The year of “sportswashing”

2022 has been the stage for some of the world’s largest sporting events, but from February’s Beijing Winter Olympics to the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Qatar they have been mired in political controversy.

Scott Morrison’s sports rorts

The Federal government perverted the Community Sport Infrastructure Grant program, supposedly under the purview of Sport Australia, for electoral advantage, but may end up paying an electoral price.

No regrets, coyote

Australian cricket lost two of its greats last Friday, swashbuckling wicket-keeper Rod Marsh and peerless leg-spinner Shane Warne. Neither were saints on or off the field, but both embodied the winning mentality and larrakin personality which Australians seek in the sporting heroes.

Youth sport builds better citizens

While professional sport is often a cesspit of greed and cheating, encouraging children to play sport at school can develop their social values and empathy for others as well as keep them fit and happy.

Healthy minds need healthy bodies

As students resume school and summer sport, new research from the University of Sydney shows a positive link between participation in sport and academic performance, with the strongest association when sport is held during school hours.

Sport for all

Widening the types of sports and participation that are supported and valued in policy and society will mean these benefits are more widely available for all.

Remembering the first post-pandemic Olympics

Japan has battled through the pandemic to host the Olympic Games, albeit a year late and without spectators. However tough the conditions later this July, competitors at the first Olympics after the Spanish Flu – and Great War – had much more to put up with.

The “European Super League” debacle

The abrupt rise and fall of the proposed European Super League shows the dangers of business being put before sport.

Voyeurism and media sport violence

The fiery crash suffered and survived by French Formula 1 driver Roman Grosjean has reignited the debate about the immediate and more insidious long-term dangers sports stars face for our entertainment.

Cathy Freeman, Jemma Mi Mi and the delusion of inclusion

The recent ABC TV documentary about Olympian Cathy Freeman allowed the champion runner to tell her own story and raise some unsettling questions about the continuing extent of racism in this country.

And the winner is…Television: spectacle and sport in a pandemic

In the historic contest between sport and media, the Covid-19 Trophy went to television. In extra time to a fake soundtrack.

Plays well with others

Like all countries, Australia doesn’t always live up to its highest ideals. But our sportspeople can help us strive to be our best – and show the better face of Australia to the world.