What. A. Moment.
After Ash Barty’s historic Wimbledon win a week ago, to another momentous occasion for women in tennis—the Original 9 have been inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame!
The stand the Original 9 took, led by tennis icon Billie Jean King, created one of the most powerful movements in women’s sport when the WTA was formed with the infamous one-dollar contracts signed by nine women wanting to drive change in tennis in 1970.
For a deep dive on that historic moment, we recommend this piece by Lindsay Gibbs for her newsletter Power Plays. And speaking of Lindsay Gibbs, her tweet on the weekend about the Original 9’s induction got us thinking.
It’s such a tough position, and one familiar to many in our #womeninsport community who are also making their own content, recording podcasts, writing blog posts and doing their best to elevate women’s sports. We do this for the love of it, mostly for free and in our spare time. And when we take those breaks, have those Sunday sleep-ins or take a social media reprieve for self care, we can so easily miss these moments. And if we miss those moments, they really do seem to disappear.
Lindsay is right, this history needs to be blasted everywhere, and if those of us in the alternative media space are not blasting them, apparently no one else is. At Siren, we’ll continue to do as much as we can, but we can’t do everything. We hope that those who have the power, the paid positions and the employment at other platforms can step-up, and do these moments justice. So we’re not all feeling guilty for the times we miss them.
Siren co-founder Kate O’Halloran was on Broad Radio this morning talking all things Olympics. If you missed it, you can check out the recording here. And if you weren’t able to make the Ahead of the Game: Sport, Storytelling and Symbolism event Kasey Symons helped to organise at The Wheeler Centre, the recording is now live.
ICYMI
Last week, the amazing Angela Pippos made her Siren Sport debut with this piece looking at the use of ‘ladies’ in sport, be sure to check it out!
In this issue
We have a blockbuster edition for you this week! Our newest Deakin University intern Felicity Smith makes her Siren debut with a reflection on Rock Climber Louise Shepherd. Kel Rowe shares what it’s like to be part of a community footy club in many varying ways. And we look toward the Olympics, with Kirby Fenwick’s dive into the Olympic history books, and Mary Konstantopoulos’ interview with Water Polo captain Rowie Webster.
The Many Hats of a Community Football Club Member
By Kel Rowe
In her Siren debut, Kel Rowe documents the many roles she has at her community footy club, highlighting the importance of passionate volunteers to clubs.
Trad Climbing needs to stray from its traditional routes
By Felicity Smith
Felicity Smith reflects on moments from rock climbing star Louise Shepherd’s ’80s trad career while looking at the changes climbing needs to make to embrace the community groove.
Five moments from the history of the Olympic Games
By Kirby Fenwick
Of the 488 Australian athletes headed to Tokyo, 261 are women. Here are some of the women who paved the way for today’s superstars to shine.
Rowie Webster is Ready to Lead in and Out of the Pool
By Mary Konstantopoulos
Siren Collaborator Mary Konstantopoulos speaks to Aussie Stingers captain Rowie Webster about fighting for gold in a very different Olympic Games.
In a first for the M.L.B. in the US, a game will be called entirely by women.
Get to know one of Australia’s newest Olympic heroes, Saya Sakakibara! Sakakibara’s inspiring and heartwarming story has made us all the more excited to cheer her on in Tokyo.
Naomi Osaka details the layered criticism she received when she revealed she was representing Japan in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics.
The four time Grand Slam champion is also depicted powerfully on the cover of Vogue Hong Kong while rocking some rad oversize tennis racket earrings. We love seeing Naomi claim her space in sports media on her terms.
The Australian Women’s Wheelchair Basketball team lineup has been announced! The Australian Gliders are heading to Tokyo for the Paralympics and we couldn’t be more excited. Good luck everyone!
Coco Gauff has tested positive for Covid and has withdrawn from Tokyo. Our thoughts go out to her during this tough time and all the athletes who are in Tokyo at such an uncertain time.
Another big omission from Tokyo is Opal Liz Cambage.
Cambage’s exit is complicated, and Tracey Holmes discusses how there has always been a contingent of Australians who dislike her confidence both on and off the basketball court.
Marissa Lordanic interviews Tegan Micah for ESPN. Plus Molly Appleton previews Australia’s Matildas team for Tokyo.
Michelle O’Shea and Sarah Duffy talk about gender equality in the Olympics, noting that this year's collection of competitors are 48.8% women.
New Netball Australia CEO Kelly Ryan is putting all the right steps forward as she gave constant media access and transparency as the Super Netball navigates the latest Covid challenge. Keep up the great work Kelly!
And she’s back on the pitch! After being diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in February, Rebekah Stott took the field again last week and we are so thrilled for her!
Runner up
More amazing women in sport in bronze? We love to see it! Congratulations Nova Peris!