Author Archives: Alida Shanks

Another week and more allegations of inappropriate behaviour from male coaches of women’s sports teams. Last Friday, the coach of a women’s football team in the top U.S. competition was fired after allegations of sexual misconduct. Complaints had been made in 2015 which were apparently investigated and completed, but the only action taken was toContinue reading “Allegations of bullying and sexual misconduct in football in both the U.S. and Australia”

This week Sport NZ finally released the long awaited results of the first of three diversity and inclusion surveys, the first carried out last year in the sport, play, and active recreation space. Sport NZ’s media release is here, Zoe George’s Stuff article is here, and the full report is here. In summary, the results prove what we know, thatContinue reading “Sport NZ release results of D&I survey in sport, active recreation and play sector, revealing concerning findings”

This week there are two stories that caught my attention and are close to my heart. First, Cycling NZ have announced the independent panel and terms of reference for the review of the organisation following the death of athlete Olivia Podmore. There have been at least 11 reviews of national sports organisations since 2016 (that we know about), and nine ofContinue reading “Cycling NZ announce their review panel with co-chairs & SSHOC Aotearoa petition for change to the process of reporting sexual harassment and bullying on campus”

Women in sport meets women in STEM this week with the story on Jacqueline Comer and Rebecca Lee who have developed the FairPlayBot, that can be attached to social media accounts of athletes to automatically respond to negative messages with positive ones. This is an interesting and awesome development to help tackle the nastiness on social media. GoContinue reading “Women in sport meets women in STEM with the FairPlayBot; 2.44m viewers watched the women’s final of the US Open (17% more than the men’s final); and what support is place for the new WPX women’s team?”

This week I’ve pulled out what I think are the top two stories in women’s sport that caught my attention and then for something a bit different, I’ve listed some of my fave movies and series if you’re looking for some inspiration for what to watch this weekend. One of the most concerning stories in Aotearoa NZContinue reading “Gymnastics NZ influence ‘independent’ group, claims for gender equality in Aussie football doesn’t add up, and some viewing inspo”

A lot has happened this week in the world of inclusion, diversity, and women’s sport! First must be Paralympic swimmer Sophie Pascoe winning an incredible eleventh gold medal! Sophie, Tupou, and the women para athletes are leading the way with the medals again, just like at the recent Olympics. The Irish women’s football team have secured equal match fees with theirContinue reading “Paralympian women leading, gains for Irish women’s football team and Volley South, plus key initiatives for the Pasifika community in netball and rugby”

I hope you are doing ok during this latest lockdown, and that you and your whānau are safe, whatever your circumstances. I live by myself so it’s pretty quiet and am envious of those of you with company. But I’ve also got friends who have said wish they were in my shoes. So it can be toughContinue reading “Paralympians smashing it, Football Australia investing in women’s football”

This week is a highlights edition with just some of the key stories. It’s been a big week, with the sudden move into Level 4 lockdown, plus the challenging stories on Cycling NZ and World Athletics. Cycling NZ have announced a review into their culture following the death of Olivia Podmore, but as has been pointed out thereContinue reading “Testosterone study issues correction days after the Olympics”

This week has been a conflicting one for me as I reflect on the Olympics and their aftermath. There are many aspects to celebrate, lots of heart-warming moments like the ones I outlined last week, some great firsts like Quinn being the first open transgender person to compete and also to win a gold medal at the Olympics.Continue reading “The cost of winning medals: Time to put athlete welfare first”

While I’ve been watching far too much of the Olympics this week and trying to justify that it’s part of my research, I’ve noticed a vibe that I feel is different to previous Olympics. Many of the athletes seem to have an authenticity about them, it feels like athletes are more comfortable being their true selvesContinue reading “Heartwarming moments that I’ve noticed during the Tokyo Olympics”