tag:theconversation.com,2011:/uk/topics/nick-kyrgios-11317/articlesNick Kyrgios – The Conversation2022-01-30T06:58:33Ztag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1759932022-01-30T06:58:33Z2022-01-30T06:58:33ZWhat the Ash Barty and ‘Special K’ tennis triumphs say about Australia and the buttoned-up sport industry<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/443269/original/file-20220130-25-1fa4wkn.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=956%2C81%2C6323%2C5098&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Mark Baker/AP</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>The lead-up to the 2022 Australian Open was dominated by the unvaccinated top-ranked male tennis player Novak Djokovic’s ignominious <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-60014059">deportation</a> from Australia.</p>
<p>Djokovic’s absence prompted claims this would be an <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/jan/14/novak-djokovic-saga-leaves-australian-open-tatters-draw-in-turmoil-tennis">inferior</a> Grand Slam. Enter the contrasting Australian tennis characters of Ash Barty and her supporting cast of Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis to fill the vacuum.</p>
<p>Their respective wins in the women’s singles and men’s doubles suddenly turned the tournament into a very Australian story, swamping the nation’s media with celebratory headlines like <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/sport/tennis/i-m-so-proud-to-be-aussie-emotional-barty-savours-win-for-the-ages-20220129-p59s7r.html">“I’m so proud to be Aussie”: emotional Barty savours win for the ages</a>. </p>
<p>Was this just the last big party of the Australian summer, or did it offer more enduring lessons for the country and sport?</p>
<h2>What these wins mean for Australia</h2>
<p>Sport is without question hugely important in Australian society, although its advocates are prone to <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1329878X15616515">exaggerate its nationwide appeal</a>. Most Australians don’t engage in organised sport and only about half go to venues as paying spectators.</p>
<p>The majority watch some sport on television, although often only when a much-publicised event happens, like a <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/sport/tennis/barty-breaks-tv-ratings-records-in-drought-ending-australian-open-win-20220130-p59sb9.html">woman’s singles final</a> involving a compatriot like Barty.</p>
<p>Research has shown that <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15205436.2013.822519?tab=permissions&scroll=top">heavy users of sports media</a> exhibit variously higher levels of Australian patriotism, nationalism and “smugness”, while also tending to be less internationalist in outlook. So, after local success at the Australian Open, some Australians really will feel they live in the world’s greatest country.</p>
<p>Spikes in <a href="https://www.playthegame.org/news/news-articles/2013/mega-events-do-not-have-a-trickle-down-effect-on-sports-participation/">sport participation</a> around major events are usually short-lived. Of more pressing concern is the capacity of sporting success (like that of Barty and the so-called “Special Ks”) to attract people from historically marginalised communities as sport participants. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/the-numbers-game-how-ash-barty-became-the-worlds-best-female-tennis-player-119381">The numbers game: how Ash Barty became the world's best female tennis player</a>
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<p>This is especially important in individual sports like tennis where there are significant <a href="https://theconversation.com/australia-needs-to-make-sport-a-more-equal-playing-field-heres-why-71144">socio-economic barriers</a> related to the cost of training, travel and equipment.</p>
<p>Barty’s middle-Australia background, growing up in the Queensland city of Ipswich, offers encouragement to budding tennis players who don’t go to expensive private schools. She is a key member of the current generation of champion Australian sportswomen, alongside footballer Sam Kerr and cricketer Meg Lanning, who are making major inroads into the male-dominated institution of sport. </p>
<p>That she is Indigenous and was photographed after her win with renowned Aboriginal sportswomen Evonne Goolagong Cawley and Cathy Freeman, projects a powerful message that sport is – or should be – for all.</p>
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<p>Kokkinakis (who has Greek heritage) and Kyrgios (who is half-Greek, half-Malay)
had materially comfortable upbringings, but their unexpected success is a global projection of Australian multiculturalism. </p>
<p>The wildcard entrants geeing up a raucous crowd also symbolises a wider societal drift away from “stuffed shirt” institutions – including <a href="https://www.clearinghouseforsport.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/840500/The_Future_of_Australian_Sport_-_Full_Report.pdf">sport</a> – in favour of freer, less regulated avenues of self-expression. </p>
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<img alt="Nick Kyrgios, right, and Thanasi Kokkinakis, left." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/443270/original/file-20220130-27-12bo6j9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/443270/original/file-20220130-27-12bo6j9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/443270/original/file-20220130-27-12bo6j9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/443270/original/file-20220130-27-12bo6j9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/443270/original/file-20220130-27-12bo6j9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/443270/original/file-20220130-27-12bo6j9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/443270/original/file-20220130-27-12bo6j9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<span class="caption">Nick Kyrgios, right, and Thanasi Kokkinakis, left, were wild card entrants in the men’s doubles tournament.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Simon Baker/AP</span></span>
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<h2>A message for sport</h2>
<p>Comparing the divergent public personae of Barty and Kyrgios, their successes perhaps suggest that professional sport as an industry should reconsider the way athletes choose to project themselves. Largely because of commercial sponsorship and endorsement considerations, they have been encouraged to be cautious, scripted and bland.</p>
<p>Many athletes prefer to use their own <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/16184742.2019.1662465?journalCode=resm20">social media accounts</a> to communicate directly with fans, avoiding journalistic scrutiny where possible in favour of self-advertisement.</p>
<p>In their different ways, both Barty and Kyrgios have bucked the trend. Barty has charted her own course through tennis, including dropping out for a while to play cricket. A determinedly unaffected “<a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/60171864">everywoman</a>” who sips beer while watching the Australian Football League (AFL), she rarely uses the personal pronoun “I” or talks about herself in the third person. Barty prefers the collective “we” and constantly praises the large team, including family and friends, around her.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/the-stars-aligned-ash-bartys-wimbledon-win-is-an-historic-moment-for-indigenous-people-and-women-in-sport-164305">'The stars aligned': Ash Barty's Wimbledon win is an historic moment for Indigenous people and women in sport</a>
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<p>Kyrgios has taken on the “bad boy” image pioneered by the likes of basketballer <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13186.Bad_as_I_Wanna_Be">Dennis Rodman</a>. Supremely talented but lacking the discipline of multiple Grand Slam winners such as Barty or Djokovic, he has carved out a niche as a volatile character whom crowds will come to watch. </p>
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<img alt="Nick Kyrgios plays a shot back between his legs." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/443271/original/file-20220130-17-tfd5sj.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/443271/original/file-20220130-17-tfd5sj.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/443271/original/file-20220130-17-tfd5sj.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/443271/original/file-20220130-17-tfd5sj.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/443271/original/file-20220130-17-tfd5sj.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/443271/original/file-20220130-17-tfd5sj.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/443271/original/file-20220130-17-tfd5sj.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<span class="caption">Nick Kyrgios plays a shot back between his legs during his second round match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Hamish Blair/AP</span></span>
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<p>He puts on a show involving skilled tennis play, on-court rants and off-court rows. The message here for the <a href="https://www.playthegame.org/news/news-articles/2006/media-sport-culture-an-education-in-the-politics-of-acquisition/">media-sports cultural complex</a> is there is room for both types of sport personality in today’s crowded “<a href="https://www.wired.co.uk/article/european-super-league-attention-economy">attention economy</a>”. </p>
<p>In being true to themselves, both <a href="https://twitter.com/databyjosh/status/1487373641088385024">Barty</a> and <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9369999/Australian-tennis-star-Nick-Kyrgios-opens-mental-health-battle.html">Kyrgios</a> have put their mental health ahead of their sports careers at times. </p>
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<p>As fellow tennis player <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/a37169178/naomi-osaka-mental-health-interview/">Naomi Osaka</a> has demonstrated, the sport-media machine can swallow and spit out those who do not protect something of themselves from the constant demand to reveal all in public.</p>
<p>Soon the 2022 Australian Open will be in the rear-view mirror, but its lessons for sport and society will remain perpetually in play.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/nick-kyrgios-on-probation-can-controversial-athletes-sell-a-sport-or-are-they-bad-for-the-business-124567">Nick Kyrgios on probation: can controversial athletes sell a sport or are they bad for the business?</a>
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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/175993/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>David Rowe has received funding from the Australian Research Council for the Discovery Projects 'A Nation of "Good Sports"? Cultural Citizenship and Sport in Contemporary Australia' (DP130104502) and 'Australian Cultural Fields: National and Transnational Dynamics' (DP140101970).</span></em></p>Ash Barty and Nick Kyrgios are both known for being true to themselves. This is what sport needs more of – personalities who chart their own course.David Rowe, Emeritus Professor of Cultural Research, Institute for Culture and Society, Western Sydney UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1245672019-10-02T05:43:44Z2019-10-02T05:43:44ZNick Kyrgios on probation: can controversial athletes sell a sport or are they bad for the business?<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/295146/original/file-20191002-101474-1hyvc3q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C67%2C4500%2C3375&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios was sentenced to six months of probation following several controversial events and an 'aggravated pattern of behaviours'.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">EPA/Jason Szenes</span>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/">CC BY-ND</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>Last week the Association of Tennis Professionals (<a href="https://www.atptour.com/">ATP</a>) sentenced Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios to a <a href="https://www.atptour.com/en/news/atp-concludes-kyrgios-investigation-september-2019">probationary period of six months</a> that could lead to a suspension if certain conditions are not adhered to. </p>
<p>This probation follows a series of widely publicised controversial events and an “<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/26/sports/tennis/nick-kyrgios-atp.html">aggravated pattern of behaviours</a>” on tour over the past few months. </p>
<p>Our <a href="https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJSMS-02-2017-0012/full/html">research</a> examines controversial athletes and how breaking the rules can have positive effects for sponsoring companies, even making an athlete more attractive. Sports celebrities often cultivate personal brands, not unlike <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/002224299305700101">traditional brands</a>, to increase their marketability.</p>
<p>Despite his faults, Kyrgios is a draw card for a <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2019/07/05/sport/nick-kyrgios-wimbledon-tennis-spt-intl/index.html">new generation of tennis fans</a>. This makes him highly valuable for the sport and sponsors trying to expand their market. </p>
<p>With the <a href="https://7news.com.au/sport/kyrgios-opts-against-appealing-suspension-c-478600">strategic timing</a> of the probation, immediately following the Laver Cup and just as Kyrgios announced he was pulling out of the current series of tournaments in Asia because of a collarbone injury, some have been led to believe <a href="https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9yc3MuYWNhc3QuY29tL3RoZXRlbm5pc3BvZGNhc3Q&episode=YmMwYWM0MTMtZjdkZS00YjM1LThmNmQtNzNhMjM5M2RhYjM0&hl=fr-NZ&ep=6&at=1569976997882">important stakeholders don’t want Kyrgios out</a>. In fact, many will likely be on the edge of their seats to see if he breaks the rules. Seems he is good for business.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/women-in-sports-double-standards-a-double-fault-103082">Women in sports: double standards a double fault</a>
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<h2>Antics and meltdowns</h2>
<p>Known as the bad boy of tennis, Kyrgios is no stranger to controversies on and off the tennis court. One of his first and most talked about episodes happened in 2015 in Montreal when he was <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/11801886/Nick-Kyrgios-fined-for-insulting-Stan-Wawrinka-and-girlfriend-at-Montreal-Masters.html">fined for making an insulting remark</a> to fellow player Stan Wawrinka about his then girlfriend, provoking a storm of criticism.</p>
