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
Oh, one other thing. It’s impossible to be a professional cyclist at the highest level without living in Europe. During the off season, Cadel lives at Barwon Heads. Thus, it’s not even close to being a valid point. I realise it was early, but the kind of critique you launched this morning warrants a deeper level of research if it is to have any real teeth.
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Oh Mia, sounds like you are having a tough day. I always love your opinion and totally understand what your saying. You’ve never been vindictive or rude and I would never interpret what you say/write in that way. I agree with you about sportsman. In my eyes, everyone who has ever completed the Tour is amazing – not just the winner. I think children need role models who champion effort not just winning. People who always try their best are ‘heroic’ to me.
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Well, see there you go. I think you yourself have acknowledge the confusion of the word Hero… “I hope my children will look up to as a role model” – role model is a variance of the word Hero.
Lady GaGa can be classified as a role model for some.
A school prefect can be a role model for some.
Slightly different to a hero….
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Hi Mia,
Have just been looking at this story on the ABC about you http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2009/09/04/2677017.htm?site=not-regionalised&source=rss
Here you quote Lisa Wilkinson as being a hero, just wondering how many lives she has saved seeing this is your criteria for anyone to be called a hero?
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Hmmm, yes Mia Anonymous has a very valid point
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Geez Louise, Been trying to get here all day and comment. Over 1000 comments, Holy Hell.
There was no need whatsoever for the vitriol directed at Mia regardless of where you sit with the Cadel is or is not a hero issue. For the record, am happy for the guy. I love a positive moment that unites us as a nation, but I certainly don’t mind if someone else doesn’t feel the same way.
Seriously, the name calling says more about the person saying it than who it’s directed at. Calm down.
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Fuck I love you Bern.
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Me too – We need Bern on every page!
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Love that LOLYoda
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This picture, best reply yet.
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That is seriously funny!
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I couldn’t agree with you more Mia! You took the words out of my mouth.
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Dear Mia,
On behalf of some of the “super intelligent” human beings who feel verbal abuse is appropriate towards someones view whom they do not agree with, on behalf of cyclists and those of us who work in the cycling industry, I apologise.Nobody deserves abuse for simply having a different opinion.
The issue you correctly identified is that we do in most cases raise our sporting personalities to hero status. This is most obvious when you simply look at the treatment sports personalities within the football codes of union, league & AFL receive along with our cricketers, etc. Their inappropriate and arrogant behaviors are most often forgiven.
Having had the pleasure of meeting Cadel, I can assure you that he would be the last individual who would want to be classified as a hero and would feel quite uncomfortable with being classed as one.
Unfortunately for you, by (in some peoples view) discounting the achievement of Cadel, you have in their view been negative towards a sport that unfortunately is treated with no respect in Australia by the majority of the population.
Cycling is a minority sport with next to no recognition. Furthermore cyclist are continually abused themselves by the general public. This makes most of the cycling community a little sensitive.
To some up, I personally do not know any pro rider whether Australian or not who would feel comfortable as being labelled a hero. They obviously like being appreciated for their achievements, but not to the general level that some of the community raises them.
Cadel has achieved something amazing, sure. By becoming not only a world champion 2 years ago, but now winning cycling biggest event coming from a country whose general population looks at cycling as a third rate sport, he has achieved something that most of us with a passion for this sport did not believe would happen. Not for a long time anyway.
So lets appreciate him and every other athlete who competes in a non main stream sport for their continual drive and determination. Lets celebrate their achievement and lets acknowledge those athletes who treat themselves and other with respect and do not abuse their position as great role models.
Just an opinion from a cyclist and cycling industry member.
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Great post Steven
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Excellent post. Well put
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Great comment!
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Cadel is an Aussie hero for me, not just because he is a sportsperson but because he has consistently put in effort to achieve a goal that mane said he would never achieve.
I think many of us could learn a few valuable lessons from his determination and consistent effort.
However I also think that there are many other everyday heros doing great work helping people that never get the credit they deserve, but I think this problem goes much further then Sportspeople.
Celebrities, tv stars, sportspeople etc are put on a pedastal by aussies and I think the media takes advantage of this to get ratings and makes the problems even worse.
I support you having your own opinion but I think you could have expressed it without discrediting Cadel as an AUstralian, “He doesn’t even live here” well if he did he would have to be flying to Europe every week to complete at the world level.
