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sunshine-theseus · 11 months ago

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Bia | Kyra Cooney-Cross x Reader

Words: 2.8k Summary: you create your own boots and meet the most beautiful girl - sorry I also used this to info dump about the necessity for boots designed specifically for women to lower injury risks Warnings: none i think. lemme know if there are any requested by - @hottiedogs375 i hope you enjoy, it's probably not my best :( definitely not as good as pequeña i think

My family was more of a cricket family than a football one. I wasn’t really fond of either, the shouting was always too much, and the food was somehow sloppy yet rock hard at the same time. Even when we watched at home. The living room would be full of sweaty angry men, sometimes my mum and sister would join if our team was actually doing well. Meanwhile you’d find me in my room at the very back corner of the attic, my room, with headphones on to block out the noise, usually designing something.

Despite the cricket background, I found myself intrigued by the design of women’s football kits. In my design and technology class in year 13, I fell down a research rabbit hole on football boots for women. It was then I discovered the lack of adaptation for the shoe. Women often just wear smaller sizes of boots designed for men, which has been one of the factors in the increase in injuries in the women’s game and I’d decided I wanted to fix that.

That’s how I found myself in front of a crowd, made up of possible brand ambassadors and sponsors, as well as a range of women’s athletes from across the world, pitching my idea.

“And that’s why brands like Bia are important to the growth of women’s football. The shape of the boot, the length of studs, the sole support, they’re all contributing factors to how players perform. When women footballers use the men’s boots, which is basically the only option, they aren’t going to grow used to the details designed for male anatomy. It’s causing stress on not only their feet but every ligament, every bone, every piece of them is suffering because they have to try and adapt to things they can’t possibly adapt to.” I felt like the closing of my speech was rather strong, especially as I watched players and possible sponsors stand to clap. The noise echoes throughout the auditorium and a happiness bubbles within me.

“Thank you for providing me this opportunity. Please, if anyone has any questions.” I gesture to the stand-up microphone in the middle aisle, and people rush to line up.

“What made you intent on creating a boot specifically for women, risking money and time on something people have tried to do before? Something you knew wasn’t guaranteed to work?”

“I know it’s funny, but my family was not a football one, so I didn’t grow up knowing much about the game. But in my a-levels design and technology class, we had to research an issue prevalent in an existing design, and I for some reason was just drawn to the idea that women don’t even get the choice of having a boot made for them. I found it unfair and uncaring. Everyone expects women to play at the same level as men yet won’t provide them with the necessary equipment to do so without them having to risk, quite possibly their career. And I couldn’t just move on after the class, I knew that I had to do something about it. So I’ve spent the past 3 years perfecting the design and building the brand, to be here in front of you all today.” Another round of applause is heard throughout the room before the next person steps up.

She’s a footballer, that I know. Young, no older than 21, my age. And very very pretty.

“This question probably isn’t quite as important as that one but, what made you pick the name Bia? It just seems like an interesting name.” people chuckle at the question, and the (newly discovered) Australian shyly looks around.

“No, I love this question. Bia is the Greek goddess of force and raw energy. She’s actually Nike’s sister, the goddess of victory and very obviously the brand. I think Bia resembles a lot of things within female athletes. They have this driving force and unbelieve power that they bring, and it just felt so right.”

“That’s sick. Can I also quickly ask, sorry, are these boots made for every female athlete? Like can someone in track and field use these or are they just for footballers?” the girl smiles brightly after her question, and I have to remember not to lose focus.

“While the primary focus is obviously footballers, I have researched the compatibility of boots between sports and yes, a professional sprinter like Sharika Jackson can use them just as well as you or Alexia Putellas could. And of course as the brand grows we’ll be able to develop even further and broaden our research further in creating boots fit for anyone.”

Questions carry on for a while, then I disappear behind the curtain that’s suspended behind me, rushing to remove my microphone. Eventually I slide out the side door and reach the separate room booked for ‘mingling’ after the panel.

Between talking to rich people desperate to make it seem like they care about others, and athletes who are very eager to know everything they can about the shoe, I try to keep an eye out for the nameless Australian. Every time I think I’ve spotted her; it seems she disappears. Bodies keep moving and she seems to be one of them.

Then I bump into someone. We both go stumbling but she catches me just before I head for the floor.

“I am so sorry I wasn’t looking where I was going.” And there she was, the girl I’d been looking for.

“No, no need to apologise. I’m Y/n.” I give her a hand to shake.

“Kyra.” There’s a pause before she continues.

“I’m a big fan of your boot. It’s truly incredible.” It’s hard not to blush and sputter out random sounds at her praise.

“Thank you. I’m really hoping this function works out.”

“Well I was thinking, when it does, if you need ‘a face of Bia’…”

“Oh my god yes that would be amazing. Seriously you have no idea how cool that would be.”

We talk for quite some time, and she sticks by my side when someone else comes to talk and ask question. When it’s time to go home we exchange numbers and that’s the first and last time I see her for a while.

5 months later is the next time I see Kyra in person. We’d both been travelling a lot, me for sponsors, ambassadors, and athletes, her for work. I’d expected to meet with her a few more times before we kick started the ‘face of Bia’ photoshoots, but as the fates had it, we found ourselves in a large warehouse, photo equipment, and many boxes of my shoes filling the space.

It suddenly all started to feel very real, and that made me nervous. So I packed myself into a small room in the corner as I tried to calm down, hoping the isolation and quiet would help me feel better.