<p>Since then, there have been more similar incidents including <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/41564893">tanking matches</a>, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-08-16/kyrgios-gets-upset-at-umpire-at-cincinnati-masters/10129034">explosive exchanges with umpires</a>, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com.au/nick-kyrgios-us-open-fbomb-hearsay-2017-8?r=US&IR=T">foul language</a>, <a href="https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Tennis_Stories/56879/nick-kyrgios-fined-for-visible-obscenity-at-queen-s/">obscenity</a>, <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/sport/tennis/nick-kyrgios-defaulted-in-rome-after-tantrum-throwing-chair-onto-court-20190516-p51o9f.html">chair throwing</a> and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/may/16/nick-kyrgios-slams-cringeworthy-djokovic-and-salty-nadal-ahead-of-french-open">comments about other players</a>. </p>
<p>The past few months have been no exception. His <a href="https://www.denverpost.com/2019/07/04/wimbledon-nadal-beats-kyrgios/">Wimbledon tournament</a> was punctuated with <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com.au/nick-kyrgios-drinking-wimbledon-pub-night-before-rafael-nadal-match-reports-2019-7?r=US&IR=T">partying before an important clash</a> with Rafael Nadal as well as a <a href="https://www.denverpost.com/2019/07/04/wimbledon-nadal-beats-kyrgios/">heated argument with the umpire</a> and a volley shot aimed directly at Nadal. The North American hard court season was no better as Kyrgios was fined US$167,000 over a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/aug/15/nick-kyrgios-in-hot-water-again-after-latest-clash-with-umpire-in-cincinnati">violent outburst</a> at the Cincinnati Masters. These multiple incidents led to an investigation by the ATP, which resulted in the probationary period.</p>
<h2>Polarising athlete</h2>
<p>In one of the most formal sporting environments where even spectators have rules to follow, Kyrgios clearly clashes with the image of a traditional tennis player. Not only do his earrings, distinctive haircut and popped collar make his look stand out, his loud and opinionated personality is also a mismatch with the conventional world of tennis. </p>
<p>While his regular tantrums, antics and meltdowns make him the most controversial athlete in the <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/wimbledon/11703657/Bring-back-the-bad-boys-of-tennis-says-John-McEnroe.html">current tennis era</a>, Kyrgios is also perceived to be one of the most <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com.au/nick-kyrgios-antics-meltdowns-talent-bad-boy-tennis-2019-5">talented and entertaining players</a> on the circuit. Indeed, his immense talent is undeniable. Often cited as one of the most <a href="https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/tennis/115520321/aussie-tennis-great-rod-laver-urges-nick-kyrgios-to-stop-interfering-with-his-ability">physically gifted</a> players, Kyrgios has an impressive range of shots with a rare combination of power, speed and finesse. </p>
<p>His ascension to one of the next generation of tennis players to watch was quick with a junior Australian Open title in 2013 and <a href="https://www.atptour.com/en/news/nadal-kyrgios-wimbledon-2019-tuesday">beating then-world champion Rafael Nadal</a> at Wimbledon in 2014. He also has an impressive record against top-ten opponents in 2019 and is the only active player in tennis history to beat each of the “<a href="https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/07/10/nick-kyrgios-the-reluctant-rising-star-of-tennis">Big Three</a>” – Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic – in their first meetings. </p>
<p>While he is loved by many for his undeniable talent, being different and highly entertaining, he is also hated by others for his perceived disrespect to the game of tennis. Australia’s tennis “<a href="https://www.thestar.com/sports/tennis/opinion/2018/08/07/kyrgios-makes-early-exit-from-rogers-cup.html">wild child</a>” is the most polarising player in the tennis community. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/wimbledon-nick-kyrgios-may-be-the-bad-boy-of-tennis-but-hes-playing-by-the-rules-120020">Wimbledon: Nick Kyrgios may be the bad boy of tennis, but he's playing by the rules</a>
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<h2>Image of modern tennis</h2>
<p>Kyrgios is different from the rest and he consciously plays this card. He is colourful, authentic and fans can relate to him, and <a href="https://7news.com.au/sport/tennis/believe-in-yourself-nick-kyrgios-message-for-those-who-relate-to-him-c-382097">the way he is unapologetically himself</a> is attractive especially for the younger generation. </p>
<p>Academic <a href="http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.954.242&rep=rep1&type=pdf">research</a> has shown athletes are important social referents in terms of high standards of achievement to which consumers aspire. This is why they are frequently used in endorsements. </p>
<p>Celebrities’ influence has been widely linked to expertise and physical attractiveness, but more recent emphasis has been put on how <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/mar.20551">accessible or relatable</a> athletes are. Kyrgios is perceived as approachable when he agrees, for example, to <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-09/nick-kyrgios-has-practice-hit-with-fan-in-montreal/8790028">hitting with a fan at practice</a> in Montreal or <a href="https://www.atptour.com/en/news/kyrgios-match-point-advice-washington-2019">asks fans in the stands where he should serve</a>. On social media, he is one of the most followed male tennis players, fifth in line after Nadal, Federer, Djokovic and Murray. </p>
<p>In a sport that’s trying to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/19/sports/tennis/laver-cup-black-courts.html">appeal to a new fan base</a> without alienating loyal traditional tennis fans, <a href="https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/ATP_Tennis/75503/tennis-needs-nick-kyrgios-he-should-not-be-suspended-sam-groth/">Kyrgios gets bums on seats</a>. When fans come to watch Kyrgios play, one thing is certain: they will be entertained by his spectacular tweeners, tricky shots and fast serves, but his temper creates frequent opportunities for sensational tantrums. </p>
<p>All of these elements, the good, the bad, and the ugly make up <a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/academia.edu.documents/45253264/Human_Brands_in_Sport_Athlete_Brand_Pers20160501-25447-wzury3.pdf?response-content-disposition=inline%3B%20filename%3DHuman_Brands_in_Sport_Athlete_Brand_Pers.pdf&X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Credential=AKIAIWOWYYGZ2Y53UL3A%2F20191001%2Fus-east-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20191001T225911Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Signature=5af20358d52ca34031827bbefcafd78b6a6e8297f05d948c40850c81f433b3ae">his human brand</a>, and companies are interested in endorsers with exciting personalities. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/woke-washing-what-happens-when-marketing-communications-dont-match-corporate-practice-108035">Woke washing: what happens when marketing communications don't match corporate practice</a>
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<p>Recently, <a href="https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJSMS-02-04-2001-B005/full/html">controversial athletes</a> with a rebellious image have gained appeal to specific target markets. Smart brands are leveraging this opportunity. In the case of Kyrgios, his sense of fashion and passion for hip hop and basketball have <a href="https://www.news.com.au/sport/sports-life/nick-kyrgios-collaborates-with-basketball-star-kyrie-irving-on-exclusive-aussie-open-tennis-sneaker/news-story/9d0e2dd9c59278d0531266c8be22ab58">led to partnership collaborations</a> with Nike and NBA star Kyrie Irving, making him an asset for both the sport and sponsors. </p>
<p>When Kyrgios plays, we all watch, whether to see him succeed or fail. But it’s difficult to dispute his entertainment value. Kyrgios is arguably the greatest showman of modern day tennis.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/124567/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>As Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios begins his probationary period this week for a pattern of bad behaviour and foul language, his value to sponsors and the sport of tennis remains high.Marilyn Giroux, Senior Lecturer in Marketing, Auckland University of TechnologyJessica Vredenburg, Senior Lecturer in Marketing, Auckland University of TechnologyLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1200202019-07-08T13:38:44Z2019-07-08T13:38:44ZWimbledon: Nick Kyrgios may be the bad boy of tennis, but he’s playing by the rules<p>Wimbledon loves its heroes and villains – and the Centre Court third round <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/48853690">grudge match</a> between the much celebrated Rafa Nadal and the much maligned Nick Kyrgios appeared to pit both ends of spectrum against each other. </p>
<p>Two incidents in particular have proved controversial. In the first, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/jul/04/rafael-nadal-nick-kyrgios-underarm-ace-wimbledon">Kyrgios admitted</a> to trying to hit Nadal with the ball during a point. In the second, he twice served underarm. In neither case did Kyrgios break any rule. So, why the controversy?</p>
<p>Standards of ethical conduct in sport are a mixture of rules, values, and conventions. The <a href="https://www.itftennis.com/media/298557/298557.pdf">rulebook</a> does not capture fully what conduct should be expected of athletes during competition. For example, nowhere in the rules of football does it prescribe either that players must kick the ball out of play when an opponent is injured or that players must shake hands with members of the opposing team at the end of a match. These norms are matters of “convention” – standards that have been tacitly agreed within that sport but not included in the rulebook.</p>
<p>Both criticisms of Kyrgios rest on the claim that, even though he broke no rules, he violated “unwritten rules”. But he was right to challenge these conventions, as both are bad conventions for professional sport.</p>
<h2>The body shot</h2>
<p>The first incident concerned a point where Nadal approached the net and, from the baseline, Kyrgios struck a forehand directly at him. The forehand was hit with such venom that all Nadal could do was to stop the ball with his racket. Nadal aimed a long, disapproving glare at Kyrgios following the incident, but Kyrgios made no apology. In the post-match press conference, Kyrgios insisted that he <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/48877052">had no reason to apologise</a>: “Why would I apologise? I won the point.”</p>
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<p>In singles tennis (though not in doubles), there is <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/08/sports/tennis/shots-fired-to-the-body-often-engender-shrugs-instead-of-spats.html">a convention against “body shots”</a> – shots aimed at one’s opponent with the intention of hitting them. The rationale is both a concern for the welfare of the player at whom the ball is directed and the belief that aiming a ball at one’s opponent is inherently disrespectful to them.</p>
<p>With regard to welfare, one suspects there is more chance of Nadal being injured by <a href="https://theconversation.com/wimbledon-lawns-look-lovely-but-time-to-keep-off-the-grass-119945">slipping on Wimbledon’s grass</a> than being injured by Kyrgios’ forehand from 40 feet away. If a player does not wish to be hit by the ball, they can simply turn their back to their opponent and stop contesting the point. But Nadal faced Kyrgios at the net and sought to contest the point while benefiting from a convention that ruled out one of his opponent’s best options – the body shot. This is the stuff of Saturday morning social tennis, not the pinnacle of professional sport.</p>
<p>An important dimension of sporting excellence is discerning which risks are those worth taking – and in tennis one of those decisions is whether to approach the net if my opponent can strike the ball so hard that it might hit me. If I don’t want to have my reactions tested in this way, I could elect not to come to the net or to concede the point when I think that the risk of being hit has become too high.</p>
<p>But there are circumstances, even at the professional level, in which it would be disrespectful to hit the ball at one’s opponent. Namely, when the opponent has conceded the point and has clearly indicated this, or when they are no longer able to contest the point due to injury or accident (falling over, for example). </p>
<p>So, the convention should be reformulated as: “Do not hit the ball at your opponent when they have ceased to contest the point or are no longer capable of contesting the point.” As long as the opponent chooses to contest the point and is capable of doing so, they should be considered a legitimate target for body shots. Players refer to it as “<a href="https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/aiming-at-the-body-whos-right-whos-wrong.585973/">tagging</a>” an opponent, although it would be considered unethical to deliberately set out to injure them.</p>
<h2>The underarm serve</h2>
<p>Kyrgios has also been criticised for <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/48875642">hitting underarm serves</a> during the match. This is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2019/mar/27/nick-kyrgios-underarm-serving-miami-suzanne-lenglen-tennis">not the first time</a> that Kyrgios has been criticised for this. The first underarm serve was an ace, because it bounced twice before Nadal could reach it. This was applauded by the crowd. His second underarm serve also won him a point when Nadal hit his return into the net. But this was met with boos from the crowd.</p>
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<p>Again, the accusation is that Kyrgios broke one of the sport’s “unwritten rules”. The underarm serve is thought to express disrespect for one’s opponent, because such serving is assumed to convey that the opponent does not deserve the respect of being served to “properly” with an overarm serve.</p>