He is every bit an Australian and I think the only un-australian thing you said today was discounting his Australian Status by pointing out that he lives for much of the year in Switzerland. Are Australian Actors living in Hollywood still Australian?
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Good on you Mia… yes, lets celebrate Cadel’s victory however the word “hero” is such a commodity these days.
It has lost its true meaning and has been bastardised by the media and so overused, much like Mariah Carey’s song “Hero” that has been played to death and lost the true meaning of the word… I refer to tryhards as “heroes” and I usually sing a couple of lines to the Chorus of “hero” By Mariah Carey to them… “there’s a herooooooo”… LOL
It just goes to show the amount of mindless brain dead zombies in Australia. Talk of a public holiday? Get real!
He is not a hero, sure, an inspiration to others in terms of perseverance and achieve one’s personal goals but definitely not a hero. Definitely not in the same category as a police hero or a war hero.
FFS next thing we will be categorising Snooki from Jersey Shore as a “hero”. We really need to stand back and appreciate the meaning of the word rather than loosely throw it around.
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So is the word “love” but hey, when I say to my partner that I love her I mean it. Cadel is a hero to more people (not just sports fans) than many others labelled a “hero” and I mean that too
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I think what has upset the public on this issue is that you have spoken so strongly about it without any real knowledge of the sport or this man in particular.
You were flippant and just blew his achievement away with little thought and little knowledge and that is the impression that most people were left with.
This was not dinner table conversation…you were on national TV and miscalculated badly
Yes, all high achievers should be lauded for their wonderful pursuits. No question.
No-one would argue that, but in this world with all the shitty, horrible news and negativity broughtto us by the media everyday, let the people enjoy the pleasure that Cadel’s and similar achievements bring.
Sorry you’ve had a crap day because of your comments but next year watch the SBS coverage and see this event for what it is. Then you will be better informed.
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‘Sacrifice’ seems to be being thrown around a lot as a characteristic you must have to be a hero. Does a fantastic neurosurgeon who saves hundreds of lives, while earning $1 million a year really experience ‘sacrifice’?
And if not, does this mean they are not a hero?
And an Australian doctor, working for Medecins Sans Frontieres in Sudan, are they not an ‘Australian hero’?
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8 weeks ago I had a brain tumour removed by a very well known Neurosurgeon, I learnt no matter how much a neurosurgeon earns they ‘sacrifice’ so much of their personal time and their relationships suffer. Sacrifice can be more than just financial.
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Dear Mia,
I think your comments are ignorant.
A hero is defined as someone who in the face of danger and adversity or from a position of weakness, display courage and the will for self sacrifice—that is, heroism—for some greater good of all humanity. This definition originally referred to martial courage or excellence but extended to more general moral excellence.
Cadel’s ride may not have instantly saved anyone’s life or anything like the scientists you consider hero’s. But he was courageous and faced adversity to win the worlds toughest bike race. He is also heralded for being clean (no doping) in a sport riddled with cheating.
Cadel has inspired many to get off the couch and get active. Which in this day and age is as good a hero as any.
Im not saying that I don’t agree with you about doctors and scientists being hero’s and they get their days. But as far as I know none of them did anything at two am last night. But Cadel did. It’s his turn.
Science gets its accolades when they are due.
Cadel is a worthy “hero” and does a lot to inspire and encourage all Australians.
Unlike you who only brings us down.
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Dear Mia. THANK YOU for speaking your opinion, which is, in my opinion too, one of common sense. While I certainly love watching these highly skilled athletes in whatever sport they choose to excel in – I stayed up most nights these past three weeks cheering on Cadel – and am certainly proud that they’re Australian, I totally agree that they’re not the heroes that we make them out to be.
