199 / Sports Heros
Don't speak out against the Australian habit of calling successful athletes heros, you'll be vilified.
This is what Mia Freedman found out when she made a comment in her radio show that she was happy for Cadel Evans
(you know, he won some cycle race or another) but "ambivalent about the over-the-top adulation we lavish on sports stars."
Couldn't agree more, love her sentiment, will fight to the death to defend her right to express it. Here's my letter to her:
Hi Mia,
I just read your article in the Sunday Herald ... all the abuse aside, I hope you'll come to see the whole episode in a positive light. I commend you for speaking up, and no, your timing was not lousy: It was courageous (even if it doesn't seem like that to you, and even if your show of courage was unintentional.)
It is a given that voicing an unpopular opinion will lead to controversy when you have a large audience. I'm sorry for the abuse - that is so Australian - but take it on the chin and be assured the point you're making - while sooo unAustralian - is agreed with by a minority. Importantly, it is so rarely expressed, any mention of it is appreciated. You have done good.