Not even 2 minutes in, someone is following and taking a seat next to me.

“You right?” the voice is familiar and smooth.

“Yeah, yeah of course I am. It’s not like the biggest thing I’ve ever worked for in my life is basically in its final stage of release in the next room and I’m freaking out about it. What if they aren’t actually good? What if th-”

“I’m going to stop you right there. You sent me a pair 2 months ago, and I told you I would test them before saying anything, and I did just that. I took them to training. Ran on the pitch, walked, kicked the ball, passed, made risky moves. And what did I tell you after that?”

“‘These are the best fucking shoes ever.’ But what if they aren’t?”

“Listen Y/n, how many other athletes, not just me or footballers, did you send a pair to for testing?”

“Like 43. Basically every one that came to the panel plus some more.”

“How many told you they were good?”

“43.”

“Exactly. So we’re going to go out there together, you’re gonna tell the photographer what you want to see, every opinion, every change, anything, and we’re going to finalise your fucking dream.” Kyra picks me up without me even agreeing, and basically carries me out to the set up.

Ali Kreiger, despite her recent retirement, was currently being photographed. She’d been the one to reach out to me when she heard from, someone, and wanted to be an ambassador. I probably screamed so loud my neighbours thought I was getting murdered that day.

“They’re going to want a couple photos of you too probably. Either with the shoes or with one or all of us. Okay?” Kyra rubs a hand up and down my back as I take it all in.

I nod vigorously and try to shake my hands to get rid of the remaining nerves, eventually taking a seat next to the photographer, Eve. She asks for my input on every shot and manages to carry out my vision without fail every single time. As players filter in and out, I begin to truly relax and allow myself to take in the moment.

Zimmorlei Farquharson and Poppy Boltz, two AFLW players for the Brisbane Lions, were being photographed together when Kyra slid into the spare chair next to me. She didn’t say anything but when I looked over, I had to quickly look away again. Her outfit wasn’t something out of the ordinary, a loose cropped top and bike shorts, plus the sage green boots she was promoting. But the strip of skin that was exposed between her shirt and shorts was enticing and it was hard not to stare at the way her muscles contracted every time she moved in the seat.

I’m certain she caught me staring.

As she stands to take over the Australian Football players, Kyra leans over and whispers in my ear. It takes me a moment to process her words and by then she’s already under the lights.

“Good thing we’re taking some pictures. They’ll last longer.” To say I was stumped was a rather big understatement. Was she flirting with me?

I don’t get to think about it too much, Kyra looking my way every time she changed position or began to play around with the ball provided.

Not long after, I’m asked to join all the girls in front of the camera for a few shots. I knew it was coming but my heart still dropped into my stomach, and I choked on my breath. As expected, it’s Kyra who grabs my hand and instructs me to breathe slowly. Her thumb runs over the back of my hand and the motion begins to sooth me.

I take a place in front of the camera and the group of athletes. I’m not quite sure how to stand, but Kyra takes the space behind me, resting an arm over my shoulder and the other around my waist. It forces me to lean back naturally and as the girls around us take a stance, Eve continues to shoot.

“You and Kyra have a lot of chemistry by the looks of it, and she’s who you’re most comfortable with. Use that. Make it natural. The girls around you will adapt.” I expect the comment from Eve, but it’s Ali who puts a hand on my shoulder and reassures me.

With that instruction, and a nod from Eve, Kyra jumps on my back. It’s a pose that helps with showing off the boot and making me laugh. She then jumps off and takes my hands, turning me to face her as she dips. I rush to catch her as she falls, our faces a hair width apart.

Before I can think, I close the gap. My lips press hard against her’s as the camera shutter repeatedly goes off, but I don’t think anything of it. Until I pull away.

I almost drop her once my thoughts catch up to me.

“I am so sorry. What the fuck did I just do?” the rest of the girls had already walked away, so it was just us.

“Nothing you should regret or feel bad for.” Kyra stands right in front of me, our lips basically touching again.