<p>But Kyrgios serves underarm when his opponent has retreated far behind the baseline, leaving a large section of the front court unprotected. The opponent has sought an advantage by moving behind the baseline, but this leaves them vulnerable to shots that land short. Kyrgios merely exploits a vulnerability that is an inevitable byproduct of the opponent’s tactical decision to stand further back. </p>
<p>The underarm serve is a move within a game of “cat and mouse” – and this tactical contest is the very essence of tennis. No tactic is without some weakness – and part of what makes tennis so engrossing is following how each player attempts to identify and exploit the shortcomings of their opponent’s tactics.</p>
<p>But if one were winning a match comfortably and began serving underarm, that could communicate disrespect to the receiver, because it might suggest that the server believes they can win without trying their best. So, the convention needs to be revised to: “Do not serve underarm when there is no good tactical reason for doing so.” </p>
<p>Kyrgios has been criticised for violating conventions which, in their present form, are unjustified. Both are confused and need reformulation so they apply to a much narrower range of cases. Underarm serves and body shots should be recognised as legitimate tactics in professional tennis. With these two conventions, tennis needs to catch up with Kyrgios – the “villain” has shown us the way forward.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/120020/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>John William Devine does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Australia’s aggressive tennis star has been unfairly maligned in this instance.John William Devine, Lecturer in Sports Ethics and Integrity, Swansea UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1056612018-12-06T18:57:39Z2018-12-06T18:57:39ZFriday essay: love hurts – on a life of sports fandom<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/249148/original/file-20181206-186055-5wvpjy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Lleyton Hewitt in 2004. No one who has ever watched Lleyton play one of his epic matches comes out a hater. </span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">DEAN LEWINS/AAP</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>When you grow up with no books in the house except maybe the full Readers Digest set of Catherine Cooksons and Bert Ryan’s Guide to Fishing you worship other heroes. The great battles in life are not going down in drama theatres, they’re not happening in-between the dusty covers of old books, they’re happening every weekend on sporting fields. I know this because my dad and everyone else in my suburb is into sport, and really, I have no choice. The other thing is – I like it. </p>
<p>This is the 1980s and the passion that flares in the smoke-filled lounge rooms of suburban houses and public bars is addictive. The ribbing and the rivalries funny, even if they do sometimes edge toward the dark side. The passion is the same whether the action is broadcast from big ticket fields or live on scratchy little league ovals. In fact, the passion is actually worse when it’s occurring on the two lane driveway in my front yard – my dad presiding over cricket matches with improvised rules. Six and out, wheelie bin for wickets and when the ball cannot be retrieved even by the dog – definitely out.</p>
<p>Life moments are one-day matches between the West Indies and Australia going down to the wire, 16 runs off seven balls, everyone sunburnt and screaming at the TV. Cut to the underdog thrill of watching Wally Lewis get right up into Mark Geyer’s face in a tense State of Origin decider or the excitement I feel racing out of bed at dawn to witness an unlikely Australian victory in the America’s Cup even though I’ve never been on a yacht in my life – a bright blue day when I learn that drinking beer out of a yard glass is a national and political skill and not just something that happens at BBQs.</p>
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<p>Sport is a dominant thread in Australia’s cultural DNA. But it’s also divisive. I didn’t realise how much until I started hanging out in underground art scenes and falling asleep under tables in my university tutorials. Not liking sport was something that could set you apart. Sport was the enemy. I wasn’t sure why you had to choose sides. For people who were heavily into pointing out the problematics of binaries on a day to day basis I was pretty surprised they couldn’t see when they were making one. </p>
<p>Most of the artists I knew were always looking for excuses why art couldn’t seem to compete with sport. Publishers chatted to me in mild tones about rugby union over lunch but when I got too excited about sport and my working class roots started showing they tended to change the subject.</p>
<p>That’s why I wasn’t so surprised when around the turn of the new millennium no one except me seemed to like Lleyton Hewitt. Lleyton was a fighter. He wasn’t so different in spirit from many of the Aussie cricket players I’d watched. Or NRL stars. He had that same take no prisoners attitude my dad worshipped and had instilled in me but by the time Lleyton erupted onto the world stage no one was really listening. </p>
<p>When you play tennis there’s no team and no 20 metres of paddock to protect you. Still. I didn’t understand why telling a few inept lines people to go back to the satellites was so harsh, especially when I’d heard worse. By then my dad was gone. His ashes splayed out in sad ceremony over Manly Beach and I watched Lleyton win his first ATP tournament in Adelaide alone. When I watched Lleyton play I admired his skill and his attitude but he fired something else in me. I believed I could win. Achieve things. Make things happen because deep down I doubted if I really could.</p>
<h2>Crazy five-hour slogs</h2>
<p>By 1999 I’d graduated honours, I’d enrolled in a PhD. I was still poor and hungry but kicking goals and one golden summer day in November my mates and I car pooled it down to the polling booth at Main Beach to vote in the referendum on the republic, slightly stoned, taking great pleasure in freaking out the royalists in their “no” t-shirts. We went home and partied but by six-o-clock the bad news became clear. Australia had voted no. When it came to winning in the political arena, we were getting used to disappointment.</p>
<p>I watched Lleyton’s US Open victory in 2001 alone. The match started at 3am Australian time and ended at 9.15am when a big serving Pete Sampras was summarily dispatched. At 8.15am I rang my boss and said I’m not coming in until he wins. He said who? I said Lleyton Hewitt and then I hung up. I nearly lost my job that day but my boss let it go. I wanted him to fire me. A Gold Coast businessman riding on the coat tails of a Howard government-sponsored sell out of welfare – I spent most of the day taking resumes off people the company rolled through the database tubes like stale bread rolls. </p>
<p>At around 9.15am Lleyton went for a dig down the line and Sampras lost and said he wished he had legs like him and I got on the bus and wondered why there weren’t people screaming in the streets – I’d seen streamers hanging off Yatala pies when Paddy Rafter made the final at Wimbledon but he was a Queenslander and better looking and said “sorry mate” when he fluffed a serve. He also sweated so much he cramped up and lost. People loved Paddy and people didn’t love Lleyton. So I went in to work.</p>
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<p>The Australian sports media doesn’t have a great history of supporting individual sports stars. We’re a team sport country, a pack mentality country. There are exceptions. Greg Norman. Pat Rafter. Craig Lowndes. Men with Teflon reputations who can sell anything: housing developments, hotel chains, car insurance, underpants. A preference that stands in for the defining modus operandi of the country. The swell of the crowd. It’s just too easy to run things down especially when you have someone very damn good in your midst. The media was ferocious. Even when Lleyton won they found a way to spin it negatively.</p>
<p>By 2004, I was living in a share house with a bunch of people working the kind of university teaching hours a week that are pretty much illegal now rolling in cash until the semesters ended and then we weren’t. And Mark Latham was priming us to believe in a revolution we thought we wanted. Articulating a distaste for the status quo that felt right and probably real at the time and something we fell for. Maybe the power structure did have a flair. I even wrote him a letter when he lost. I’m glad now, of course, that I never sent it. That’s the thing about political heroes. They come and go. Latham was like a Tamagotchi – something you feel embarrassed about coveting when it’s over. Lleyton, I never gave up on.</p>
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<span class="caption">Leighton Hewitt training in 2004.</span>
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<p>No one who has ever watched Lleyton play one of his epic matches comes out a hater and I mean the whole thing – not just the chainsaws and his trademarked “C’mon’s” in bite-sized highlights. I mean those crazy five hour slogs where you end up doing three weeks’ worth of ironing because you can’t sit still, drinking a bottle of port or whatever’s congealing in the cupboard because the match has gone so long there’s no shops open, going down on your knees in despair when he misses a pull shot, running around the house like you’re on ice swearing you’ll never say a bad word about Nalbandian again as long as the true gods, wherever they are, shine down on the guy in the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvbaBVvU5VI">Rusty branded</a> shoes.</p>
<h2>The Darth Vader</h2>
<p>That all changed in 2016 when Lleyton walked up the tunnel at Rod Laver arena for the last time, his blonde-locked kids in tow, looking star struck and sad in front of the cameras, their dad stoic and dignified saying only, “Let’s go find mummy.”</p>
<p>If Lleyton was the Vegemite of Australian men’s tennis then Nick Kyrgios is its Darth Vader. The most talented Jedi in the universe, whose greatest battle seems to be playing out in his head. Skulking onto court headphones in, he silences arenas, punters waiting with baited breath to see what the show is going to consist of next – more intense dark or that brilliant, untouchable light? </p>
<p>Whatever he gives, the Australian media makes him pay for it – selecting three second bites from three hour games where he might have let his composure slip. The armchair judgement spooling out in a bad case of déjà vu. Lleyton cared too much, Kyrgios doesn’t care enough. The new Aussie tennis player everyone loves to hate even when he’s got the kind of serve that can slice up a court like a light saber. But to say Nick doesn’t care is a misreading. Like Tomic, one gets the sense that he is very, very conscious of how he appears. </p>
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<span class="caption">Nick Kyrgios playing in London earlier this year: the most talented Jedi in the universe.</span>
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<p>Both of them playing at times like they don’t want to be there because looking like you couldn’t care less is cool. The kind of guys that might expend a lot of energy to get you alone but once you’re there they spend the whole time looking at their phones. Because you don’t want to appear as if you’re really invested. The difference between them and Lleyton is generational. It’s an attitude I recognise sometimes in my students. When Kyrgios can’t zone, he tunnels into his head.</p>
<p>World rankings of Aussie tennis players shift regularly. Many of our current players have slid in and out of the Top 20 but Australia has not had a world number one since Hewitt. So I wait for the Davis Cup team to grow up under Lleyton’s tutelage and get fired up watching our women tennis players, the bouncy tenaciousness of Daria Gavrilova and the steely determination of Ash Barty – knowing the future of Aussie tennis is bright even if it’s perhaps too hard to call because Top 20 in the world is an incredible achievement by any standard but it ain’t number one – and I’ll keep relishing those moments Lleyton comes back out of retirement to strut his stuff on the doubles court, thankful he’s still got it – the power to exhilarate and light up the winner inside me.</p>
<p>The way I feel about all of this can probably be exemplified by the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtH68PJIQLE">film clip for the Grimes song Oblivion</a>. Grimes knows she’s playing on that gap between what is real and what gets played out. Oiled up dudes in white towels doing weights in slow motion in dressing rooms while she’s smooching around in an Amish dress or slam dancing jocks at a frat party – she’s not above the fray, she’s in it. When I watch her I am that girl with the boom box at the footy, maybe less cool but with the same smirk, dancing in the spare seats.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/105661/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Sally Breen does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Sport is a dominant thread in Australia’s cultural DNA. But it’s also divisive.Sally Breen, Senior Lecturer in Writing and Publishing, Griffith UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/716252017-02-08T02:48:58Z2017-02-08T02:48:58ZPlaying is not coaching: why so many sporting greats struggle as coaches<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/154892/original/image-20170131-13235-1wr3i9s.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Tennis player Andy Murray employs former great Ivan Lendl as his coach.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Reuters/Thomas Peter</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>In top-level sport, success is the overwhelming criterion for judging coaches. In professional sport, team owners, directors and fans clearly value the product (winning) greater than the process (performance). </p>
<p>Former elite players who become coaches are able immediately to garner respect and offer the seductive promise of having <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/11/sports/tennis/top-tennis-players-join-forces-with-former-champions.html?_r=0">“been there and done it”</a>, according to former tennis player Boris Becker. They understand the sport, the club, the fans – and, most importantly, how to win. </p>
