The right direction

This week saw the start of the Women’s Ashes in Taunton and I was heartened to see the team win their opening match in style. The series has attracted a significant amount of media coverage and both games were played in front of large home crowds; something which would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. I’m sure the men’s poor performance in their second test has helped to switch some of the focus on to the women who seem to be rising to the occasion.

Whilst women’s sport has been enjoying a positive surge in media interest, outside the world of cricket two of Britain’s top male athletes have been receiving some less than favourable coverage.

My sympathy goes out to Chris Froome who has won his second Tour De France in emphatic style despite the French media making repeated and apparently unfounded accusations of doping. Only three years ago Sir Bradley Wiggins was knighted after his Olympic and Tour performances; the public and the press fell in love with him. Froome is now replicating those performances but instead of recognition in the Queen’s honours list he is dodging pots of urine and spit.

Another British athlete who is receiving lots of press coverage for the wrong reasons is double Olympic gold medallist Mo Farah. Despite putting in a stellar performance at the Anniversary Games this weekend and winning the 3000m Farah has found himself in the spotlight as a consequence of his coach, Alberto Salazar, who has been the focus of doping allegations. In Farah’s case, there have been no accusations of any wrong doing but his performances are still being scrutinised due to his association with Salazar.

I have always been of the opinion ‘innocent until proven guilty’ and believe we should support all our British athletes. Sadly it would seem that many editors don’t share this view.