“And maybe you should do it again.” I pause for a moment before leaning back down, kissing her again.

~~~~~

It takes three more weeks for the official brand release. After years of designing, making, spending every cent I had on these boots, Bia was officially the first woman specific sports boot.

Kyra’s first Arsenal game wearing them was the day of the release. She ended up talking about them in post-match interview after being asked “how were you excelling so well in the midfield today?” Not only was Bia’s sale numbers skyrocketing and the media account blowing up, so was my own.

I’d of course attended the match, excited to see them as an officially released boot. Someone had spotted me in the crowd and tweeted about it, talking about ‘the creator of that new boot brand is watching Kyra rep them for the first time live’. Someone else had caught me hugging Kyra on the pitch after the game and giving her a kiss on the cheek.

The rumours could only be expected. They also couldn’t be denied. Not without lying.

“I’m so proud of you.” The smooth Australian accent almost lulls me to sleep as we rest in Kyra’s bed, the sheets hiding our bare skin.

Her fingers trace shapes on my hip as she holds me, and I kiss along her collar bones and neck.

“And also very, very grateful for your genius brain creating those boots. Not only for helping my game play, but for bringing you to me.”

“I’m also grateful for my genius brain bringing us together.” I tease before softly kissing her.

It’d been impossible to escape her charm after our kiss at the photoshoot, so naturally we went on a date. And another, before she asked me to be her girlfriend. Eve sent me those photos just in case we wanted them in the brand release post. They currently sat in my hard drive, but it was very tempting to post a couple.

Kyra wanted a moment of privacy before the world knew, but I knew it didn’t matter whether it was out or a secret, as long as I had her.

A new power couple is on the rise in the world of Women’s Football. Creator of new women’s sports boots brand Bia, Y/n L/n, spotted with girlfriend, Arsenal and Matildas midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross at a café in North London this morning before the London Derby. The couple confirmed their relationship mere days ago with photos of the lovebirds kissing from L/n’s brand shoot.

I laugh at the article as Kyra pulls into the Emirates parking, hand in mine. I’d become rather acquainted with her teammates and they begged me to come to the London Derby on the weekend. I couldn’t refuse when my girlfriend pulled out the puppy dog eyes and promised to ban me from any sort of affection, specifically kisses, for the week.

“You better win. I have a bet going with Niamh that you’ll beat her and I cannot lose a bet against her again.” Kyra chuckles and leaves with a kiss, sending me into the friends and family section of the stands.

It was nerve wracking going alone, but it was for Kyra and that was all I cared about. Supporting her like she supported me.

Kyra doesn’t start, which had been expected. Despite it, the girls were playing well and were up 3-1 at half-time. No yellow cards for either team had most people shocked though. The derby was known to be rough and physical, yet it seemed things were rather calm for the situation at hand.

There’s a substitute at half-time that puts Kyra back on the pitch. I blow a kiss when she looks my way as she jogs out and she pretends to catch it and place it on her cheek. Both of us are unaware of the interaction being caught on the big screen while people wait for the countdown.

It’s when extra time is announced that everyone in the stadium knows Arsenal have won the game. The Chelsea players look tired and defeated and the Arsenal girls don’t look much different, apart from the massive smiles that grace each one of their faces. The final whistle blows, and the crowd erupts in deafening cheers for the gunners, and I can’t help joining in.

After congratulating the blues on their performance and huddling with her own teammates, Kyra comes running for me. The guard on the other side of the barrier grows wary when I stand, clearly about to jump it, but Kyra gives him the okay and grabs me by the waist, helping me join her on the pitch.

“I’m so fucking proud of you.” I whisper as she stands on her tippy toes.

Her arms wrap tightly around my neck and mine go around her waist as she pulls me in for a kiss. It’s deep and passionate and the crowd around us cheers, some of the girls joining in.

“We’re both kinda killing it aren’t we?” I let out a laugh as she hops on my back, pointing me in the direction of her Matilda’s teammates, even Sam, who are grouped in the middle of the field.

She sprinkles kisses around my face as they talk between each other and I’ve never felt more content.

Fuck cricket, football is the sport for me.

#woso x reader #woso #womens soccer #wsl #woso fanfics #the matildas x reader #the matildas #kyra cooney cross x reader #kyra cooney cross #kyra cooney-cross #kyra cooney-cross x reader

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scrapesaladofficial · 4 months ago

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Ten big moments of the 2024 Olympics

End of the road: Cuba's Mijain Lopez removes his shoes as a signal that he is retiring from wrestling (Punit PARANJPE) From a colorful, sometimes controversial opening ceremony to boxers caught up in a gender row to respectful bows on the gymnastics podium, the 2024 Olympics served up many memorable moments. AFP Sport looks at 10 of the best: Rain on opening ceremony parade -- Organizers promised a spectacular opening ceremony and the rain-soaked boat parade on the River Seine ended up making global headlines, but not for the expected reasons. Church leaders, conservatives and even US presidential candidate Donald Trump were left outraged by a scene involving drag queens and lesbian DJ Barbara Butch that appeared to parody Jesus's Last Supper. Artistic director Thomas Jolly denied any such intention. He and others involved ended up facing vicious online harassment that led to police complaints. Djokovic's roar of approval -- Novak Djokovic stunned Carlos Alcaraz in a memorable men's final to clinch tennis gold and become only the fifth player to complete the Golden Slam of all four majors plus Olympic gold. The 37-year-old celebrated with a roar which echoed around Roland Garros before the tearful Serb clambered into the player's box to embrace his wife Jelena and two children. "There is no greater inspiration than representing your country," said the 24-time Grand Slam title winner. Alcaraz was also in tears, claiming he "had let Spain down". Biles bows to 'queen' Andrade -- Simone Biles may have been the star of the show but she was widely praised for bowing to her arch-rival Rebeca Andrade on the podium. Biles said it was "just the right thing to do" after she and team-mate Jordan Chiles