And I too found it horribly grotesque that while there’s been such terrible events around the world – close to 150 dead in Norway and China – the main front page headline instead chooses to scream of Cadel. This is reflective of a larger problem in our society – that the audience would rather ignore thought-provoking news in favour of feel-good stories, and that the media wants articles that will sell papers, regardless of which people SHOULD hear about. In fact, the sum total of coverage about the Chinese train accident in the Age was about a 2×4″ column buried in the tiny “World news” segment today. Compared to page after page of “Cadel Evans”… that a NEWSpaper has tens of times more popular stories and lifestyle than it does of what would traditionally be classed as ‘News’ speaks to a bigger problem in itself, but that’s a whole other issue…
Not that I’m saying that Cadel’s achievement isn’t worthy of celebration and publicity. Indeed, by all means, go for it. However, he’s just a man, riding a bike. Riding it extremely well, even superlatively well, but after all’s been said and done, he’s riding a bike. You’re absolutely spot on in saying that we should in the same way be celebrating the doctors, the nurse looking after patients, the social worker who gets kids off the street. And not just the people at pinnacle of their fields, but EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM, for they’re more of heroes to me than an athlete could be.
However, your little dig at “… [Cadel] not even live in Australia”, THAT we could’ve done without. So, he lives where his job is, and the cycling community is based in Europe and the States. Now if an Australian surgeon or a social worker (by your definition and mine too, heroes) lived and worked in a third world country… would that then be un-Australian of them too?
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Mia, I could not agree with you more.
I am pleased for Cadel. It’s a fantastic personal achievement. I think it’s awesome that an Australian won, and good on him – particularly as he had a hard time of it and setbacks along the way.
But good on lots of other people who have succeeded against the odds through persistence and hard work.
And special kudos to the ones who do it in a field to benefit others.
There are others out there who agree with you, Mia. Don’t let the turkeys get you down.
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Hi Mia. It seems odd that you were the person who first brought up the term ‘hero’ in your analyisis. Most of the news I’ve seen (and, in particular, the few occasions where the term ‘hero’ was used) qualifies the use of the term by using ‘sporting’ as a prefix. I don’t think anyone would claim he is a hero in the true sense of the word, but your argument seems to be based on a purely prescriptive use of the term.
One thing worth noting is that he is a sportsperson with a conscience, and that he has used his sporting prowess to advocate on behalf of Tibetans. He is also vehemently anti-doping, and is a strong supporter of programs and foundations to reduce the amount of cycling fatalities on our roads.
While he has not saved people’s lives, the fact that he does do work to benefit others and has now won the biggest annual sporting event in the world surely warrants some degree of enthusiasm. If not, I am sorry that you do not get any joy out of seeing other, worthy people succeed in something in a way we can all be proud of.
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I am sure it has been said by more than one of cadel’s supporters but if you do some research into who cadel is you will see a person that also gives more than enough of himself to the traits you would call a hero. I suggest you buy a raffle ticket for the bike he has previously ridden in order to support his and the other people who are extending his work to support each specific charity. He is a great athlete, there is no question his achievement is better than any footballer/cricket player, he has just won the third most watched sporting event in the world (behind the olympics and the world cup soccer)
He may not be your hero but he is for many, for sporting achievements and much more than you know!
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Mia I think you hit the nail on the head. Not only is it true that we somewhat bizarely worship sporting achievers as heros but the media ‘worships’ and gives voice to way too many self absorbed egotists in general (eg Andrew Bolt, reality TV stars and (morning show hosts), but clearly dont want to have question or justify this. Cadel’s journey is certainly an interesting example of what a determined sportsperson can do with persistance, hard work and a bit of luck, and I find it inspiring..but he is a sporting hero, not a national hero.
Stay strong Mia.
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I agree with you, Mia.
I haven’t watched the clip of the show, but it sounds like you might have worded it badly. Plus, like religion and politics, the view that sport is not the be-all&end-all is not something that people can have a rational discussion about. The women at work treat me as a bit of a joke re sport – “Do you know who won the X last night… Oh, why am I asking you??”
Yes it’s great that this guy won the TDF, even better that he’s Australian. Congratulations on the culmination of many years’ work. As an apparently happily married man who’s apparently clean of drugs, he’s a good role model for kids.
But I wouldn’t call him a hero. Some people may regard him as heroic, and they’re free to do that, but I don’t. For me, that word applies to a friend who, for some years, has single-handedly cared for her elderly & demented father at their home. The only way she manages a night out is to find a friend to Dadsit.
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I’m not a sports fan in the least, but I am extremely proud when our country is represented on a world stage and comes out on top. I also completely respect somebody who puts blood, sweat and tears into something and achieves what they set out to do. Deliberate or not, Mia’s comments came across as belittling and condescending to people who do not think the same as she does.
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Whilst I generally agree with you abouts sportsmen, I think you are missing the point about Cadel generally and possibly some research would have helped.