<p>A quick look at tennis emphasises the calibre of former players dominating the coaching ranks, like Ivan Lendl (coach of Andy Murray), Michael Chang (Kei Nishikori), Goran Ivanisevic (Tomas Berdych) and Carlos Moya (Rafael Nadal). And much of the talk about Nick Kyrgios revolves around whether former Australian great <a href="http://www.espn.com.au/tennis/story/_/id/18507289/who-brave-enough-coach-nick-kyrgios-australian-open-exit">Lleyton Hewitt</a> should take on the challenge of coaching him. </p>
<p>The practice of hiring former greats as coaches is not unique to tennis. The majority of football codes subscribe heavily to it. In its upcoming Twenty20 international cricket series against Sri Lanka, Australia has assembled a veritable <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-01-01/ricky-ponting-named-assistant-twenty20-coach-australia/8156744">former player supergroup</a>: Justin Langer, Ricky Ponting and Jason Gillespie are taking the coaching reins. </p>
<p>Playing is not coaching, much as studying is not teaching. Yet there remains a somewhat arbitrary assumption, legitimated within sporting cultures, that a professional playing background is the sole criterion for becoming a successful coach. This clearly is not the case.</p>
<p>No evidence exists that a person can only coach at the highest levels if they have performed there. More specifically, there is no established threshold to be crossed to be eligible for future coaching success. </p>
<h2>What role does playing experience have?</h2>
<p>However, playing experiences do give players an unusually good opportunity to learn about coaching from their own coaches. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.sportscoachuk.org/sites/default/files/Coach-Learning-and-Dev-Review.pdf">Previous analysis</a> has shown playing experience does contribute coaching skills related to sport-specific knowledge, such as technical and tactical aspects, and a degree of “organisational socialisation”. This is where playing serves as part of a broader apprenticeship: an inculcation into shared understandings regarding aspects of a job. </p>
<p>However, these experiences can only give a partial view of coaching, and may not reveal the true extent of the coach’s role. What’s missing is what happens away from face-to-face training: the countless hours engaged in planning and preparation, the complex orchestration of commitments across all aspects of the business, and the personally challenging reflections that quality coaches engage in throughout their careers.</p>
<p>This may give some insight into why former players moving directly into coaching positions often face difficulties.</p>
<p>Clearly, then, previous playing experience has a role to play. And top-level playing experience – while not essential – can serve a socialising role within a coach’s development. But it does not justify the privileging of ex-players with fast-tracked progression through compulsory coach accreditation structures and enhanced career prospects within coaching.</p>
<p>In AFL, <a href="http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/teams/port-adelaide/michael-voss-return-to-afl-coaching-ranks-marks-a-telling-decision-to-not-be-beaten-after-brisbane-lions-mauling/news-story/f969f6ea8bb7ad1ba2d35915dd37f1de">Michael Voss</a> is a clear example of where moving into coaching so soon after playing can be fraught. Retiring at the end of 2006, Voss secured one of only 16 head coaching positions in the league at the end of 2008, when he became coach of the Brisbane Lions, the team he captained to three premierships. </p>
<p>Between retiring and beginning coaching he had done some TV commentary and coached a junior representative side. By mid-2013 Voss was sacked. That experience and his engagements since probably mean he is a much better coach now. </p>
<p><a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13573322.2012.670113">Research</a> shows there are advantages for coaches who have not played at an elite level. For example, those without elite playing backgrounds are generally able to start coaching and developing their craft much earlier. They tend to have more extensive and varied experiences in all aspects of coaching work and the pathways of their sport.</p>
<p>Similarly, coaches with more modest playing backgrounds generally have more opportunities to gain other qualifications and experiences that are valuable and relevant for coaching.</p>
<p>Jose Mourinho, the current manager of Manchester United (one of the world’s biggest sporting clubs), played less than 100 footbal games in the Portuguese second division. But he studied sport science, and worked as a physical education teacher, player scout, youth team coach and assistant manager before becoming a head coach. In his managerial career he has won league titles in Portugal, England, Italy and Spain.</p>
<p>Essentially, coaches who did not have a career as a player were able to develop coaching skills in ways former champions simply did not have the time to engage with – because they were busy maximising their athletic performances.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/155086/original/image-20170201-3259-12gaa73.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/155086/original/image-20170201-3259-12gaa73.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=434&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/155086/original/image-20170201-3259-12gaa73.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=434&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/155086/original/image-20170201-3259-12gaa73.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=434&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/155086/original/image-20170201-3259-12gaa73.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=545&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/155086/original/image-20170201-3259-12gaa73.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=545&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/155086/original/image-20170201-3259-12gaa73.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=545&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Jose Mourinho didn’t have a stellar career as a player, but is one of the world’s leading football managers.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">EPA/Hannah McKay</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Problems and potential solutions</h2>
<p>So, what’s wrong with former elite players immediately moving into elite coaching? </p>
<p>First, it is inequitable. With little basis upon which to privilege hiring recently retired champions over those with higher levels of qualifications and experience, the situation is discriminatory and unjust.</p>
<p>Just as problematically, the practice limits the pool of potential coaches from which to select. At the elite level, individuals and teams are all looking for an edge. But such practices serve to reinforce the status quo, limit innovation, and stifle creativity. </p>
<p>Best practice for employing elite coaches should include a thorough appraisal of what the job of coaching entails, and a robust and rational assessment of the fit between applicant backgrounds and the job requirements. </p>
<p>In order to continue to expand the potential coaching talent pool, sports should also promote some of the coaching success stories and <a href="http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/will-brendon-boltons-success-could-see-more-coaches-come-from-non-afl-backgrounds/news-story/a63f00c9ae706560dc6c006a2b38f6b0">celebrate examples</a> of those from different backgrounds. </p>
<p>Finally, coaches and those employing them should recognise that learning does not stop simply because they’re in the top job. Ongoing support for learning and development is crucial in the fast-paced and volatile world of elite sport.</p>
<p>Just because you were good at sport does not mean that you can coach without furthering your qualifications and experiences, in the same way that just because you were good at school does not mean you can teach without gaining a teaching degree and engaging in professional development. We must ensure we do not simply continue to privilege those who are already privileged. </p>
<p>Coaching <a href="http://researchprofiles.herts.ac.uk/portal/en/publications/the-usual-suspects%282a4023a3-0ec8-424d-865d-401caeea8d36%29.html">should be a meritocracy</a>, not an aristocracy.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/71625/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Just because you were good at sport does not mean you can coach without furthering your qualifications and experiences.Steven Rynne, Senior Lecturer, Sports Coaching; Affiliate, UQ Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, The University of QueenslandChris Cushion, Professor of Coaching and Pedagogy; Director of Sport Integration, Loughborough UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/716312017-01-25T19:54:33Z2017-01-25T19:54:33Z‘Australian’ enough to be a hero?<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/154131/original/image-20170124-16083-q716yy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Is Nick Kyrgios too difficult – and different – to become an Australian hero?
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">AAP Image/Joe Castro</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Australia Day is one of the primary times when people make the pledge of commitment, becoming Australian citizens during a citizenship ceremony. It may also be one of the only times when people consider their concept of national identity – their Australianness. </p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.border.gov.au/Citizenship/Documents/our-common-bond-2014.pdf">resource book that potential citizens use to prepare for the citizenship test</a> claims that “sport has both characterised the Australian people and united us”, citing the heroic figure of the cricketer Sir Donald Bradman.</p>
<figure class="align-left zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/154187/original/image-20170125-23862-1k6ijf4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/154187/original/image-20170125-23862-1k6ijf4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/154187/original/image-20170125-23862-1k6ijf4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=1012&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/154187/original/image-20170125-23862-1k6ijf4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=1012&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/154187/original/image-20170125-23862-1k6ijf4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=1012&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/154187/original/image-20170125-23862-1k6ijf4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1271&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/154187/original/image-20170125-23862-1k6ijf4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1271&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/154187/original/image-20170125-23862-1k6ijf4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1271&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption"></span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">AAP Image/Mortlock Library of South Australia, File</span></span>
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</figure>
<p>Heroes embody the values and norms of a particular society and athletes continue to be considered heroic. However, an examination of Bradman and other heroes, reveals much about the nation’s identity and who is accepted as “Australian”. </p>
<p>The Don, described in this citizenship book as “an Australian sporting legend”, is often presented as a naturally talented “boy from the bush”. Throughout his career, he was portrayed as an underdog from the country, battling against his more advantaged, city-born superiors or the English. </p>
<p>The battler from the bush narrative is an image known to many Australians. It <a href="http://www.cricket.com.au/news/feature/phillip-hughes-country-boy-to-baggy-green-dream-andrew-ramsey/2014-11-27">features prominently in the stories</a> surrounding many athletes and is not just confined to sport. It can be found in many aspects of <a href="http://www.australia.gov.au/about-australia/australian-story/austn-bush">Australian culture</a> and fits into the pattern of <a href="https://anafleisher.wordpress.com/short-essays/gilgamesh-a-heroes-journey/">ancient hero myths</a>) that tell of a boy facing various trials before returning triumphant. </p>
<p>Previous Australian mythical types include the bushman, the digger, and surf lifesavers. All are typically Anglo-Celtic, masculine “mates”, heroically struggling to overcome adversity. Women and those who do not match these types have largely been excluded, unless, perhaps, they are shown to be suitably larrikin in their nature. </p>
<h2>Loveable larrikins</h2>
<figure class="align-right zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/154186/original/image-20170125-23872-14mi8xm.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/154186/original/image-20170125-23872-14mi8xm.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/154186/original/image-20170125-23872-14mi8xm.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=775&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/154186/original/image-20170125-23872-14mi8xm.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=775&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/154186/original/image-20170125-23872-14mi8xm.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=775&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/154186/original/image-20170125-23872-14mi8xm.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=974&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/154186/original/image-20170125-23872-14mi8xm.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=974&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/154186/original/image-20170125-23872-14mi8xm.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=974&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Kevin Sheedy at the launch of ‘Back to Gallipoli’, an exhibition that re-creates the scene of the trenches at Gallipoli.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">AAP Image/Julian Smith</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Kevin Sheedy, the former Essendon and GWS GIANTS head coach, is a legendary figure within Australian football. Sheedy is a roguish character who often divides opinion and displays disrespect for both authority and his ‘social superiors’. In the media, he is often presented as a larrikin. </p>