finished in silver and bronze medal position respectively behind the Brazilian in the floor final. "Rebeca's so amazing, she's queen," said Biles. Romanian Ana Barbosu was later awarded the bronze medal after the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that Chiles should not have been upgraded from her initial fifth-place finish. Lyles just in time -- World champion Noah Lyles roared to victory in 9.79sec to claim gold in a dramatic men's Olympic 100m final in the closest finish in modern history -- just five thousandths of a second separated him from Jamaica's Kishane Thompson. "I'm the man amongst all of them. I'm the wolf amongst wolves," said Lyles whose victory was only confirmed after a photo-finish. Not cricket as Pakistan top India at javelin -- Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem won the men's javelin title, his country's first individual gold at an Olympics, with a Games record of 92.97m. In second place was India's defending champion Neeraj Chopra. "Rivalry is there when it comes to cricket matches, other sports, the two countries have a rivalry, but it's a good thing for the young people in both countries to watch our sport and follow us. It's a positive thing for both countries," said Nadeem. North-South Korea podium selfie goes viral -- Images of Olympic table tennis players from North Korea and South Korea taking a selfie together on the medal podium went viral in South Korea, hailed as a rare show of cross-border unity. After South Korea won bronze and North Korea silver in the mixed doubles behind China, South Korea's Lim Jong-hoon took a group photo after the medal ceremony. North Korea's Ri Jong Sik and Kim Kum Yong, the South's Shin Yu-bin and the victorious Chinese team Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha all beamed into Lim's phone, a South Korean-made Samsung. "A selfie with both Koreas' national flags and a Samsung phone," said the widely read daily JongAng Ilbo. Dreams come Trew -- Australian skateboarding sensation Arisa Trew, just 14, won the women's park event to become her country's youngest ever gold medallist. Trew nailed a high-risk and high-speed final round in her trademark pink helmet, bringing the crowd to their feet at a sun-drenched Place de la Concorde. The event also featured 11-year-old Zheng Haohao, the youngest athlete ever to represent China at the Olympics. "Skateboarding in the Olympic Games isn't much different from skateboarding in my neighbourhood. It's just more spectators," she told reporters. Gender-row boxer beats 'bullying' -- On a raucous night at Roland Garros, the storied home of the French Open, Algerian gender-row boxer Imane Khelif claimed gold and used her platform to hit back at "attacks" and "bullying" before defiantly declaring "I am a woman like any other." Together with Taiwan's Lin Yu-ting, who also fought in Paris, Khelif was disqualified from last year's world championships after they failed gender eligibility tests. However they were cleared to compete in Paris, setting the stage for one of the biggest controversies of the Games. "I am fully qualified to take part, I am a woman like any other. I was born a woman, lived a woman and competed as a woman," said the 25-year-old. High five for Cuban wrestler -- Cuban wrestler Mijain Lopez made Olympic history when he became the first athlete to win five consecutive individual golds in the same event, bettering the records of Games icons such as Carl Lewis and Michael Phelps. The soon-to-be 42-year-old then placed his shoes in the centre of the mat to signify his intention to retire. "Wrestling has been the love of my life, for all of my life," he said. Cool hand Yusuf -- Turkish Olympic shooting silver medallist Yusuf Dikec became an overnight sensation for his casual style during competition. His eye-catching posture saw the marksman wearing standard glasses, a team T-shirt and with his left hand casually tucked in his pocket. Other than his pistol, he notably had none of the specialised equipment used by athletes in the hyper-precise event, like headphones, special lenses or a hat. "The name's Dikec. Yusuf Dikec," said a social media post in reference to cinema icon James Bond. Read the full article

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kammartinez · 1 year ago

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By Natasha Frost

Fans celebrated in central Melbourne this week after a national triumph: The Matildas, the Australian women’s soccer team, had defeated Canada, the reigning Olympic champion, 4-0.

It was a glorious victory after a dismal start to the Women’s World Cup for one of the two host teams. In Federation Square, Australians held up gold and green scarves and bellowed, “Up the Matildas!”

Two years earlier, the same city had seen a similar outpouring of support for the Australian women’s cricket team. Inside Melbourne Cricket Ground, more than 86,000 people had gathered to watch the final of the Women’s T20 World Cup, while 1.2 million people tuned in from elsewhere in Australia.

For Ellyse Perry, an Australian sporting legend who has represented the country in both the cricket and soccer World Cups, the 2020 match — the largest crowd ever to watch a women’s cricket match — was a milestone for women’s sports in Australia.

“It’s really now starting to become embedded in general society, and it’s commonplace,” she said. “We don’t think differently about it. It’s not an oddity any more.”

For as long as there have been sports in Australia, women have clamored to play and participate. What is believed to be the world’s first cycling race for women took place in Sydney in 1888; the country’s first golf championship, in 1894, was women only; and at the 1912 Olympics, Australian women won silver and gold in the first women’s Olympic freestyle race.

Yet even though Australian women’s sports have an extensive and proud history, only recently have they received significant mainstream support. A strong run in the World Cup — Australia will face Denmark in the round of 16 on Monday — was seen as an opportunity to change that, to cement the place of women’s sports in the country’s daily rhythms and conversation.

Australia’s win over Canada saved it from an early elimination, and sent it to a game against Denmark on Monday.Credit...Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Sam Kerr, the Matildas star who is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world, said the impact of the tournament on women’s soccer was all but unimaginable.

“For years to come, this will be talked about — hopefully, decades to come,” she told reporters last month, citing an uptick in young boys and girls coming to women’s soccer games.

A longer view on the history of women’s sports in Australia involves many moments of triumph, but also times when able and enthusiastic sportswomen were simply shut out.