Australia has barely got behind Cadel before this point, even with 2 seconds in the Tour de france where finishing is an amazing achievement in itself. He has been hugely criticised, people didnt believe in him, his team didnt support him, he has had the worst luck imaginable… and he overcame that. He has never been popular, Australians barely recognised his name, until now, the same cant be said for football players etc. He was criticised for supporting Tibet for indicating that he didnt want what happened to indigenous Australians to happen to Tibet…Cadel is pretty awesome, and he deserves the accolades he is finally getting.
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have you seen any of the work cadel has done for tibet? http://www.smh.com.au/news/general/evans-gears-up-for-a-free-tibet-tour/2008/06/13/1213281291062.html
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I’m not sure why “ignorance” keeps getting thrown around like a dirty word, like it’s a crime not to know about the sporting achievements of Australians. Mia seems informed about a lot of things, and there’s no reason a cycling event should be high on that list.
I think it is sad that our country is so fixated on sporting heroes. In high school we celebrated the sporting achievements of my peers when there were many who had, in my opinion, much more impressive achievements in other areas. What kind of message did this send to the kids who didn’t excel in sports?
To all the people who are saying that they would like to see Mia cycle… well, I’d like to see Karl deliver humanitarian aid, perform life changing surgery, develop alternative energy or contribute to nuclear disarmament.
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I don’t think too many people have an issue with ignorance, rather people are taking umbrage against those who comment on something they are ignorant about. Personally I don’t give two hoots if Mia or anyone else don’t know who Cadel Evans is. But if you don’t know about him, don’t comment on him.
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I think one of the greatest tragedies of this whole debate is that people are now diminishing Cadel Evans’ achievements in order to defend Mia.
If a sportsperson doesn’t fit the literal definition of a hero: fine. If he didn’t ‘save anyone’s life’ (Mia’s words): fine. Those are completely irrelevant issues.
He just won the Tour de France. An amazing achievement and one that should be celebrated, not criticised, cut-down, disparaged and underplayed.
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Mia, I’m with you re: the overuse of the word ‘hero’ with sportspeople, I think that is taken a bit far at times and I draw the line at ‘worship’. But I’m also a fan of bicycle roadracing, and have followed the Tour de France for years. I understand you have limited interest in or knowledge of this event, but for an Australian to come out on top of this very physical, tactical, dangerous and endurance testing event is a huge achievement. There is no other event like this in the world of roadracing. I would be flat out driving up the Col du Telegraph or the Alpe D’Huez let alone cycling up the darn things at the end of 100 kms. Heck, I’m flat out cycling the 2 kms to work
Yes, I admire the athletes that do this. Yes, I enjoy the spectacle, it’s my choice, just as I don’t like watching other things. I wasn’t particularly ‘proud to be Australian’ as such (I’m proud of that anyways) but U was excited and happy for Cadel and his team, knowing what they go through, that it’s not just the race but the prep and the training that has paid off. I understand that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but a little respect of the achievement is not too much to ask for. Of course there is an element of personal glory in there, but it’s not the be all and end all, and was, perhaps, a little disrespectful.
I’m sad that some chose to be a little stronger in their reaction to your opinion, Cadel’s win is great to those who like this sort of thing, but really, where was all the fanfare from media other than SBS and the cycling media when he was winning stages or other races and finishing on the podium – that is more the producers and bosses that have suddenly put that onus on presenters and they should have been able to anticipate outcomes imo.
Good on you for being you.
However, I still like listening to you and reading your blog
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This post has got a lot of men for the first time. Interesting
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Mia: When you learned that Karl’s intent was to discuss Cadel, Cadel, and Cadel’s victory, it should have been an indication that your setup to fail. To present yourself in public, you need to remove your personal attachments and remain objective. There are different perspectives of what a hero should be and no matter what the dictionary defines the word to be, it will always be a subjective one.
Australian culture is so tightly knitted to sports and you have underestimated this relationship. In India is Bollywood, in Australia its sports and this affair has been evident for decades.
The point I am trying to make here is do not let your emotions triumph over you and remember there are always differing opinions and subjections.
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I am very proud of Cadel Evans today. He achieved something that only very few people will ever achieve. Without doubt, his win will inspire many to take up the sport of cycling. Without doubt, people already involved in the the sport will be inspired to try and better his result. Today, Evans became a hero to many individuals for a countless number of different reasons.
