Siren 65: Pride in community sport, Alyce Wood, AFLW trade period & more
A Women in Sport Collective
Today we awoke to the news that Naomi Osaka has dropped out of competing at the French Open and will take some time away from tennis.
We are so sad that her need to distance herself from media to protect her mental health, and desire to draw attention to press conferences practices, has resulted, not in an open conversation, but such backlash that we have pushed an athlete out from the sport she loves when she was calling out for help.
Last week Osaka tweeted that she would not be doing post-match press conferences at the upcoming French Open:
Osaka chose to use her platform as one of the most famous and influential athletes in the world to bring attention to the serious issue of athletes’ mental health, and the impact the media has in this respect. But her actions did not drive a broader conversation about mental health, athletes protection and media.
Media, event organisers, fans and fellow athletes were quick to jump on Osaka to admonish her for this stance, effectively proving the point the tennis player was trying to make. And while athletes have responsibilities to use their voice and image to promote their sport, communicate with their fans and provide a connection for sponsorship and ad revenue, they also have the right to challenge the processes. They have a right to ask for consideration, for protection and to open the conservation for how sports media and athletes can work together for better coverage, more meaningful coverage and more creative coverage.
We 100% support this kind of conversation. We support any athlete who uses their platform to challenge the status quo. And we know that not everyone agrees with the steps Osaka has taken, and are calling out that as an athlete, this is part of the job. But that doesn’t mean we can’t take the time to hear her, and other athletes’ concerns and ideas for change. We can use Osaka’s stance to reflect, ask questions and think about what works and what doesn’t in sports media. And any kind of conversation that serves to better the media landscape for athletes, journalists and broadcasters can only be positive and productive. Let’s always invite these conversations to continue to rally for change rather than banish players for having a voice.
In this issue
This week, Fitzroy Football Club’s Kirsty Marshall shares why Pride rounds are so important to amateur sporting clubs and their communities. Official Siren Collaborator Mary Konstantopoulos shares the story of Alyce Wood as she prepares for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, and Gemma Bastiani analyses each AFLW club with the trade and sign period underway.
Our very own Kasey Symons was on The Minefield with Waleed Aly and Scott Stephens discussing whether it’s ever okay to abandon your team. Kasey also spoke on ABC Radio about Naomi Osaka’s mental health stance.
New date!
Kate O’Halloran and our inaugural Emerging Sports Writer Program participant Courtney Hagen will be appearing in this excellent event from the Wheeler Centre as part of their Broadly Speaking series. Due to Victoria’s lockdown, the event has been rescheduled for July 13. If you have tickets, they will remain valid for the new date otherwise grab yours now!
Why Pride Rounds in amateur adult sport will always be important
By Kirsty Marshall
Fitzroy FC player Kirsty Marshall writes on her experience playing in a Pride Game and what this kind of celebration and visibility means to her.
Alyce Wood: Tokyo is a family affair
By Mary Konstantopoulos
While these Olympics will be different with a lack of crowds, Mary Konstantopoulos shares why, for canoer Alyce Wood, it will be a family affair.
AFLW Trade & Sign Period: what does your club need?
By Gemma Bastiani
Another AFLW trade and sign period is upon us, with a number of big name players rumoured to be finding new homes. To get you up to speed, we’ve analysed each club, their list changes so far, and the kinds of roles they’ll be looking to fill.
Watch this:
And then read this: The best debut in netball history? Vixens reap rewards of late call-up
What a debut for Rahni Samason and what a round of Super Netball!
For more on the young guns coming through Super Netball, check out this Netball Scoop chat with West Coast Fever’s Emma Cosh.
From the ABC’s Brittany Carter, Meet Gabby Coffey, the new Indigenous star on the rise in Super Netball
Liz Ellis looks at what has changed at the highest level in netball after the 2020 Indigenous Round and the ensuing fallout.
There was some big broadcasting news last week for the W-League. There’s still some questions about what this means for the women’s comp.
Check out the latest episode of The Far Post for more on the broadcast deal (plus lots of other things!). And don’t miss this rundown of how the Matildas stars went in England this season.
Add these dates to your diaries!
Elite women's rugby league team travels 4,000km to play 'home' game
The Australian women’s water polo team for the Tokyo games has been announced. Among those selected is Rowie Webster, who Siren caught up with last year.
Australian boxer, Caitlin Parker discusses her journey to the Tokyo Olympic Games.
Carlee Taylor on what it takes to be a professional cyclist. Plus Lauren Kitchen retires from pro peloton.
Eating disorders and energy deficiency: athletes straddle fine line in pursuit of goals
It’s a long and complex journey for the Aussie Spirit who left for Tokyo yesterday.
WNBA coach suspended, fined for comment about Liz Cambage's weight.
Megan Hustwaite caught up with Shyla Heal to chat about her debut for the Chicago Sky in the WNBA.
Tess Madgen looks set for her first Olympics with the Opals, Siren collaborator Mary Konstantopoulos chats with Tess.
Two women are spearheading a new generation of Garbutt Magpies stars.
The AFLW Sign and Trade period kicked off yesterday, make sure you’re following Siren’s AFLW Oracle Gemma Bastiani for all the trade details.