Earlier this week, a photograph was posted to Facebook of AFLW player Tayla Harris mid-kick, foot pointing to the sky. Yet rather than admire the power and athleticism of the Carlton forward, a number of trolls targeted it with a series of disgusting sexist comments, comments so vile that Channel 7 felt compelled to remove it from its AFL page.
In the wake of it all, Tayla would be forgiven for getting upset. For throwing a few choice insults. For getting down-right p***ed.
But instead, she’s launched a challenge. Not to the strangers who seemed to think it was OK to sexualise and objectify her, but to the rest of us who saw the photograph for what it was: a sports star at her best.
It’s called the #TaylaKickChallenge, and it’s another step in her effort to drown out the trolls.
In a video posted to Twitter, the 21-year-old invited fans to share images or footage of themselves imitating her now-famous drop punt.
“Good morning everybody… except online trolls,” she said, with a smile. “I’ve got a brand-new pair of Nike footy boots that I will sign and give away to anyone who can do the best impersonation of my kick.
“Just post a photo or video. Make sure to hashtag ‘taylakickchallenge’ on your post and I’ll pick a winner and send out the boots.”
The post has so far attracted thousands of reactions and dozens of entries from footy fans of all ages and genders, but especially young girls.
Many (less-limber) folks wisely noted the potential risk to their hamstrings, and offered words of support instead.
READ MORE:
- How a remarkable photo of AFL player Tayla Harris united Australian fans against trolls.
- ‘Fellow players.’ What we now know about some of the troll comments on photos of AFLW players, like Tayla Harris.
- The men’s AFL photos that say everything about the trolling of Tayla Harris.
- sdfsdf
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Top Comments
Love it, she is just awesome
Love it!
That is how you take control back