This afternoon Australia is awash with talk about photos of Glenn McGrath, an esteemed former national cricketer, posing with his trophies. Ironically, these trophies have nothing to do with sport. Rather they are animals that McGrath shot for entertainment.
All across the inter web, folks are lamenting the demise of a hero. To them I say, Glenn McGrath was never a hero. Nor was Karmichael Hunt. Neither was Geoff Huegill or Grant Hackett. These are blokes who could throw balls or catch balls or run fast or swim well. They were athletes but they were never heroes.
The sooner that we realise that sporting prowess and heroism are not on par, the sooner we can recognise real heroes.
Australians, don’t be fooled. We did not lose a hero today. True heroes continued about their business plucking children from flood waters, and evacuating premature babies and their mothers from cyclones. Heroes saved turtle hatchlings from drowning in their nests in the hours preceding Cyclone Marcia.
Stand proud Australia and don’t let a smattering of spoiled sports stars cloud your vision. We’re a nation of uncelebrated heroes and they're the very best kind.
Lisa Barton-Collins says
Amanda, I couldn't agree more. I have never understood why we as a country celebrate sporting prowess about all other abilities. x
Bigwords says
Applauds
Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me says
Every time I see sports people hailed heroes it shits me to tears! Well said x
Bec @ History of Parenting says
Hurrah! The more people who say it the better.
Hugzilla says
*slow claps*
Rachel says
Well said Amanda! We as a nation need to stop this practice of awarding hero status based on sporting performance. I'm still disappointed in Glenn McGrath though, simply from the perspective that I would be disappointed with any human being that thought they had the right to kill one of these amazing creatures for entertainment.
Carly Findlay says
Agree with you. I hate the heroification of sports stars so much.
Robyna says
SO True. Thanks for this lovely.
claireyhewitt01 says
He is not a hero, but his wife was/is and my concerns are about how this could impact Janes work. There is no excuse for shooting endangered wild life for sport. I am finding his excuse just as bad as the images.