CONTROVERSY is never far away when it comes to sport, but I feel that if we all accepted that on most occasions it is better to agree than to disagree we would set a better example for young people.
Whether it is the decision of a match official, a club or governing body, or as in the case of athlete Caster Semenya, a decision made by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) on the acceptable levels of testosterone in a female athlete’s body, everyone has an opinion, and in this particular case, there is no right or wrong, only opinion.
On many occasions I feel that we forget athletes are human and respect for each other should be the ultimate priority. Unfortunately, that is not always the case, especially with so much at stake in professional sport.
There is no easy answer to the question about how we ensure a level playing field for athletes as there are so many variables and not just where testosterone is involved. The solution to this will continue to be debated, with the sporting world watching on with interest.
It was a very sad day for the football world this weekend, as one of the most respected, talented and kind players involved with the women’s game was laid to rest. Kat Lindner, who originally hails from Germany, was a very gentle soul. All who met her had admiration not only for her footballing skills, but also for her work as a lecturer at the University of Stirling, where she specialised in gender, sport and queer theory within the media, communications and culture department.
It must be a comfort of sorts to her partner of 16 years, Laura Montgomery, to see the numerous tributes made to Kat from all corners, not just for her footballing skills, but also for her work at the university. At times like these you learn so much more about an individual and it can leave us a little sad that perhaps we hadn’t taken the time to get to know them better. People are important and time won’t stand still for anyone.
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