<p>His working-class, Anglo-Celtic (Irish) background further position him as a suitably Australian hero. Athletes such as Shane Warne and Dawn Fraser have also been portrayed in a similar manner. Both Warne and Fraser were outstanding athletes but they were also involved in controversy and are loved (by some) for <a href="https://au.sports.yahoo.com/racing/a/18193809/larrikin-warnie-makes-appearance-at-ascot/#page1">their irreverent behaviour</a>.</p>
<p>Again, the larrikin is not just an Australian narrative and it also draws on wider, mythological accounts of heroes. It can be equated with the “clever hero” or the “trickster”, and has been described as the triumph of brain over brawn. </p>
<p>Such heroes are not against creating controversy but often offset potential offence through the use of humour and wit. This hero type has been traced back to medieval European folklore tales around <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Reynard-the-Fox-literary-character">Reynard the Fox</a>, and is embedded in many Western societies.</p>
<h2>Breaking the mould</h2>
<p>Nick Kyrgios’ behaviour has clearly positioned him as a larrikin. However, when off-court incidents brought his <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-being-a-sporting-role-model-isnt-as-simple-as-most-people-think-61979">attitude and conduct into focus</a>, his Australianness has also been questioned, <a href="https://theconversation.com/double-fault-nick-kyrgios-dawn-fraser-and-reputations-under-the-spotlight-44409">as his parents were born overseas</a>. </p>
<p>The larrikin continues to be primarily associated with the Anglo-Celtic ideals and ethnicity remains a significant factor in Kyrgios’ acceptance (or lack of) by some fans. </p>
<p>Kyrgios is not the only athlete who has not been accepted as sufficiently “Australian”. Others who do not look or sound like the traditional Anglo-Celtic Australian type have been abused and attacked. Even outstanding athletes, such as Adam Goodes, Cathy Freeman and Israel Folau during his time in the AFL, have not been accepted by all fans. </p>
<p>Hero narratives, strongly influenced by concepts of national identity, follow existing, mythical patterns. In Australia, they are usually representative of a narrow definition of traditional Australianness. Those who fall outside of this Anglo-Celtic, masculine type are not always honoured. </p>
<p>If a society’s heroes are an indicator of its values and beliefs, then our definition of national identity may need some work. The acceptance of dominant Anglo-Celtic, masculine narratives needs to be challenged, allowing a culturally diverse community to be embraced.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/71631/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Keith Parry does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Examining our sporting heroes reveals much about ideas of national identity and who is accepted.Keith Parry, Lecturer in Sport Management, Western Sydney UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/715512017-01-20T01:52:42Z2017-01-20T01:52:42ZWhat comes next for Nick Kyrgios is up to Nick Kyrgios<p>Tennis pro Nick Kyrgios continued to polarise Australians this week with his on and off-court behaviour.</p>
<p>The 21-year old, currently ranked 14th in the world, has been at the centre of his fair share of controversies ever since he turned pro in 2013. Some of the issues have been related to racquet abuse, yelling audible obscenities while playing, Twitter rants, and showing disrespect to fellow players. </p>
<p>In October 2016, Kyrgios was fined and then banned from the tour for eight weeks for tanking (the word used for match-fixing in tennis) at the Shanghai Masters. This ban was then reduced to three weeks when Kyrgios agreed to seek “appropriate professional advice” from a sport psychologist at the request of the Association of Tennis Professionals. </p>
<p>On Wednesday night, Kyrgios was put back under the media spotlight when he lost a five set second round match in the Australian Open against veteran Italian player, Andreas Seppi, in disastrous fashion. </p>
<p>The match saw him unravel after receiving two code violations for shouting and racquet abuse. He was booed by the crowd as he walked off the court. This was most likely due to the overly casual demeanour that he showed, which at one point saw him nonchalantly hit a “tweener” during one of the most important games.</p>
<h2>Understanding motivation</h2>
<p>Once again, tennis fans are discussing what might be best to “help” Kyrgios overcome his issues. </p>
<p>In his post-match press conference, Kyrgios cited a combination of physical and mental factors as the reasons for his loss to Seppi. He referred to his body as being “pretty banged up” and also spoke of the need to take his preparation and pre-season more seriously. Kyrgios <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-01-19/kyrgios-pulls-out-of-open-doubles-with-abdominal-injury/8194364">has since pulled out</a> of his Australian Open doubles match due to injury.</p>
<p>Kyrgios acknowledged that the mental side of his game was “a massive part” of the loss and went on to say that this is where he believed a coach could help. He said he was one of the only players in the top 100 without a coach and “that needs to change”. He said he has felt that he has needed a coach for a long time but stated that he “likes freedom”, “going with the flow”, and “being comfortable”.</p>
<p>His dialogue indicates that he is aware of what he believes are his main barriers, however, it also provides some insight into some of his fears related to taking steps to overcome them - a loss of his freedom and feeling uncomfortable. </p>
<p>Kyrgios’s comments also bring to mind a key feature of the popular self-determination theory of motivation. According to this theory, humans have three basic needs which, if met by our social environment, result in increases in our motivation, our enjoyment of the task, our persistence, and our psychological wellbeing. If one’s environment does not allow for the satisfaction of these needs, this will likely result in diminished motivation, psychological maladaptation, and potential poor performance. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.elaborer.org/cours/A16/lectures/Ryan2004.pdf">These needs</a> are 1. feeling competent 2. feeling like we have a choice (autonomy) and 3. feeling we have a connection with others. Kyrgios’s use of the word freedom highlights the importance of the second of these three needs to him, that of autonomy – feeling like he has a say. However, it would be of interest to investigate the level of satisfaction of each of these three needs separately within his current daily training environment. </p>
<p>Kyrgios’s level of maturity no doubt also plays into this situation, along with the level and quality of guidance that he both has access to and is open to receiving. </p>
<p>If finding a coach is on Kyrgios’s agenda, then it’s important he is able to choose one that he feels has a good “fit” with him as an athlete. If seeing a sport psychologist is part of his plans, then a voluntary session is always going to be more effective than a sanctioned one. </p>
<p>Along with fulfilling the more well-known role of assisting him to develop appropriate coping strategies to deal effectively with pressure situations, a sport psychologist could also provide him with further education in the area of coach-athlete “fit”. This “fit” should take into account a whole range of factors, particularly the individual’s coaching and communication style and Kyrgios’s preferred styles in these areas. </p>
<p>But whether it is deciding the extent of his future in the game, seeking assistance from a sport psychologist, enlisting the support of a coach, or none of these options, it is unlikely any solution will benefit Kyrgios unless it is his choice.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/71551/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Lisa Martin does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Humans have three basic needs that drive motivation - without them our performance is likely to suffer.Lisa Martin, Lecturer in Sport Psychology, University of the Sunshine CoastLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/619792016-08-17T05:03:50Z2016-08-17T05:03:50ZWhy being a sporting role model isn’t as simple as most people think<p><a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-08-17/olympic-spirit-displayed-after-fall-on-track-in-rio/7749930">New reports</a> of Nikki Hamblin (New Zealand) stopping during the 5000m finals at the Rio Olympics to help fellow competitor Abbey D’Agostino (US) after they’d crashed on the track have evoked the “Olympic spirit”. The New Zealander also waited until D'Agostino, who was injured in the fall, could continue the race, sacrificing any chance of catching up to the main pack.</p>
<p>Hamblin’s actions are reminiscent of a small handful of other such moments at previous Olympics. Canadian sailor Lawrence Lemieux abandoned his silver medal position in the 1988 Seoul Olympics to rescue the crew of a capsized competing vessel. Lemieux missed out on a regular medal in the event, but was awarded the Pierre de Coubertin Medal for Sportsmanship by the International Olympic Committee president, who said his act embodied the Olympic ideal.</p>
<p>Athletes are increasingly expected to be good role models. But while Lemieux is outstanding, we don’t usually expect athletes to sacrifice their chance of winning to help others. In fact, the ideal of good sportsmanship carried to this extreme would be in tension with that other aim of Olympic competition – winning. </p>
<p>What, then, is the right balance between sportsmanship and coming out on top?</p>
<h2>The right stuff</h2>
<p>Discussion about athletes as role models often arises in response to bad behaviour. Recent on and off-court incidents involving tennis player Nick Kyrgios, for instance, prompted a public discussion about his <a href="https://theconversation.com/character-and-behaviour-off-the-field-should-not-be-selection-criteria-for-the-olympics-60520">suitability for Olympic selection</a>.</p>
<p>The contrasting cases of Lemieux and Kyrgios invite a distinction between two different meanings of role model. On the one hand, it picks out exceptional individuals such as Lemieux who exemplify qualities like sportsmanship. And, in a more mundane sense, it applies to anyone in the public eye. </p>
<p>All Olympic athletes are role models in the mundane sense. They represent their country, wearing its Olympic colours. Their performance is televised and commented on. Often, commentators also recount the athlete’s personal story to engage the audience watching their performance on television. </p>
<p>Given this, and since children are encouraged to follow and emulate their achievements, perhaps it is reasonable to expect that Olympic athletes meet a minimum standard of conduct. </p>
<p>Some minimum standards are already built into the rules of sport. An athlete such as Oscar Pistorius, who is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/06/oscar-pistorius-jailed-for-xx-years-reeva-steenkamp">serving time for murder</a>, for instance, cannot represent his country in the Olympics during his sentence. </p>
<p>Likewise, athletes who are involved in match-fixing or use performance-enhancing drugs are usually suspended. In extreme cases, unsporting behaviour can also be punished by disqualification. Several women’s badminton players <a href="http://articles.latimes.com/2012/aug/01/sports/la-sp-on-badminton-scandal-20120801">were disqualified</a> during the London 2012 Games, for instance, when they were found to be attempting to lose matches to secure easier finals.</p>
<h2>Increasing scrutiny</h2>
<p>But should we require more than this? Public scrutiny of athletes is increasing. This includes their political views, how they use their money and free time, and how they treat their partners and children. </p>
<p>Social media give us access to athletes’ personal lives and opinions. Improved microphones and cameras capture more of what happens on the field than ever.</p>
<p>One justification for this scrutiny is the influence of sports culture on wider society. When Kyrgios made a comment about opponent <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/aug/14/nick-kyrgios-apologises-stan-wawrinka-comment--atp-fine">Stan Wawrinka’s girlfriend</a>, it rang alarm bells for those worried about <a href="https://theconversation.com/playing-the-woman-healy-and-kyrgios-expose-sports-sexism-problem-46137">sexism in sport</a>. </p>
<p>Identifying his outburst as an instance of “<a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3196589/Nick-Kyrgios-sledge-Stan-Wawrinka-puts-Thanasi-Kokkinakis-Donna-Vekic-spotlight-Australian-tennis-bad-boy-said-pair-slept-Vekic-started-dating-Wawrinka.html">slut shaming</a>”, mainstream media outlets drew attention to the way athletes’ behaviour can normalise sexist cultural practices. </p>
<p>Unfortunately, we are often blind to the social injustices around us. So while current sensitivity to sexism means Krygios’ comments to Wawrinka were widely condemned, in many cases it is those who draw attention to social problems who are criticised.</p>
<h2>Negative publicity</h2>
<p>In fact, some of the greatest role models in Olympic history were initially censured for their commitment to causes that were controversial at the time. </p>
<p>Tommy Smith and John Carlos’ <a href="http://time.com/3880999/black-power-salute-tommie-smith-and-john-carlos-at-the-1968-olympics/">black power salute</a> on the podium at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico is remembered by many as a defining moment in Olympic history. But, at the time, they were expelled from the Olympics and vilified at home. </p>
<p>More recently Australia’s beloved Indigenous runner, Cathy Freeman, was criticised for flying the Aboriginal flag at the 1994 <a href="http://nga.gov.au/federation/Detail.cfm?WorkID=27708">Commonwealth Games</a>. She was described as “un-Australian” and accused of politicising sport. </p>
<p>Six years later, the public felt differently. Freeman’s gold medal run in the 400m sprint at the Sydney 2000 Olympics was hailed as a moment of <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/sport/athletics/15-years-ago-today-cathy-freeman-ran-her-way-into-the-nations-heart-20150925-gjuo2q.html">reconciliation</a> between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.</p>
<p>Out gay athletes such as 2008 diving <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/news/diving/a-perfect-10-as-mitcham-dives-for-gold/2008/08/23/1219262633209.html">gold medallist</a> Matthew Mitcham are widely hailed as role models for gay, lesbian and bisexual kids. In contrast, intersex athletes still face accusations of cheating and risk of <a href="https://oii.org.au/30507/special-rapporteur-fgm/">human rights violations</a>. </p>