As I say, I’m extremely proud of Cadel but he is personally not one of my heroes. I know for a fact that I will never win this great race or even be considered fit enough to participate. But credit where credit is due. This win will be talked about forever, perhaps even falling onto the “where were you when you heard about it” list.
So, with much pride I applaud this great achievement and offer respect to the man for his efforts.
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I completely agree with Mia. Sportsmen can bring people together & they do achieve great things, but let’s not kid ourselves here, they are doing it for themselves, first & foremost.
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Please take the time to understand the nature of the sport of cycling and the sheer suffering that this man has gone through to win this race. It is through endeavours like this that we are all enhanced as human beings and not just part of a mundane life with no purpose.
A doctor who dedicates his life to curing a disease would receive great rewards and accolades too. The average doctor would earn many many times what an average cyclist would earn.
It was a big mistake for you to pick on this example. I would be interested to hear from you after you have read about Cadel’s life story.
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Amen to that. I agree 100%
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I think I am the real hero. Having had less than 4 hours sleep most nights for the last 3 weeks due to late night Tour addiction, I have still managed to look after my three young boys with a happy face. I don’t even like sport!
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Just because we hold a sportsperson up as a hero doesn’t mean we can’t have other professions as heros as well. WE can have both. Its not a case of sport vs the arts vs nursing. ALL can be heros.
You are seriously sad if you can’t see that this is achievement personified. Hard work pays off. Proud to be Australian pays off. Sining the national anthem gives us pride. Swmming laps and jumping high may not be your thing, silver spoon, but it is many many others. Be proud of their achievements.
You are a sad sack with no real grasp on what occurs in the real world. People wnt heroes. Help them have them don’t hinder.
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Couple of points
1) Check the list of the past 10 ‘Australians of the Year’ – 5 have been scientists/doctors and 2 have been sports people.
2) I note that when Jessica Watson completely her voyage around the world, Mia ;abelled her a hero writing ‘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.’ So – why is Watson a hero when, as mia writes above, ‘heroes are people who help other people or who somehow work selflessly to benefit others’?
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Arrrh so Mia is one of those cyclist haters? it all makes sense now
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Your quote is a little selective. My impression from that article is that the jury was out for Mia …
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Okay, I’ve just come over here from your Twitter feed and now I understand a bit better what you’re getting at. I’m going to AMAZE you by telling you I don’t agree though
There are many kinds of heroes, and I don’t think that heroism can simply be confined to the narrow classification of “people who help other people”. There is also the Joseph Campbell definition: “A hero ventures forth from the world of common day into a region of supernatural wonder: fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory is won: the hero comes back from this mysterious adventure with the power to bestow boons on his fellow man” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monomyth) – this theme comes back time and time again in the great stories told by cultures all over the world, so it is clear that it has a resonance with humans.
I think another form of hero is the one who pits him/herself against an enormous challenge, and this is the category into which Cadel Evans falls, IMO. Great strength, both of body and spirit, has been revered for pretty much all of human history. It captures the imagination and inspires people to go further than they might otherwise have done. Heroes go where other people might not dare, and they bring back to the rest of the world the idea that hey, maybe they just might be able to do something like that too.
Cadel’s achievement in winning the Tour de France is enormous. It’s taken him years to get this far, and has involved considerable sacrifice. He’s put his body and mind through tests of endurance that would make most other people quail. For me, he’s a hero. (By the way, he does use his achievements to help others, through the charities whose work he supports.)
I hope this helps in some way to explain why some of us regard Cadel as a hero. I also hope your day is going a bit better & people are easing up on you. I really don’t understand the howls of rage. :/ Don’t let the idiots and trolls get you down.
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I agree with Mia.
When I was in high school, if a student won a backyard football game they got a medal at assembly. I won an Australia wide drama competition and it wasn’t even mentioned. Sports took up 40 pages of the year book and art and drama got 10. Combined.
I felt the same when Jessica Watson won Young Australian of the Year. Sailing solo around the world is hard, obviously, but it didn’t change the lives of anyone. What about teenagers who run youth camps? Or are concert pianists? Or are full time carers to parents with disabilities? Or get university admission at 16?
