As a student and athlete I often found myself in hot water
for airing my opinions. Frustratingly it might have come across to some
teachers or coaches as disruptive or uncooperative behaviour, in my mind I was
playing it safe. I felt it was always better to ask the questions and to remain
as open as possible. Since retiring from professional sport I have enjoyed the
relative freedom of speech and committed to aiding other athletes who face such
challenges.
It was refreshing to hear Jess Varnish, the British cyclist,
speak out about the alleged discrimination and sexism in her sport - it would
have been a difficult decision to make. I was, however, disappointed when her
detractors suggested she would not have voiced her opinions had she not been
dropped from the team. Of course she did not as that would have jeopardised her
relationship with the successful medal-winning set up at British Cycling. For
those in receipt of UKSport funding there are no other options - an athlete cannot
decide to train and compete with another team.
It is not just in sport that one’s opinions and the
opportunity to voice them are restricted. The Prime Minister and Queen have
recently been under scrutiny by the world media and public for speaking their
thoughts. The press relished the snippets of conversation recorded in which
David Cameron was heard commenting on the level of corruption in some countries.
They were instantly looking for reactions from those mentioned yet were met
with an unexpected result. The Afghan President’s reaction was to agree with
the Prime Minister and state he had no issue with hearing such allegations. The
Chinese have also denied any offence arising from the Queen’s comments
regarding their latest state visit.
It is not only refreshing to hear a few honest thoughts and
comments coming from those with a powerful voice but also reassuring to know that
honesty can be appreciated by others.