<p>Polish sprinter Ewa Klobukowska, who was stripped of her 1964 Olympic medals due to a failed gender test, was listed recently as one of the Olympics’ <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/olympics/tarnished-gold-some-of-the-great-olympics-cheats-7869830.html">greatest cheats</a>. But she would not fail current testing criteria. In a different era, Klobukowska might be regarded as a role model and trailblazer for intersex rights.</p>
<p>This suggests that it’s very difficult to pin down which athletes are good role models. But to underline just how subjective it is, it is worth considering one final type of role model athlete: the redeemed sinner. </p>
<h2>When prodigals return</h2>
<p>Perhaps the best example at this Olympic Games is US swimmer Michael Phelps. He is almost as well known for his drink-driving arrests and recreational drug use as for his achievements in the pool. But in a recent <a href="http://espn.go.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/16425548/michael-phelps-prepares-life-2016-rio-olympics">feature article</a>, journalist Wayne Drehs argues that the swimmer has changed. </p>
<p>The new Phelps is presented as a self-aware teetotaller, rehabilitated from his addictions and reunited with his father. He sounds like the sort of person we would be happy for children to emulate. </p>
<p>But is Phelps a really a good role model, or has Drehs just spun a good story? </p>
<p>Given that there is no bright line between those who are good role models and those who are not, we need to be cautious about making rules for athletes’ conduct. Such rules are as likely to be used against the next Tommy Smith or John Carlos as Nick Kyrgios. </p>
<p>But what about the influence of athletes on kids? This is more of a problem if bad behaviour goes unremarked. Quality conversations at home and in the media about the things athletes do can help. This is perhaps most important when behaviour reflects social practices, such as how we treat women or those from different backgrounds.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/61979/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Katrina Hutchison does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Athletes are increasingly expected to be good role models. But we don’t usually expect them to sacrifice their chance of winning to help others.Katrina Hutchison, Postdoctoral research fellow, Macquarie UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/605202016-06-08T20:09:22Z2016-06-08T20:09:22Z‘Character’ and ‘behaviour’ off the field should not be selection criteria for the Olympics<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/125630/original/image-20160608-15034-bpfgr0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C86%2C3409%2C2046&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Tennis star Nick Krygios has withdrawn himself from possible selection for the Rio Olympics, citing 'unfair' treatment by the AOC.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">EPA/Ian Langsdon</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Having already courted considerable controversy in a relatively short career, tennis player Nick Kyrgios last week withdrew from probable selection for the Rio Olympics. Kyrgios said he made this decision because of the Australian Olympic Committee’s (AOC) “unfair and unjust treatment” of him and because “the AOC has chosen to publicly and privately disparage me”. </p>
<p>Kyrgios claimed that Kitty Chiller, the chef de mission of the Australian Olympic team, had unfairly targeted him as being “on watch” due to his <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/sport/olympics/rio-2016/nick-kyrgios-pulls-out-of-rio-olympics-20160602-gpajov.html#ixzz4AlAQ7ygR">perceived behavioural issues</a>. </p>
<p>Chiller responded that there were “<a href="http://www.canberratimes.com.au/sport/olympics/rio-2016/olympics-australia/rio-2016-kitty-chiller-continues-hard-line-on-nick-kyrgios-after-bernard-tomic-pulls-out-20160513-goues0.html">a couple of athletes on notice</a>”. She revealed that other potential Australian Olympians, including shooter Michael Diamond and hockey player Anna Flanagan, received similar correspondence from the AOC. The letters requested an explanation of charges that have been <a href="http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/olympics-2016/olympic-games-michael-diamond-and-anna-flanagan-wait-to-hear-if-theyve-dashed-own-rio-dreams/news-story/e6c86ef7adfd76046fd8e127c96d510f">laid against each of them</a>. </p>
<p>All three athletes – Diamond, Flanagan and Kyrgios – were asked:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>… to respond to where it could be perceived that they have bought themselves, their sport or the Olympic movement into disrepute. </p>
</blockquote>
<p>It appears the AOC has not singled out Kyrgios for harsher treatment than others, so claims of unfairness could be dismissed. But the case for the AOC would be even stronger if similar letters had been handed out to the troublemakers from previous games, such as certain members of the London swim team. </p>
<p>Many prominent journalists have supported the AOC’s position. <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/sport/offsiders/content/2016/s4475974.htm">Caroline Wilson</a>, <a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/subscribe/news/1/index.html?sourceCode=HSWEB_WRE170_a_GGL&mode=premium&dest=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/olympics-2016/nick-kyrgios-ditching-the-olympics-is-no-great-loss-to-australia--but-just-might-be-to-him/news-story/80f529182d9005820ba291bbb08ad9ef&memtype=registered">Robert Craddock</a> and <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/sport/the-fitz-files/rio-olympics-2016-aoc-chef-de-mission-kitty-chiller-is-right-nick-kyrgios-is-wrong-20160603-gpb7e1.html">Peter FitzSimons</a> have all applauded the strong stance taken by Chiller and the AOC.</p>
<p>So, what to make of it? There is both integrity and courage in the AOC’s stand, especially at a time of budgetary tightness. Chiller and the AOC have demonstrated a willingness to sacrifice potential medals in tennis, shooting and hockey to protect the reputation of the AOC and the Olympic ideal. Chiller <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/sport/offsiders/content/2016/s4475974.htm">has said</a> she is “very comfortable” with that possibility. </p>
<p>Kyrgios’ claims of injustice are probably a more difficult matter to determine, and tie directly both into the process that was followed and the justification for it. </p>
<p>TV host Waleed Aly <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/sport/offsiders/content/2016/s4475974.htm">explained the problem excellently</a>: the issue was the process was carried out in the public arena and specific athletes were named as “on watch”. </p>
<p>This problem, described by Kyrgios as the AOC’s public disparagement of him, would be solved by a more diplomatic handling of questions from the press, and the AOC’s determination to keep the specific athlete names private. After all, the financial livelihoods of athletes in the contemporary age rely heavily on their reputations. </p>
<p>The latter issue of justification of the process is more troublesome. It is difficult to justify the AOC putting athletes on watch for either their behaviour in their professional workplace or because of their out-of-sport behaviour. This is normally justified by pointing to organisational reputation or integrity. </p>
<p>Integrity is one of the favourite buzzwords of sports management. It is a powerful word. It goes beyond mere compliance with rules or practices. It evokes the image of Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird; of a person defiantly sticking to worthy principles in the face of personal danger. </p>
<p>However, in practice, integrity has been used <a href="http://www.theroar.com.au/2012/01/28/public-interest-invasions-of-athlete-privacy-cause-for-concern/">to justify any number of intrusions</a> into the private lives of athletes. Consider that Flanagan was asked to “please explain” why she kept her drink-driving charge secret from Hockey Australia. My response would be “because they don’t need to know”.</p>
<p>While the signing of AOC team agreements <a href="http://thenewdaily.com.au/sport/2016/06/01/anna-flanagan-drink-driving/">includes clauses regarding disclosure</a>, I would question the justification for these clauses. Arguing that athletes can choose not to represent their country if they don’t want to sign a contract ignores the constraint that this places on athletes. </p>
<p>Privacy should matter here, and athletes should not be forced to reveal things that do not affect their ability to carry out the demands of their athletic work. </p>
<p>I certainly believe that employment behavioural standards matter, and that the behaviours of Olympians <em>at the Olympics</em> should be monitored and evaluated. But I’m not convinced that athletes should be judged and selected on the basis of some broader behavioural matrix, which has a whiff of the old days of the Olympics when professional athletes were banned. </p>
<p>Ethicists often test claims by applying them to broader categories. Consider whether the journalists who ardently support the actions of the AOC would agree to the same employment standards being applied to their own profession. </p>
<p>Would these journalists support pre-emptive strikes against colleagues in the press office who had previously exhibited bad behaviour, including bad behaviour outside of their professional world, such as drink driving? If so, it might be a lonely pressbox at Rio.</p>
<p>The issue here is not that journalists are not representing their country in the way that athletes are. The issue is that the employment rights of certain athletes have the potential to be curtailed on the basis of things that occurred outside their work.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/60520/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Michael Burke does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Three potential Olympians have been sent “please explain” letters from the Australian Olympic Committee, but there is little ethical justification for this.Michael Burke, Senior Lecturer, College of Sport and Exercise Science, Victoria UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/461372015-08-17T00:22:15Z2015-08-17T00:22:15ZPlaying the woman: Healy and Kyrgios expose sport’s sexism problem<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/91984/original/image-20150816-5121-1ndxe9n.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios used an on-court sexual insult against an opponent in a recent match.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Reuters/USA Today Sports</span></span></figcaption></figure><p><em>This article contains explicit language.</em></p>
<p>This ought to have been a good time for women in Australian sport. The women’s cricket team is on the cusp of <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-08-15/women27s-ashes3a-australia-thrashes-england-by-161-runs-in-wo/6699650">regaining the Ashes</a> in England after the men’s <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2015/aug/08/ashes-2015-england-v-australia-fourth-test-day-three-live">abject surrender</a> of theirs. Australia won the Netball World Cup in Sydney amid plenty of media coverage and decent attendances, including a world-record netball crowd in the final. The <a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/swimming-world-championships-cate-and-bronte-campbell-neck-and-neck/story-e6frg7mf-1227473173266">Campbell sisters</a> swam well and won medals at the recent world swimming championships in Russia.</p>
<p>But, as so often happens, for every positive story about women and sport there are ugly reminders of just how heavily the odds are stacked against them. Sport stubbornly remains, at heart, a man’s world. </p>
<p>This view is central to the cricket WAGs (wives and girlfriends) controversy, in which a desperate search to explain the underperformance of the men in the Ashes series homed in on the presence of partners on tour. This intrusion, Test great Ian Healy <a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/cricket/ashes-2015-ca-has-to-investigate-batting-fiasco-says-ian-healy/story-e6frg7rx-1227474661359">suggested</a>, broke the sacred bond of mateship essential to success in men’s team sport.</p>
<p>Once again, it was proposed that women are essentially a distraction for elite sportsmen. In order to allow their men to focus, they – and any accompanying children – should be invisible for the duration of combat. It seems that any reminder that there is actually life and responsibility outside the dressing room is just too much to handle for male sporting single-taskers.</p>
<p>All that remained was for some antediluvian pundit to resurrect the ancient Greek belief that sex drains men of their vital fluids and so should be banned before a game. This myth persists in many corners of sport, despite the lack of any <a href="https://theconversation.com/sex-before-sport-does-it-affect-an-athletes-performance-8253">scientific evidence</a>. </p>
<p>It may be worth noting that none of the four teams that imposed a complete sex ban on their players in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/fifa-world-cup-2014/world-cup-news-2014/all-teams-with-sex-bans-out-of-world-cup-20140703-zsv24.html#ixzz36Rx4h7qE">made it past</a> the Round of 16. But little seems to shake the belief for some in sport that sex for men is a perk of the job that should be saved for “downtime” – and not uncommonly in the <a href="http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/leicester-city-sack-players-who-5901087">company of teammates</a>.</p>
<p>This is not to say that sex doesn’t have its uses in sport, as Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios <a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/tennis/atp-fines-nick-kyrgios-for-girlfriend-dig-at-stan-wawrinka/story-fnbe6xeb-1227482929907">demonstrated</a> in using on-court sexual insults as a weapon against his opponent Stan Wawrinka.</p>
<p>The playground taunt that Wawrinka’s reported current girlfriend might have had (shock, horror) prior sexual history with another player is the latest in a long line of Stone Age affronts to masculine honour through disrespecting the women with whom they are associated – be they wives, lovers, mothers, cousins or sisters.</p>