“There are peaks and troughs all the way through,” Marion Stell, a historian at the University of Queensland, said of women’s sports in Australia. “Women make advances — but then it goes away again. It’s never a smooth upward curve.”

Only in the past couple of decades had female athletes been able to make consistent strides on pay, opportunities and representation, she added. Today, half of all Australian girls play sports at least once a week, according to the Australian Sports Commission, compared with about 30 percent of girls in the United States.

“I don’t think anyone would have dreamed that it would happen so quickly,” Dr. Stell said. “On one hand, it’s been very slow. But on the other hand, when it happened, the floodgates just opened.”

Yet despite their enthusiasm, and their prodigious talent for bringing home Olympic medals, female athletes in Australia have, like their international peers, historically been sidelined, blocked or simply not taken seriously.

In 1980, women’s sports made up about 2 percent of print sports coverage in Australia. By 2009, women’s sports made up about 9 percent of television news coverage, according to a report from the Australian Sports Commission. But the balance appears to be shifting: A poll last year found that nearly 70 percent of Australians had watched more women’s sports since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.

Fans watching the Australia-Ireland match in Melbourne on the World Cup’s opening night.Credit...Hannah Mckay/Reuters“A lot of it has been in line with the way that social perception has changed more broadly, in terms of how we perceive women’s role in society, and particularly the workplace,” said Perry, the sports star.

Dr. Stell, the historian, pointed further back. She saw the 1976 Montreal Olympics, where Australia failed to win a single gold medal, as a turning point. The country’s lackluster performance spurred a significant backlash in the Australian news media, which described the results as a “crisis for the government” and called for action for Australia to “regain its lost athletic potency.”

Women had historically been something of a golden goose for Australia at the Olympics, making up a minority of the country’s total athletes but often winning the majority of its medals. At the 1972 Games in Munich, for instance, 10 out of 17 Australian medals were won by women, even as they made up only about 17 percent of the team.

And so in 1981, Australia established the Australian Institute of Sport, a high-performance sports training center for both men and women that, for the first time, gave women the financial support to concentrate on their sports full-time — beginning with Australian rules football, basketball, gymnastics, netball, swimming, tennis, track and field and weight lifting.

That was followed a few years later by the Sex Discrimination Act, which prohibited discrimination on the basis of gender or sexuality.

“Those two things together might be some kind of watershed,” Dr. Stell said. “But not, I guess, in the public imagination — more in sporting women’s lives.”

The Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra, established in 1981.Credit...David James Bartho/Fairfax Media, via Getty Images

The facility offered dedicated training space to women in a variety of sports.Credit...Andrew Rankin/Fairfax Media, via Getty Images

Even after that, female athletes in most other sports often had no alternative but to play in a semiprofessional capacity. In the mid-1990s, as male Australian cricket players were on the cusp of striking over what they felt was inadequate remuneration, female players in the sport barely had their expenses covered, and often had to pay their own way to compete. Most juggled jobs and other commitments alongside their sports careers.

“How did it make me feel? I just wanted to play as much cricket as I possibly could,” said Belinda Clark, who was the captain of Australia’s World Cup-winning women’s cricket teams in 1997 and 2005.

She added: “We all structured our lives — our working lives and our personal lives — around being able to do that. That comes at a financial cost. We all accepted that.”

In recent decades, cricket has led the charge on fair pay for female athletes in Australia. While male cricketers still significantly out-earn their female counterparts, the majority of female players earn at least 100,000 Australian dollars, or $66,000. By comparison, female players of Australian rules football, rugby league, netball and professional soccer have a minimum salary of less than half of that — a source of ongoing tension since it is far below the country’s living wage.

Across all sports, perhaps the most important factor for female athletes was having women in positions of responsibility across journalism, management, coaching, umpiring and administration, Dr. Stell said.

In the early 1980s, Australian universities began to offer the country’s first sports management degrees. “That kind of allowed women to get a kind of professional qualification so that they could take the administration of sports off the kitchen table and make it more professional,” she said.

Belinda Clark next to statue of herself, with Quentin Bryce, the former governor general of Australia, at left.Credit...Brett Hemmings/Cricket Australia via Getty Images

Women are gradually becoming more visible as sports people in Australia. But it was not until earlier this year that a female cricket player was celebrated in statue form for the first time, though the country claims more than 70 statues of male players.

A bronze statue of Clark was unveiled at Sydney Cricket Ground in January; it is the first public statue of any female cricket player anywhere in the world. Representation of that kind sends a powerful message, especially to younger players, Clark said.

“What are the photos in the club? Who’s on the honor boards? What are we saying to the people that walk in this door?” she asked. “Are you part of this, or are you a guest or a visitor?

“It symbolizes that you’re actually part of it. You’re no longer coming, cap in hand, to beg for an opportunity.”

#sports #feminism

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redeyedroid · 2 years ago

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Been meaning to talk about this for a few days, but holy fuck, what a week for women's sport.

(Before we get started: INR 1 lakh is about £1,000. INR 1 crore is about £100,000)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India have finally got behind the growth in women's cricket and are launching the inaugural Women's Indian Premier League this year and the player's auction was held last Monday.

The 5 franchises were each given a salary cap of about £1.6m to build a squad of 15-18 players by buidding for their services. So £8m to be spread among around 90 players.

