When athletes take a stand on sociopolitical issues, they have a public profile by which to showcase their views. But they face criticism that it is not their ‘place’ to comment on sensitive matters.
The US’s Regas Woods of competing in the long jump at the Rio paralympics.
Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
Paralympic sport is meant to be inclusive and fair but athletes don’t face a level playing field. Those from higher income countries can compete more easily.
The FBI is warning of Russian cyberattackers probing American election systems. Information warfare scholars discuss Russia’s digital efforts to benefit its national interests.
A new Russian hack has claimed to reveal the details of so-called therapeutic use exemptions. But could transparency in this area be a benchmark for the fight against drugs in sport?
The author competing at the 2012 London Paralympics.
Australian Paralympic Committee
The goal of identifying leadership attributes that translate into team success remains as elusive in sport as it does in other spheres of human endeavour.
Australia’s medal success in the sciences.
Shutterstock/Niyazz
While questions are asked about the value of investment in our Olympic sporting activities, take a look at the achievements of our other medal winners in the science Olympiads.
The Tokyo games of 1964 represented the first use of the term ‘Paralympics’.
Australian Paralympic Committee
The Paralympic Games started off as a way to motivate and rehabilitate returned servicemen and women after the second world war, and has evolved tremendously since then.
After the closing ceremony’s razzmatazz, what will be Rio’s legacy that lingers?
Jose Mendez/EPA
Watching sport is more than just an entertaining experience. As the 2016 Olympic Games again highlighted, it can enrich and improve our lives in many more complex ways.
The achievements of the Paralympians, and societal shift towards more inclusivity and the celebration of diversity, has had a dramatic effect on the lives of people living with disability.
Instead of showcasing a rising global power with a booming economy, the 2014 Games put a spotlight on Brazil’s most serious economic recession since the 1930s, along with a host of social problems.
Ledecky celebrates her new world record at the 2016 Olympic games.
PATRICK B. KRAEMER//EPA
Honorary Professor, School of Kinesiology, Western University, London, Canada; Adjunct Fellow, Olympic Scholar and Co-Director of the Olympic and Paralympic Research Centre, Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University
Clinician Scientist, Canada Research Chair in Injury Prevention and Physical Activity for Health, Sport Medicine Physician, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University