Episode 39: 3 June, 2020 featuring Bridie O’Donnell (Part 2)

In the second of our two-part podcast with Bridie O’Donnell, we discuss a number of key themes centred around women in sport. The first of these is the current imbalance in sport in terms of governance roles and the opportunities provided for women in elite sport. Bridie talks about how the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation is working with the sporting community to effect structural change across associations and clubs. With a broad background in elite sport, Bridie’s views and experiences as a female within professional sport provides an understanding of the specific issues elite women face. The portrayal of women in sport is also discussed and touches on how the press and major broadcasters approach coverage and promotion of both teams and individuals. How this impacts what we see or read, and also the financial opportunities that may or may not stem from the decisions made by broadcasters or sports associations provides some thought-provoking discussion. Finally, Bridie delves into some of the negative impacts of elite level sport on the health and well being of participants, both female and male.   Our thanks to Bridie O’Donnell for her frank discussion on a number of topics that can at times be pushed to one side or simply ignored across Australia’s sporting landscape.