Reserve prices began at 10 lakh rupees and were capped at 50 and while some players didn't generate much interest (for example, Royal Challengers Bangalore got a big bargain by securing the Australian bowler, Megan Schutt at her reserve price of 40 lakh, and Alyssa Healy only went for 70 lakh) a few made bank.

Mandhana cost RCB 28% of their cap. No other player in either the men's or women's IPL takes up as much of their team's cap as her. It's also nearly 7 times the value of her central contract with the BCCI to play for India and vastly more than the £30k she gets playing in the gimmicky Hundred tournament in England.

It's a fresh tournament and the teams need stars to act as faces of the franchise. And so, in places they've mirrored the men's game. Mandhana, India's best batter and who wears 18, joined RCB, whose men's team have Virat Kohli, who also wears 18. (They also signed Ellyse Perry for 1.7 crore and the destructive Richa Ghosh for 1.9 crore). Harmanpreet Kaur, India's captain, got 1.8 crore from Mumbai, whose men's team feature Rohit Sharma, who is also India's captain.

These prices are for a tournament that begins on March 4 and ends on March 26. Three weeks. 8 to 10 games. Pro-rata, the top women are getting paid like footballers (and even those whose salaries are counted in lakh are getting healthy paydays).

This tournament will be successful. The BCCI wouldn't be doing it if it wasn't going to be. And it will grow. Lots of talented foreign players fell victim to squad building restrictions and went unsold. The league will expand. Maybe to 6 teams, before eventually ending up with 8.

All that's holding it back is how quickly talented Indian players are identified and their skills develop. The cash the BCCI generate from this will supercharge that search. The top players already have access to top coaches and training facilities, but for some, the 10 or 20 lakh they get from this tournament will help them build a future and lifestyle as professional cricketers and generate opportunities for others, which in turn will allow the BCCI to expand the tournament.

Within 10 years, I'd be surprised if the WIPL isn't the biggest women's sports league on the planet.

#Women's IPL #ipl #cricket #Andy and cricket

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sports-live-result · 16 days ago

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Top 5 Richest women cricketer in WBBL 11

The Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) has grown to become one of the premier platforms for women's cricket. It attracts top players and increases their earning potential through lucrative contracts and endorsements.

Here's a look at the top five wealthiest women cricketers in WBBL Season 11, based on their league contracts and additional earnings.

Ellyse Perry (Sydney Sixers)

Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry consistently ranks as one of the wealthiest women cricketers in the world. Her all-around skills and long-standing presence in the Sydney Sixers have made her a valuable asset to the team. As one of the world's wealthiest women cricketers, her combined WBBL contract and endorsements place her at the top of the earnings chart for Season 11.

Smriti Mandhana (Sydney Thunder)

Indian opening batter Smriti Mandhana is a top overseas player and one of the wealthiest women cricketers in WBBL 11. Representing Sydney Thunder, Mandhana earns a substantial WBBL salary, which, combined with endorsements from brands like Nike and Hyundai, makes her one of the Richest Women Cricketers.

Alyssa Healy (Sydney Sixers)

Healy has endorsement deals with Gray-Nicolls, Toyota, and New Balance, which complement her WBBL contract and contribute significantly to her wealth. Her international success and strong domestic presence make her one of the wealthiest women cricketers in the WBBL.

Meg Lanning (Melbourne Stars)

Australian captain Meg Lanning has been instrumental in the growth of Australian women's cricket. Lanning's earnings include a solid WBBL salary and endorsements from brands like Gray-Nicolls and Commonwealth Bank. Her role as a team leader in the WBBL and international cricket places her among the World's Richest Women's Cricketers.

Harmanpreet Kaur (Melbourne Renegades)

Indian all-rounder Harmanpreet Kaur has established herself as a powerful force in T20 leagues around the world, including the WBBL. Endorsement deals with brands like CEAT and Boost in India add significantly to her income, placing her among the wealthiest women cricketers in the world.

#wbbl #richest women cricketer #t20cricket

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news365timesindia · 26 days ago

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[ad_1] Indian women’s cricket team (Credit: @bcciwomen on twitter) Ever since Harmanpreet Kaur took over the seat of authority of Indian women’s cricket, she has showcased her aggressive style, and built a reputation of being a combative leader. Yet, in the light of recent failures and setbacks, as well as a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign, including bizarre tactical decisions, questions are being raised about whether she should continue as the leader of the pack ahead of an ODI World Cup year. With the ODI format in the spotlight, is it time for a leadership change? India’s ODI Performance Under Harmanpreet (Last Two Years) In the last two years, India has had some positive and hopeful results in ODI series under Harmanpreet’s leadership: 2022: A clean sweep over both Sri Lanka (3-0) and England (3-0) 2023: A drawn series with Bangladesh (1-1), hinting at a dip in form 2024: Resounding series win South Africa (3-0) and a series loss against Australia (Their ninth consecutive win over India in an ODI series) In the last two years, India’s ODI record has shown flashes of brilliance, especially with a few series wins. At the same time, their inability to penetrate the Australian side in ODIs is a cause of concern. The team’s inconsistency is worrying, including one loss and one win in the ongoing series against New Zealand, pointing to various vulnerabilities ahead of the 2025 ODI World Cup. Captaincy Style Under Fire In the recent past, Harmanpreet’s leadership style has been under fire after a series of controversial incidents spanning across formats and leagues. Her behaviour in the final ODI against Bangladesh was the most astonishing of them all–smashing the stumps, taunting younger Bangladeshi players and publicly calling the umpires “pathetic”. The Level 2 breach led to her being suspended for the following couple of matches. The incident left a blemish on Indian cricket and affected the team’s campaign as they headed for the Asian Games. The skipper’s visible frustration isn’t limited to the opposition. She has a tendency to put the blame on individuals of her own team rather than taking accountability for the side’s loss. In January, in an ODI against Australia, Kaur publicly criticised 21-year-old Shreyanka Patil for a costly over. Rather than addressing the issue privately, the captain decided to throw Patil under the bus who was fresh off her ODI debut in the last match. Such instances, where young players face public rebukes, could potentially harm their confidence and further strain team dynamics. Harmanpeet’s captaincy is often emotionally charged, especially in moments of high tension–an area of approach that has drawn considerable scrutiny. Personal Contribution with the Bat A captain’s role is much more than just strategy and field placement. On top of the added pressures, Harmanpreet’s form with the bat has been inconsistent 2022: Scored 754 runs in 16 innings at an average of 58.0, with a strike rate of 89.8. 