Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Free speech

As a student and athlete I often found myself in hot water for airing my opinions. Frustratingly it might have come across to some teachers or coaches as disruptive or uncooperative behaviour, in my mind I was playing it safe. I felt it was always better to ask the questions and to remain as open as possible. Since retiring from professional sport I have enjoyed the relative freedom of speech and committed to aiding other athletes who face such challenges.

It was refreshing to hear Jess Varnish, the British cyclist, speak out about the alleged discrimination and sexism in her sport - it would have been a difficult decision to make. I was, however, disappointed when her detractors suggested she would not have voiced her opinions had she not been dropped from the team. Of course she did not as that would have jeopardised her relationship with the successful medal-winning set up at British Cycling. For those in receipt of UKSport funding there are no other options - an athlete cannot decide to train and compete with another team.

It is not just in sport that one’s opinions and the opportunity to voice them are restricted. The Prime Minister and Queen have recently been under scrutiny by the world media and public for speaking their thoughts. The press relished the snippets of conversation recorded in which David Cameron was heard commenting on the level of corruption in some countries. They were instantly looking for reactions from those mentioned yet were met with an unexpected result. The Afghan President’s reaction was to agree with the Prime Minister and state he had no issue with hearing such allegations. The Chinese have also denied any offence arising from the Queen’s comments regarding their latest state visit.

It is not only refreshing to hear a few honest thoughts and comments coming from those with a powerful voice but also reassuring to know that honesty can be appreciated by others.