by Julie Kissick
WHO are the women in sport who deserve our recognition, not just on International Women’s Day?
That was the question I asked my first year students to consider ahead of our lecture. And of course, I wanted them to consider that question on a more personal level too, recognising the role the women in their lives have had in making them the people they are today.
These are young men with aspirations to carve out careers in sports journalism. They are passionate about sport and many of them are already showing signs of being successful in their ambitions to make it in the media.
They also recognise the importance of a level playing field for all when it comes to sport. As part of their course they regularly report on matches played by women as well as men and they recognise a good broadcaster, journalist or pundit for their professional qualities, not their gender.
They fill me with a great deal of optimism about the future.
Some of them have recorded short 30 second pieces to camera identifying the women who are significant to them in terms of sport.
They were recorded quickly in corridors, so technically they could be better. But that wasn’t the point of the exercise. It was to acknowledge the support, inspiration and often sacrifice made by the women who have nurtured and/or encouraged them.
Sports Journalism first year course rep and USW Men’s 1st rugby player Bryn Goodall acknowledging two women who have influenced & supported him.
Sports Journalism first year student and Cardiff City fan Jack Cook on how his mum influenced his selection of which football team to support.
Sports Journalism first year student & USW squash player Adam Evans, reflects on his mum’s support.
Sports Journalism first year student Ffabian Pugh on a female sports star he admires and has been inspired by.
Sports Journalism first year student Robbie Armstrong pays tribute to football player turned pundit Alex Scott.
Sports Journalism first year student James Macken on a female sporting superstar he admires and was inspired by.