2023: 85 runs in 5 innings, averaging 17.0. 2024: 182 runs in 5 innings at an average of 45.5 Although her 2022 was impressive, the years thereafter have obviously been downhill. Something that has not been addressed with the level of introspection or corrective action expected from a captain, especially one that is vocal about other’s inconsistent contribution. Tactical Blunders at the 2024 T20 World Cup For the Indian team, the T20 World Cup became a melting pot of tactical inaccuracy and executional gaffes. The first thing that comes to mind is India’s unstable batting order. Harmanpreet batted at No. 3 in the warm-up games and a couple more in the main tournament, but shifted to No. 4 against Australia that disrupted the batting order. Her own scoring rate did not supplement the change, putting the team under insurmountable pressure. Sending Deepti Sharma ahead of Richa Ghosh in a high-stake game against Australia completely backfired. The decision failed to capitalise on Richa’s hitting abilities when most needed.

In the match, Harmanpreet continued to overly rely on pacers. Capitalising on the error, Australian batters scored heavily against the pacers, exposing a lack of flexibility and inability to adapt strategies on the fly. In the T20 World Cup, the biggest talking point was obviously India’s laxity in fielding. While dropped catches are not a reflection of captaincy, several dropped catches highlighted India’s lack of preparation and focus, which ultimately cost India the silverware. Is This A Time For Reflection And Possible Change? Although recent ODI successes offer hope, it is yet to be seen whether Harmanpreet can evolve and temper her aggression with poised decision-making. With her retention as the ODI captain, following India’s glaring failure in the T20 World Cup, it is clear that she has the management’s support. If the aforementioned aspects do not improve, India may just need to reconsider their options for a fresh start. A start that will ensure a well-rounded, resilient team that is capable of winning the World Cup in 2025. The post Harmanpreet Kaur’s Captaincy Under Scrutiny – Is She Still the Right Fit for India? appeared first on Sports News Portal | Latest Sports Articles | Revsports. [ad_2] Source link

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news365times · 26 days ago

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colitcomedia · 2 months ago

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Alyssa Healy, one of the most recognised names in women’s cricket, is set to lead Australia in the upcoming 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE. As Australia seeks to clinch their fourth consecutive T20 World Cup title, Healy steps into the captaincy role with confidence and determination following the retirement of Meg Lanning. The pressure of inheriting Lanning’s formidable legacy is undeniable, but Healy is ready to lead the Australian team her way.

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reddyannabook4545 · 2 months ago

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Australia Looks to Cement Dominance in Women's T20 World Cup

Australia are heavy favorites to win their seventh title at the women's T20 World Cup, which begins on Thursday and marks their first tournament entry since four-time tournament winner Meg Lanning quit. Alyssa Healy, the new captain, will face a test in the UAE, managing a team that has only won the 20-over trophy twice since the competition began in 2009. The 34-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman has been a part of Australia's previous six title victories, but she admits she is going into this year's event with "no real expectations".

"It's the best vs the best, and whoever can be the most consistent or win those small moments along the way will win," Healy wrote in a blog for the International Cricket Council's website.

Still, she stated that her team was loaded with fresh talent, identifying up-and-coming all-rounder Annabel Sutherland, 22, and batting sensation Phoebe Litchfield, 21, as players to watch.

Australia faces formidable rivals India and New Zealand. They arrive in the UAE after defeating New Zealand 3-0 in T20 cricket.

Since the 20-over competition's inception last year, India's hopes have been boosted by the Women's Premier League's resounding domestic success.

"When I talk about this team, we have a few individuals who have been playing for a long time and know their roles well," skipper Harmanpreet Kaur stated.

"This is the best team we are bringing for a T20 World Cup with."

India finished second in 2020 and fell in the semifinals in 2018 and 2023.

Sophie Devine of New Zealand will stand down as captain at the end of the competition, having competed in every World Cup and finished second twice.

"The T20 World Cup's become an important vehicle in the rise and growth of the women's game," Devine told the gathering.

Sri Lanka and Pakistan complete the first group, while Bangladesh, England, Scotland, South Africa, and the West Indies form the second.

'Breaking the barriers'

The South Africans, who fell to Australia in last year's final in Cape Town, have a new captain in Laura Wolvaardt, who is eager to improve on their performance.

"Reaching our first-ever World Cup final in 2023 was a significant milestone for us," she wrote on the ICC website.

Surprisingly, the Proteas beat England in the semi-finals.

"It was a significant 'breaking down limitations and breaking the bounds' event for the squad.

"Before that, we'd made the semi-finals on several occasions, so to go that one step further was very important for us as a group.

"Now our goal is to go that one step higher to lift the trophy."

Heather Knight's seasoned England team, which includes Nat Sciver-Brunt, Alice Capsey, Sophie Ecclestone, and Lauren Bell, will be out for retribution when they face the Proteas on October 7.

Bangladesh faces Scotland at Sharjah in the opening match of the tournament, where the prize money is for the first time equal to the men's edition with a $2.34 million The purse for the winners of the October 20 finals.

That's a 134% rise from the $1 million granted to the Australians when they won the title in South Africa last year.

The ICC stated that the change was aimed to "prioritize the women's game and accelerate its growth."