I do know why sport is so popular though. Because there’s a tangible conclusion. Someone is always the best at it and you can’t argue with the outcome. It’s not subjective. It’s not like the Oscars, Logies, Nobel Prizes, Pulitzers… if you go the fastest, you win at sport.
It’s the only profession that you can actually be the best at. You can’t ever be the best actor, the best doctor, the best writer, because it’s impossible to measure those things.
That’s why it’s so easy to celebrate sport.
I respect the enthusiasm, but personally I don’t relate. I also don’t own a TV so when people started tweeting ‘Go Cadel!’, I admit I had to google him to figure out who he was.
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Totally agree. There was a young fellow who volunteered at St Vincent de Paul who was also a finalist for Young Australian of the Year. I can’t understand why Jessica Watson won it for a selfish achievement.
‘Be born into privilege. Leave school against advice. Seek corporate sponsors. Achieve a personal goal which has no benefit to the community. Win Australian of the Year.’
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AGREE!!!!!! AGREE!!!!! AGREE!!!!!!!
Thank you Mia for standing by your opinion and not just being sheep.
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Mia, I think I can help you understand. Sport is a distillation of human struggle. Like any story, it is a metaphor for life. That is why we are interested, and that is why we celebrate those who win. Not because it is inherently interesting to cycle all over France at an average of 40km per hour.
The thing that you win can be anything – it is what Hitchcock called “the macguffin”. The viewer doesn’t even have to know what the macguffin is – we just know that the protagonist/s want it. And as they struggle against the elements, the geography, inner and interpersonal conflict, chance and time their character is revealed. And we recognise in their struggle that it is the same as our own struggle with life: to achieve our dreams and desires or just to survive.
So when people call Cadel a hero, they mean he is a hero in the same way that Achilles or Jason Bourne is a hero. Not some one who saves lives, but someone who represents us all as we try to live a good and meaningful life. As a writer you should understand that!
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Ah thank you, you said what I was trying to, far more clearly than I could manage.
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Very well put!!! who is Jason Bourne?
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just passing through … I don’t understand why you think Mia, as a writer, should understand the ‘macguffin’. You’re like people who also think writers should know and understand the meaning of all 600,000 words in the dictionary! Or are you just showing off?
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Whether you were asked for your opinion or not, it probably was not the smartest choice to belittle a persons achievements whether important in your eyes or not. Especially when the recipients of your opinion haven’t slept for 21 days….. It made me feel great to see him reach his goal as it did when we beat New Zealand in the netball and Sth Africa in the Rugby, and you know what when those champions of sport visit children at the childrens hospital it makes them feel great for a while too I know I have seen there little faces… So what is wrong with that?
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I’ve sat up to watch many hours of the tour and literally couldn’t be prouder of another Australian’s achievement, regardless of the endevour or field.
However, a different opinion doesnt give me the right to attack another’s with such conviction and anger.
If Mia was your daughter/sister/mother would you treat her the same way? Tolerance people. We’re all different.
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Agree with Mia Evans is an inspiration indeed but terms like ” hero” are thrown around too frequently that real heroes are lost in translation. Good on him, he worked hard he total deserves the victory and adulation but please people, stop the name calling on both sides.
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I disagree. You have to spend some time watching the Tour to really appreciate how inspiring Cadel’s win is. Cadel is a hero. There are many heroes, many of whom are quiet achievers. Who are we to judge who is a hero in someone else’s eyes? Surely one’s definition of a hero is a subjective term. We are a nation that is crying out for a good news story and today we got it.
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Mia, I’m sorry you were so abused today.
I really enjoy reading your column. I think that people who have been following Cadel for so many years want to spend some time celebrating his win and not hearing negatives. Maybe do some research on his history and his contribution and the australian feeling towards him.
I hope that your afternoon is better than your morning : )
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bit personal and offensive don’t you think. You can let your displeasure be known without being rude.
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Mia, My partner has always been a big fan of yours and she was encouraging you to stop this morning. I’m a big sports fan and I found Cadel’s efforts inspiration. You don’t have to categorise him as a “hero” but you should respect the fact that others do. You presnted yourself very poorly this morning. You presented like it wasn’t something you were interested and therefore I can’t believe we are talking about it. It’s not like he saved anyone life?? Just wondering how many you have saved today??
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and at what point did Mia claim to have saved someones life?