<p>One of the <a href="http://irs.sagepub.com/content/45/3/355.abstract">best-known uses</a> of this tactic led to the sending off for violent conduct of the French captain Zinedine Zidane (who is of Algerian origin) during the 2006 football World Cup final in Germany. Zidane’s headbutt of Italian opponent Marco Materazzi was attributed to the latter allegedly calling him the “son of a terrorist whore” and disparaging his sister.</p>
<p>The former statement was never proven and Materazzi successfully sued several newspapers for printing it, admitting only that he had sexually insulted Zidane’s sister. </p>
<figure>
<iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zAjWi663kXc?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
<figcaption><span class="caption">The Zidane headbutt.</span></figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Whatever Materazzi actually said, it is clear that verbally abusing opponents’ close female associates or using sexist language is standard practice in much male sport. But in this case more concern was expressed about the racist connotations of Materazzi’s words, and it is often suggested that “mere” sex or gender insults are far less significant than the use of racial epithets.</p>
<p>So, when Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ausvind/content/story/329440.html">allegedly called</a> Andrew Symonds, a UK-born Australian cricketer of African-Caribbean and white parentage, a “monkey” in Sydney in 2008, in mitigation it was stated that he’d actually only <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/cricket/2288942/Harbhajan-Singh-row-exposes-cultural-divide.html">called</a> him a “teri maki” (Hindi for “motherfucker”).</p>
<p>Similarly, in the 2011 <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/jan/01/fa-report-luis-suarez-patrice-evra">on-field confrontation</a> between two English Premier League footballers, Liverpool’s Luis Suarez and Manchester United’s Patrice Evra, that led Evra to allege that he was racially abused by Suarez, the complainant admitted to a disciplinary inquiry that he’d called Suarez “Concha de tu Hermana”. This is literally translated as “your sister’s cunt”, and generally means “you son of a bitch”.</p>
<p>In another case in 2012 involving <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/jul/09/john-terry-anton-ferdinand-court">allegations</a> that Chelsea’s John Terry had racially vilified Queens Park Rangers’ Anton Ferdinand by calling him a “fucking black cunt”, Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard that the third word was used all the time in football.</p>
<p>Terry <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/jul/13/john-terry-cleared-football-reputation?intcmp=239">told the court</a> that he’d been abused by opponents and crowds about “shagging [a teammate’s] missus”, his mother had been regularly called “a slag”, and:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The Liverpool fans made up a song that my mum “loves Scouse cock”.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Ferdinand, for his part, was unconcerned about sexually abusive swearing. He <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-18771554">told the court</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>It’s handbags, innit – it’s what happens on the pitch.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>But if this kind of misogynistic atmosphere is allowed to prevail in men’s individual and team sports, then all the platitudes about sport being a socially positive force stand exposed.</p>
<p>It is not just sportsmen who have to take some responsibility here. There are plenty of <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/article-2625464/Premier-League-chief-forced-apologise-sending-sexist-emails-referring-women-joking-breasts.html">sports bureaucrats</a>, <a href="https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/world-of-sport/inverdale-sacked-bbc-over-sexist-bartoli-comments-balding-094359294.html">media commentators</a> and <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/mar/11/sexism-in-sport-excludes-women-from-one-of-australias-most-important-cultural-products">fans</a> who need to reconsider their own conduct. </p>
<p>A strong stand has been taken against racism in sport. Although slow to get going, an effective coalition was formed to challenge the racially coded crowd booing of Indigenous AFL player <a href="https://theconversation.com/man-up-i-see-a-man-down-booing-and-being-adam-goodes-45536">Adam Goodes</a>.</p>
<p>Taking an uncompromising stance against racism in sport is crucial, but there is much less sensitivity towards sexism in sport. Women deserve no less a collective commitment to equality, not least in this <a href="http://www.border.gov.au/Citizenship/Documents/our-common-bond-2014.pdf">self-proclaimed</a> “nation of good sports”.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/46137/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>David Rowe currently receives funding from the Australian Research Council for the Discovery Project 'A Nation of "Good Sports"? Cultural Citizenship and Sport in Contemporary Australia' (DP130104502)..</span></em></p>If a misogynistic atmosphere is allowed to prevail in men’s individual and team sports, then all the platitudes about sport being a socially positive force stand exposed.David Rowe, Professor of Cultural Research, Institute for Culture and Society, Western Sydney UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/461562015-08-14T19:21:47Z2015-08-14T19:21:47ZThis is not about sledging: Kyrgios comments reveal the rampant misogyny that dominates men’s sport<blockquote>
<p>Kokkinakis banged your girlfriend. Sorry to tell you that mate. </p>
</blockquote>
<p>This utterly appalling statement <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/video/2015/aug/13/kokkinakis-banged-your-girlfriend-kyrgios-taunts-wawrinka-video">murmured by Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios</a> was directed at Stanislas Wawrinka during their Rogers Cup match on Wednesday. On-court microphones recorded Kyrgios making the lewd and disparaging comment with reference to Stan Wawrinka’s girlfriend <a href="http://www.wtatennis.com/players/player/18104/title/donna-vekic">Donna Vekic</a>, the Croatian tennis player and women’s world No. 129. </p>
<p>The media has been swift to identify these comments as a critical example of <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-ashes-sledging-is-ok-as-long-as-you-realise-where-the-line-is-44205">sledging</a>, an extremely topical psychological strategy made famous within the sport of cricket, which can help a player gain an advantage by verbally launching an attack on an opposing athlete. This form of psychological combat, an equally ugly relation to “trash talk” in basketball and “chirping” in ice hockey, has recently become the <a href="https://theconversation.com/dont-be-so-sensitive-sledging-is-part-of-the-game-20929">centre</a> of <a href="https://theconversation.com/sledging-is-out-of-order-in-the-workplace-so-why-not-the-sports-field-20812">fervent debate</a> surrounding the ethics of psychological sporting strategies. </p>
<p>While public discussions surrounding the <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/aug/13/nick-kyrgios-row-stan-wawrinka-montreal-tennis-need-grow-up">morality of sledging</a>, and broader considerations of athlete welfare are an extremely worthwhile pursuit, the endless stream of articles questioning the legitimacy of the claims fail to address the glaringly obvious issue with the statement made by Kyrgios: the fact that his slur is a blatant example of the pervasive misogyny which is rampant within the culture of men’s sport.</p>
<h2>Sexism, not sledging</h2>
<p>The fundamental issue here is one of sexism, not sledging. While <a href="http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/players/thanasi-kokkinakis/kd46/overview">Thanasi Kokkinakis</a> and Vekic are both victims in this recent attack, the nature of the statements specifically highlight oppressive attitudes towards women which exist within sport. </p>
<p>The overt reference to Vekic’s sexual exploits include her as an innocuous victim in the messy game of psychological manipulation which is prevalent within modern competitive sport. Of greater concern, the choice of language demonstrates an example of violent and aggressive attitudes towards heterosexual sex, which are closely tied with the discourse of sexual violence and abuse.</p>
<p>Not only does this statement relegate Vekic to the status of a mere vessel for sex, it highlights the damaging attitude that women are conquests, the spoils of men, or sexual possessions. The nature of Kyrgios’s statement also advocates the misogynistic notion that by allegedly “banging” someone, Vekic is somehow cheapened for her next male possessor. The lack of focus on the sexist core of this issue is an explicit example of the failure for social commentators to question the widespread sexist discourse that exists within sport. </p>
<h2>Fuel to the fire</h2>
<p>Not only does the initial slur reek of “slut shaming”, using a women’s sexuality as an insult, the chauvinistic tone of the debate was worsened by the proceeding statements made by Kyrgios’s family. Nick’s brother Cristos further fuelled the inappropriate display by <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/aug/14/wally-masur-kyrgios-family-defend-wawrinka-sledge">insulting Vekic in a radio interview</a>. His remarks were reportedly deemed so offensive that they were prevented from being broadcast. </p>
<p>It is somewhat reassuring that despite the widespread neglect of the media to recognise the broader social issue lurking under the surface of Kyrgios’s verbal attack, the producers of this radio programme deemed Cristos Kyrgios’s attitude as extremely disturbing, and made a stand not to air his statements. This provides an example of the kind of active resistance needed in order to promote social justice within sport. </p>
<p>Unfortunately Cristos was not the only member of the Kyrgios family to wade into the debate. Nick’s on-court behavior was further <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/sport/tennis/kyrgios-mum-explains-why-nick-snapped-at-wawrinka-20150813-giyhp0">endorsed by his mother</a> who in a statement showing no critical awareness of the oppressive practices at play proclaimed “it’s not a nice thing to say, it’s not, but you can’t always cop it on the chin from other people without retaliating”. </p>
<p>Her response focusing on the tit-for-tat nature of sledging demonstrates a disturbing lack of empathy for Vekic, and a complete failure to recognise the gendered context of her son’s statement. Such neglect demonstrates how women as well as men play a role in policing damaging negative attitudes about gender.</p>
<p>Vekic remains the invisible victim of an attack that symbolises the abuse experienced by female athletes on a daily basis. Reader comments to blind-sighted articles and <a href="https://twitter.com/TelegraphSport/status/632125956862418944">social media responses</a> to the event predictably demonstrate a backlash against Vekic, questioning her morals and character for supposedly being sexually active. Kyrgios has <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/33916365">since apologised to Wawrinka for his sledge</a>, however no reference in this apology was made to Vekic. We must not forget the real victim of this unprincipled attack.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/46156/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Joanne Mayoh does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Leave debates about on-court banter aside and focus on the victim here.Joanne Mayoh, Senior Lecturer In Sport , Physical Activity & Health, Bournemouth UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/444092015-07-08T00:15:56Z2015-07-08T00:15:56ZDouble fault: Nick Kyrgios, Dawn Fraser and reputations under the spotlight<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/87691/original/image-20150708-31569-eewlsw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption"></span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">EPA/Gerry Penny</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>At Wimbledon 2015 there have been widely published, powerful criticisms about Nick Kyrgios’ conduct, both on court and in press conferences. Much of that advice is well intended, with the hope that a behaviourally erratic 20-year-old will find cause to modify some of his excesses, learning how to be impressive with both racquet and vocal chords. Yet from a <a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1441352313000296">personal branding perspective</a>, it seems that Kyrgios has chosen – and been encouraged – to cultivate a reputation for indignation and remonstration.</p>
<p>For some observers this is welcome. Tennis legend John McEnroe, no stranger to controversy when he was playing, <a href="http://creativity-online.com/work/beats-by-dr-dre-nick-kyrgios/42538">suggested</a> to a BBC audience that Kyrgios represented a welcome return to “characters” for the tennis world.</p>
<p>Yet others, even though complimentary about Kyrgios’ athleticism and shot-making, have lamented what might be politely described as episodes of poor character amid the razzle dazzle. Wimbledon, the most historic of the majors, is where tennis players are afforded global profile. How athletes deal with that spotlight is crucial to their <a href="http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/55743/1/__lse.ac.uk_storage_LIBRARY_Secondary_libfile_shared_repository_Content_Driessens,%20O_Driessens_Celebrity_%20Capital_%20Redefining_2013_Driessens_Celebrity_%20Capital_%20Redefining_2013.pdf">reputational cachet</a>, both as athletes and celebrities.</p>
<p>In the lead-up to Wimbledon 2015, Kyrgios signed a lucrative endorsement deal with <a href="http://au.beatsbydre.com/home">Dr Dre</a>, a well-known manufacturer of the “Beats” range of advanced headphones, earphones and mobile speakers. This company, owned by Apple Corporation, targets a youth market that consumes downloadable or streamed music. Dr Dre had previously used <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qraNrqA2pw">LeBron James</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UH8a6w8GQrw">Serena Williams</a> to showcase its products; from this perspective outstanding physical activity is “inspired” by emotionally charged music.</p>
