate, confident, class. It’s ok not to care about sport but when those who do point out that one of your fellow countrymen has taken on the world in THE GREATEST contest of human endurance, mental toughness and lung busting, gut wrenching, heart breaking competition and claimed victory for our nation, then it’s worth applauding. ALL Australian’s from ALL walks of life should be proud and to pay due respect where appropriate. The ignorance from those who don’t value this achievement highly is not un-Australian, it is uneducated.
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I thought I’d do the right thing and look up what Mia Freedman has done in her lifetime, and yes Mia has done quite a bit. Promoting good body image and public speaking about it too. I’m sure nobody made a big fuss about Mia being the youngest editor for Cosmo in 1996 out of their 58 editions but instigating Cosmo’s Body Love policy in 1997 was obviously a high point and admirable.
What I find a bit frustrating however, is you didn’t pay Cadel the same respect, as I have done, to find out about you.
It might surprise you to find out what Cadel has done from a very young age to follow his dream and acton his humanitarian passions and beliefs. The amount of donations made throughout his career that has helped many, one, when he pledged his $50.000 first prize from the Herald Sun in 2007 to the Amy Gillet foundation and Ian Thorpe’s fountain for Youth and numerous other donations during his career and his well known support for Tibet and it’s culture.
Cadel’s career ‘has’ enabled him to save lives, inspire people and make a difference. He may not be a hero but he is a truly inspirational person and doesn’t make a fuss. I met him once during a book signing and the ushers had to get him to stop talking to me as there was a huge line-up. I was so happy to have met someone I do look up to and was reassured he was not a tool. His TDF achievement is an incredible feat and should be respected.
I read your article and agree about the ‘hero’ word’s overuse and maybe not calling him a hero, in the true sense of the word. Knowing the little but I know about him, he wouldn’t be comfortable with being called a ‘hero’ ether. After I read your article however, I watched your ‘Today’ segment with Karl, who didn’t run the segment with any professionalism, you made blase statements about things you had no idea about, It was very un-informed and, as a journo, you should know better. The response to your ‘hero’ opinion was certainly not the crux of the issue here. It really wouldn’t have taken you long to find out a bit more about him. Bad form really.
You are entitled to your opinion, as I am mine, but an opinion should have some substance behind it from both sides of the fence. Do a quick look on Google Mia, read his book, get some real info about him and pay him some respect as I have done for you.
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I think the point, Joel, is that Cadel isn’t being celebrated as a humanitarian. He’s being celebrated as a man who rides bicycles very fast. I completely agree with Mia – I don’t understand the tendency towards hero worship because you can run, ride, or hit things very well. Heroes, to me, are people who go beyond the normal call of life and dedicate themselves to bettering others’ lives.
It’s like the difference between Glen McGrath and Shane Warne. Both are extremely talented sportsmen, and both are hailed as heroes by many. Glen McGrath has done an awful lot of work to raise awareness of breast cancer outside of his sporting career, and Shane Warne is mostly famous for sending lewd texts and hooking up with multiple women. I know which one I would praise, and which one I think is a dingbat.
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I do understand what the point is, I agreed with Mia’s original article.
What I was frustrated with, as I think most here are, was Mia’s lack of professionalism in her craft when on the ‘Today’ show. I wasn’t going to make outlandish statements about Mia without doing any research. I think most, if not all, of the comments Mia made were completely untrue and un-researched.
Poor Glen McGrath was criticised for marrying too early after his wife died. What right do we have to do that? We don’t know what happened there at all. The poor bloke probably just fell in love again, plain and simple. I am not going to make rash statements about him on national television as I have nothing to back it up. That was my point.
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Why does Mia get paid ” as much as she does” for commentating on others lives. Mia gets paid to do what she loves, so does Cadel, I cant see the issue?
Mia’s entire philosophy indicates she believes in communism as she claims that people, whether they are the best in their field or not, should be remunaerated the same.
Mia also indicates that doctors and alike should be the ones in the news when they save someones life. Isn’t it amazing that a women who has spent her life commentating and reporting on generally superficial and useless information can knock the achievement of a sportsperson.
It’s time she looked in her own backyard and reviewed her own lifes achievments. If after this she feels qualified to comment, that would be interesting.
It was ok to call Jessica Watson a hero but it’s not ok to call Cadel a hero?
Very bold move by Mia to gain an audience.
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Then I must be in the vast minority too because I agree. The word “hero” is inappropriately used here.
Cadel is a brilliant role model and a huge success in the sporting arena, but that does not make him a hero.
I cheered along with everyone else over his fantastic victory and I admire his talent and hard work … but please, leave the word “hero” for those that fit the bill
I wonder what Cadel would have to say on this ??
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So, as requested previously Kathi, please define “hero.” And please explain how it is used innapropriately when independent definitions of the word clearly apply to Cadel?
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One would presume he would have better things to do than make comment on trash like the Today Show.
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Perhaps your mistake is that of forgetting the role of mountains in our lives. They are large and stunning as well as frightening. Symbols of power and strength. Writers of the classics as well as song writers see heroes as conquering things we don’t/can’t, like mountains.
For Cadel to ride for 20 days on the most mountainous terrain is not just admirable. Nineteen years of training, not giving up, constant and consistent hard work to achieve his goal.
It is an effort of heroic proportions, overcoming pain and exhaustion to be the best at this immense task of beating the elements.
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