The heat is on: do we expect too much from our sports stars?
Searing temperatures at the Australian Open tennis tournament have raised concerns that athletes are exposed to dangerous conditions in the pursuit of excellence.
We expect a lot from our athletes – and so we should. At the pinnacle of sport, sportsmen and women are capable of truly phenomenal feats, and are rewarded with riches beyond what the average person can comprehend.
But let’s not forget they are human beings and, contrary to some of the things we witness, not machines. There are many variables athletes can alter to ensure comfort for a maximum performance, but the weather isn’t one of them.
The temperatures in Melbourne at the Australian tennis open are incredible, and it’s a huge ask for anyone to compete under those conditions. It’s harsh on spectators, let alone the players and ball boys.
Unhealthy in the heat?
Many players have criticised the tournament organisers. Ivan Dodig claimed he “could maybe even die” after his match on Tuesday, and when ball boys are fainting, water bottles are melting and eggs are frying on court, you have to start wondering how safe it is.
But tournament director Craig Tiley has defended the decision to persist with the event, saying the conditions pose no threat to the safety of fans or players. And surely Sepp Blatter and the World Cup committee are taking note. Expecting players to do more running (football requires more than tennis) and in hotter weather in Qatar is surely nothing short of stupidity.
Granted, the pending World Cup in Brazil won’t see temperatures at the level of the Middle East but it won’t be far off. So how much of a factor will the heat play? Will it compromise the quality of the football for the teams (England, for example) who are not used to the extreme heat?
Let’s be honest, the Australian Open hasn’t been gripping – yet. But getting back the immediate issue, the competitors there are putting themselves on the line for the greater good. Or are they?
This tournament hasn’t just popped up. It’s been around for a very long time and played at this time, so why has it not been an issue until now? I didn’t hear people complaining last year.
Fans paying the price
And what’s the alternative? They cancel the Australian Open? No. Sponsors pour in millions upon millions, and cash in king. Players are well paid to take part in the tournament, and surely if they were so worried about their health, they’d pull out.
As for fans, it makes no sense paying the financial price to go to the tennis and then complaining when they have to pay the physical price when they have to watch in extreme conditions.
Speaking of not being able to “handle the heat”, and of a group desperate to “get out of the kitchen”, England’s cricketers have hit a new low, even for them. Setting Australia a target of 301 to win was actually an impressive innings, but after a good start England managed to lose by a wicket.
Oh, how they would love to blame the weather for trailing 2-0 in the one-day internationals, but they know that would be a depth even they daren’t visit. But lack of character has left England the punch line in what’s been a joke of a tour.