Read things carefully Mark
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I think it’s more the fact that Karl chose that to be the ONLY topic of discussion. There were a lot of newsworthy subjects this weekend. RE your last question – at what point did Mia make herself out to be a hero?
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Hi Mia. I posted this on SBS’ Cycling Central Facebook Page a short time ago:
“I have mixed feelings about this. I can understand her stance, and I think the point she is making is a valid one. It’s just that she was a little too aggressive in her original comments.
I’m sure most of us have a sport that we just don’t care about. For me, it is AFL. When AFL players are lauded as “heroes” because of their sporting feats, I think “whatever”. I just don’t care. On the other side, are AFL fans who couldn’t understand all the fuss when Australia qualified for the FIFA World Cup Finals in 2006. To them, it meant nothing. Clearly, for Mia, it is cycling. She doesn’t feel the same about it as us. And that’s okay.
It seems to me that people are getting swept up in the emotion of Cadel’s achievement. Sure, it was an incredible result for him and for Australian cycling, but it’s still just sport. There’s no need to play the national anthem at the start of your TV show and call for a public holiday. Ultimately, this is Cadel’s sporting moment, not Australia’s. He won it for himself, not us cycling fans.
The hate Mia is receiving for speaking her mind is unjustified and immature. To me, it speaks a great deal for the attitude of Australians. That we instantly look to abuse others for their alternative viewpoint rather than accept it and maybe even learn from it. I see it all the time. The government’s carbon tax is the perfect example.”
I hope you have time to read some of it.
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Very respectfully put. Nicely done.
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I totaly agree with you!
every athlele does it for himself! its a good thing for the country he represents but dosen t make any difference in our lives!
so chin up!
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go Mia! In my eyes you’re the hero!
I’m sorry to hear that you had to cop so much flack. Its a disgrace.
It seems some Australian sports lovers are feeling a bit insecure to react from the neanderthal part of their brains like that. Maybe there’s been too much in the press about culture or art lately, (not that I’ve noticed)and that’s always very threatening..people might start evolving and actually becoming civilized!
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I think the problem is that the mass audience is too reactionary to take a second to differentiate between the use of the word ‘hero’ as opposed to acknowledging a great sporting achievement.
I agree that Cadel is not a ‘hero’….I would consider someone who wins a Victoria Cross for bravery on the front line to be a ‘hero’. Cadel is a high performer in his field, as are many other people, and through this high performance he has now succeeded at acheiving a great test of his skill and performance (aka Tour de France) and this should be celebrated.
I think people throw the word ‘hero’ around, without really thinking about what it means, but get very sensitive when they perceive someone is dissing Cadel’s achievement.
Either way, no excuse for vitriole and I’m sure they wouldn’t do it (ie. have the guts) to your face…aaahhh the buffer that a computer provides for plain old bad behaviour/manners.
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I think hero is the wrong word to describe Cadel Evans winning the Tour. and I totally agree with you, the word hero is flung around too much and for the wrong reasons. I watched the tour, in fact I haven’t for the last two weeks, I would call these guys legends. and there were plenty of them in this years Tour, like Johnny Hoogerland and Juan Antonio Flecha who got taken out by that media car. To have a public holiday is going massively over board, people just want more excuses to have days off. An organised ride or race day would be much more fitting and probably something Cadel would approve of more. that’s just my opinion however and I play sport at a high level.
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1,040 comments…. Wowza!
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Mia I agree with you. It is wonderful for Cadel Evans to have won in his sport, but why do our media play it up so much. And if they have to, why not treat all Australian sports heros equally. No call for a public holiday for the Australian netball team.
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Thats because it is netball and you play every week for what 40 min? really great the girls won but get a grip they are not even in the same league. This is the biggest sporting event in the world
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I’ll think you’ll find the Olympics or the Football World Cup are the biggest sporting events in the world…
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The tour is widely recognised as the largest sporting event in the world. Its patronage (albeit estimated) is higher than any other sporting event including the ones you have mentioned.
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hmmm do some research Bee you will find that many more people attend and watch this event every year, year in year out. not every 3 or 4
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Largely because it wasn’t the first time Australia won the Netball world champs.
The adulation is there because he was the first Australian to win the TdF – an event Australians have been trying to win for 30+ years, and also an event that has been held almost 100 times.
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