<p>Kyrgios, though hardly a tried and true sport champion like James and Williams, epitomises what Dr Dre is looking for in a product champion – excitement, flamboyance, individualism and excellence. In Kyrgios’ case, there is the added spice of non-conformity: the <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/sport/tennis/wimbledon/wimbledon-2015-nick-kyrgios-is-a-tennis-player-with-a-basketballers-attitude-20150630-gi13gh.html">swagger of an NBA player</a>, a <a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/meet-the-hairdresser-behind-nick-kyrgios-daring-hairdo/story-fni0fit3-1227197558016">“hip” haircut and earrings</a>, and a love of <a href="http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/tennis/young-aussie-tennis-star-nick-kyrgios-makes-fashion-splash-i-saw-black-tie-and-instantly-i-thought-purple-suit/story-fnii0pkt-1227134147363">purple suits</a>.</p>
<p>There has been widespread commentary about Kyrgios’ often confrontational on-court conduct at Wimbledon 2015. It is almost as if he is acting out the Dr Dre advertisement in which he features – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rMrkyMn-sY">“Play Your Own Rules”</a> – summarised thus:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The rules of tennis tell you how should act, how you should play, how you should dress and overall, how you should be. What they don’t tell you is, how to play at your best. For that, you have to “Play Your Own Rules”.</p>
<p>Powerbeats2 Wireless gives Nick Kyrgios the freedom to train as hard as he can and the Beats Solo2 allows him to focus his mind before each match. Hardcore training and maximum focus are needed to perform at his highest level.</p>
</blockquote>
<figure>
<iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-rMrkyMn-sY?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
</figure>
<p>It is somewhat surprising, though, that the Dr Dre campaign, in which Kyrgios embodies someone who flouts the rules, does not appear to have attracted much in the way of critical scrutiny. The conventional attributes of reputable conduct in lawn tennis are, it seems, rather old-fashioned and irrelevant elements of the game that the “Beats” video suggests Kyrgios “should” play. </p>
<p>While it must be admitted that this commercial is a dramatic representation, it is uncanny that much of it came to resemble how Kyrgios acted at Wimbledon 2015. Life imitated art.</p>
<p>The Kyrgios saga has since taken a twist, with the young man and his family bearing the brunt of an outburst from a 20th-century Australian sporting icon, swimmer Dawn Fraser. Interviewed on a breakfast television show, Fraser – who was understandably incensed at some of Kyrgios’ conduct at Wimbledon – <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/from-olympic-bans-to-one-nation-dawn-fraser-no-stranger-to-controversy-20150707-gi6sgw.html">argued</a> that he “should be setting a better example for the younger generation” of Australians. </p>
<p>Fair call, many would say. But she followed this by asserting that if Kyrgios – and his troubled compatriot <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/sport/tennis/wimbledon-2015-bernard-tomic-unleashes-extraordinary-attack-on-pat-rafter-and-tennis-australia-20150704-gi50ee">Bernard Tomic</a> – did not appreciate what conduct was required to represent Australia, they should “go back to where their fathers or parents came from” for:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>… we don’t need them here in this country if they act like that.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Kyrgios’ father was born in Greece; his mother in Malaysia. Tomic’s father is from Croatia; his mother from Bosnia.</p>
<p>Fraser was roundly criticised for these comments. Kyrgios slammed her as <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/nick-kyrgios-calls-dawn-fraser-a-blatant-racist-after-she-tells-australian-wimbledon-stars-to-go-back-where-their-parents-came-from-10370638.html">“blatantly racist”</a>, while his mother deemed Fraser’s comments – with obvious irony – as <a href="http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2015/07/07/fraser-apologises-racist-comments">“un-Australian”</a>. </p>
<p>Fraser’s attack has unwittingly shifted the spotlight from Kyrgios’s behaviour to her own. Facing a public backlash, she initially <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/sport/tennis/wimbledon-2015-dawn-fraser-defends-comments-on-nick-kyrgios-as-not-racist-20150707-gi6pi6.html">stonewalled</a>. Later, she delivered an “unreserved apology”, explaining – with curious logic – that her remarks were made <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/sport/fraser-apologises-unreservedly-for-kyrios-comments-20150707-gi70up.html">“on a purely sporting level”</a> and:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>… not meant as an attack on Nick’s ethnicity. </p>
</blockquote>
<p>At this point, Fraser <a href="http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2015/07/07/fraser-apologises-racist-comments">acknowledged</a> the contribution to Australian sport “of individuals from a variety of different countries of origin”. </p>
<p>It might be construed that Fraser, in an off-guard moment, had simply lost perspective. She is a passionate supporter of Australians in sport, and zealous about their performances. Ironically, she is no stranger to controversy as an athlete – infamously being suspended after allegedly stealing a flag at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. </p>
<p>However, to suggest that Fraser’s comments were spur of the moment or taken out of context would be naïve. She has been an avid supporter of Pauline Hanson and the anti-immigration One Nation party, and once <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/from-olympic-bans-to-one-nation-dawn-fraser-no-stranger-to-controversy-20150707-gi6sgw.html">told the ABC</a> that she was:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>… sick and tired of the immigrants that are coming into my country. </p>
</blockquote>
<p>Now, it seems, one solution is to send migrants back to where they came from. Unless they are well behaved, like Fraser.</p>
<p>Kyrgios has been evaluated as <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/sport/tennis/wimbledon-2015-nick-kyrgios-is-the-most-marketable-athlete-in-australia-20150628-ghz8tx.html">“the most marketable athlete in Australia”</a>. His reputation has been forged, at least in part, by bucking convention and being highly passionate. These attributes are sometimes used to deflect criticisms that aspects of his behaviour are disagreeable and regrettable. </p>
<p>In her own way, Fraser also bucked convention as an athlete, and she is highly passionate about Australian performances in sport. To some people, Fraser has the best of intentions, even if – as she <a href="http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2015/07/07/fraser-apologises-racist-comments">put it</a> herself – her message is not “delivered as articulately as it could have been”. </p>
<p>For both Kyrgios and Fraser, passion is a strength and a weakness, but no excuse for repeated indiscretions.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/44409/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
At Wimbledon 2015 there have been widely published, powerful criticisms about Nick Kyrgios’ conduct, both on court and in press conferences. Much of that advice is well intended, with the hope that a behaviourally…Daryl Adair, Associate Professor of Sport Management, University of Technology SydneyLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/287092014-07-02T07:35:40Z2014-07-02T07:35:40ZSmashing success: the science behind Kyrgios’ serve<p>A big serve proved its value as part of Australian wild card Nick Kyrgios’ game yesterday, with 37 aces in his fourth round <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jul/01/nick-kyrgios-nadal-wimbledon-sharapova-serena-williams">Wimbledon victory</a> over world number one Rafael Nadal. </p>
<p>Kyrgios, the first player born in the 1990s to beat Nadal, only dropped serve once as won in four sets: 7-6 (7-5), 5-7, 7-6 (7-5), 6-3. </p>
<figure>
<iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PBHoLD3rvK0?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
<figcaption><span class="caption">Relive match point (an ace, appropriately enough).</span></figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Krygios currently leads all players in aces at Wimbledon, serving a whopping 113 aces in his four matches to date. So just how does Kyrgios serve accurately at such blistering speeds of 214km/hr?</p>
<p>The serve begins every point and is the only stroke in which the player has complete control over, making it one of the most important strokes in tennis.</p>
<p>It’s no surprise that coaches and players spend countless hours developing and refining their serve. Here are a few key biomechanics concepts evident in Kyrgios’ serve that undoubtedly help the teenager produce such a powerful and effective serve.</p>
<h2>Ground reaction forces and elastic energy</h2>
<p>Leg drive is crucial in the development of a powerful serve. It forms the foundation of the “kinematic chain”, providing the necessary base for high speed trunk and upper arm rotations which happen later in the serve. </p>
<figure>
<iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/akcpuZk3xw0?wmode=transparent&start=7" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
</figure>
<p>In the video above you can see Kyrios bend his knees and push up to create <a href="http://moon.ouhsc.edu/dthompso/gait/kinetics/GRFBKGND.HTM">ground reaction forces</a>, allowing him to drive his body upwards and forwards to the ball. This is called vertical <a href="http://www.sparknotes.com/testprep/books/sat2/physics/chapter9section1.rhtml">linear momentum</a>.</p>
<p>Kyrgios uses this vertical linear momentum to drive his hitting shoulder up, which results in a faster-moving racquet.</p>
<figure class="align-left zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/52874/original/f5mjqb7k-1404285897.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/52874/original/f5mjqb7k-1404285897.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/52874/original/f5mjqb7k-1404285897.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=784&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/52874/original/f5mjqb7k-1404285897.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=784&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/52874/original/f5mjqb7k-1404285897.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=784&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/52874/original/f5mjqb7k-1404285897.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=985&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/52874/original/f5mjqb7k-1404285897.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=985&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/52874/original/f5mjqb7k-1404285897.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=985&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption"></span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">The Conversation</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Effective leg drive is also crucial to allow the shoulder to reach a position of maximum external rotation (away from his body). Kyrgios’ leg drive forces the racquet downward and away from his body. </p>
<p>In this position, you can see Kyrgios’ shoulder is externally rotated and his hitting arm is almost horizontal. </p>
<p>This stretches his shoulder and trunk muscles, storing elastic energy. As its name suggests, this stored elastic energy is then used to contract those muscles, forcefully rotating the shoulder inwards.</p>
<p>Up to 40% of racquet velocity when it comes in contact with the ball is developed by forceful internal rotation of the shoulder. </p>
<h2>Developing angular momentum</h2>
<p>A tennis player’s trunk rotates in three ways to build angular momentum during the service action. </p>
<p>In his forward swing you can see Kyrgios rotate his trunk in three ways:</p>
<figure class="align-right zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/52871/original/wk6nnm3k-1404285140.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/52871/original/wk6nnm3k-1404285140.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/52871/original/wk6nnm3k-1404285140.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=792&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/52871/original/wk6nnm3k-1404285140.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=792&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/52871/original/wk6nnm3k-1404285140.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=792&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/52871/original/wk6nnm3k-1404285140.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=996&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/52871/original/wk6nnm3k-1404285140.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=996&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/52871/original/wk6nnm3k-1404285140.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=996&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption"></span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">The Conversation</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<ol>
<li>forward in a somersault direction (<a href="http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/sagittal+plane">sagittal plane</a>)</li>
<li>shoulder over shoulder in a cartwheel direction (coronal or <a href="http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/frontal+plane">frontal plane</a>)</li>
<li>clockwise and counter-clockwise (twist) about the long axis (<a href="http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/transverse+plane">transverse plane</a>)</li>
</ol>
<p>The rotation of the trunk in all three planes is critical to create momentum which can be transferred to the racquet arm to increase the speed of the racquet (and therefore the ball) at impact.</p>
<p>There is no question that Kyrgios’ serve plays a critical role in his game. </p>
<p>After years of practice improving and refining his technique, he is now a fine example of how mastering the key biomechanics principles can help a player generate enough speed and accuracy to terrorise even the most daunting opponents. </p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/28709/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Georgia Giblin is affiliated with Tennis Australia.</span></em></p>A big serve proved its value as part of Australian wild card Nick Kyrgios’ game yesterday, with 37 aces in his fourth round Wimbledon victory over world number one Rafael Nadal. Kyrgios, the first player…Georgia Giblin, PhD Candidate in Biomechanics and Skill Acquisition, Victoria UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.