Blog: Let's hear it for women in sport

What does it take to be a professional athlete? An unwavering attitude and determination, and Australian woman are showing us how, writes Nick Vindin.

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Liz Cambage in action at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

A desire to be the best gives elite sportspeople the hunger to push themselves in pursuit of glory.

At the moment the attitude and achievements of our female sports administrators and athletes is amongst the best in the world. In this blooming era of women's sport too few Australian's would be aware of their success. The "I Support Women in Sport Awards" is hoping to illuminate the achievements of amazing Australian sports-women.

This year both our women's rugby league team the Jillaroos and our female cricket team the Southern Stars triumphed at the World Cup.

The Hockeyroos are ranked number two in the world, while our netball team the Diamonds are also number two - both sides have world supremacy in our sites. Australia's Opals are just one off the top ranking and players like Liz Cambage are in demand from basketball teams all over the globe.

Our continent is also turning heads in individual sports. Australian females occupy three of the top five rankings in world surfing. We have more world champions on the water with rowing's Kim Crow and in the canoe with Jessica Fox.

We are also sizzling on dry land. Karie Webb is ranked inside the top ten in the golfing world and 2011 US Open champion Sam Stosur is ranked amongst the top 20 best tennis players on the planet. Seventeen-year-old sensation Ashleigh Barty and countrywoman Casey Dellacqua aren't far behind after making it to the Grand Slam Doubles finals at Wimbledon, the Australian and US Open.

Quickly skimming through the above list of sensational sporting achievements it is clear there is no lack of attitude, no shortage of desire on the part of our female sports stars. While many proudly support female sporting achievement more can and should be done.

Enter the "I Support Women in Sport Awards," now in its third year of formally celebrating female sporting prowess.

Women's Health Australia Editor, Felicity Harley, believes it is essential to acknowledge the hard-work of female athletes.

"The awards play an important role in celebrating the successes of women in sport and is a key platform for bringing the achievements of the country’s female sporting greats into the public eye,” she says.

The awards also aim to encourage the next generation of sporting talent. The winner of the Sportswoman of the Year mantle, Sally Fitzgibbons was encouraged by the achievements of a former winner.


"Last year Anna Meares won and to follow in her footsteps inspires me to get out and work hard to chase this dream."

Hopefully the next generation of female sporting superstars will be watching on, confident of a future where their hard work will be recognised.

Tweet your support of female sporting stars by using the #Isupportwomeninsport

 

 


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3 min read

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By Nick Vindin

Source: SBS


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