Bangladesh was slated to host the tournament but it was shifted to Dubai and Sharjah after weeks of political unrest in July and August ousted the government of autocratic ex-premier Sheikh Hasina.

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factinhistory · 2 months ago

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What Happened on September 14 in Australian History?

September 14 has been a date of notable events in Australian history, ranging from important political changes to sports achievements, nuclear tests, and the birth of prominent Australian figures. These moments have had lasting impacts on the nation’s political landscape, international reputation, and contributions to the arts and sports. The following sections outline key occurrences that took place on September 14 in Australian history.

What Happened on September 14 in Australian History?

Great Britain Performs Nuclear Test at Maralinga (1957)

On September 14, 1957, Great Britain conducted a nuclear test at Maralinga, a remote area in South Australia. This test was part of a series of nuclear trials carried out by the British government as part of its weapons development program. The Maralinga tests became highly controversial due to the long-term environmental damage and the effects on Indigenous communities in the area.

The September 14 test was one of seven tests conducted at Maralinga between 1956 and 1963. These trials left behind radioactive contamination, raising concerns about the health risks to local populations and Australian military personnel involved in the operation. The legacy of these tests continues to influence debates around nuclear safety, environmental protection, and the rights of Indigenous Australians, with the Australian government eventually offering compensation to the affected communities.

Golf Major: Evian Championship (2014)

On September 14, 2014, the Evian Championship Women’s Golf tournament at the Evian Resort Golf Club saw South Korean golfer Kim Hyo-joo win by a single stroke ahead of Australian golfer Karrie Webb. This victory marked a significant moment in women’s golf, as Kim, only 19 at the time, stunned the field with a brilliant performance.

For Australian golfer Karrie Webb, the September 14 result was yet another close call in her illustrious career. Webb, a Hall of Fame golfer, has long been a dominant figure in women’s golf, and this near victory added to her reputation as one of Australia’s most successful athletes. Despite finishing second, Webb’s performance at the Evian Championship solidified her status as one of the leading figures in Australian golf, and her participation in international tournaments has greatly contributed to Australia’s sporting legacy.

Malcolm Turnbull Ousts Tony Abbott (2015)

On September 14, 2015, Malcolm Turnbull ousted Tony Abbott as Australia’s Prime Minister and leader of the ruling Liberal Party in a dramatic leadership challenge. Turnbull’s victory in the party room vote (54 to 44) marked the end of Abbott’s turbulent two-year tenure and ushered in a new era of leadership within Australia’s conservative government.

The leadership spill on September 14 highlighted deep divisions within the Liberal Party and dissatisfaction with Abbott’s performance as Prime Minister, particularly regarding his handling of economic policies, same-sex marriage, and climate change. Turnbull, a more moderate figure compared to his predecessor, sought to revitalize the party’s image and policies. His takeover represented a significant moment in Australian political history, with the nation witnessing another instance of leadership instability, a recurring feature in Australian politics during the 21st century.

Birth of Dave Smith, Australian Cricketer (1884)

On September 14, 1884, Dave Smith, an Australian cricketer, was born in Melbourne, Victoria. Smith played in two Test matches for Australia, achieving a high score of 24 not out during his career. Although his international career was brief, he made significant contributions to domestic cricket, particularly in Victoria, where he played for the state team.

Smith’s birth on September 14 places him among the many Australian athletes who have helped to build the nation’s cricketing tradition. Cricket has long been a cornerstone of Australian sport, and figures like Smith, who competed at the highest level, are celebrated for their contributions to the game’s rich history in Australia. Smith’s career, though not as storied as some of his peers, still represents the spirit of competitive cricket in the early 20th century.

Birth of Zoe Caldwell, Australian Actress (1933)

On September 14, 1933, Zoe Caldwell, an acclaimed Australian actress, was born in Melbourne, Victoria. Caldwell became one of the most respected stage actresses of her generation, particularly known for her performances in works such as The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and Medea. Her acting career spanned continents, with significant roles on Broadway that earned her multiple Tony Awards.

Caldwell’s birth on September 14 marks the arrival of a talent who would go on to have a profound impact on both Australian and international theatre. Her contributions to the arts were widely recognized, and she was celebrated for her ability to embody complex characters with depth and nuance. Caldwell’s legacy endures in the world of theatre, where her performances remain benchmarks for excellence in acting.

Birth of Judy Playfair, Australian Swimmer (1953)

On September 14, 1953, Judy Playfair, an Australian swimmer, was born in Sydney, New South Wales. Playfair competed in the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, where she helped the Australian women’s team win a silver medal in the 4×100-meter medley relay.

Playfair’s birth on September 14 places her among Australia’s notable Olympic athletes, contributing to the country’s strong tradition in swimming. Her achievements in the pool during the 1968 Olympics highlighted the skill and determination of Australian swimmers on the world stage. Playfair’s success helped to cement Australia’s reputation as a swimming powerhouse, a legacy that continues to this day.

Death of Esme Melville, Australian Actress (2006)

On September 14, 2006, Australian actress Esme Melville passed away. Melville was born in 1918 and enjoyed a long and varied career in film, television, and theatre. She was best known for her work in Australian television series, including Prisoner and Neighbours, where she became a familiar face to Australian audiences.

Melville’s death on September 14 marked the end of a career that spanned decades and contributed to the growth of Australian television and theatre. Her versatility as an actress allowed her to take on a wide range of roles, from dramatic performances to more lighthearted, comedic characters. Melville’s legacy lives on through her contributions to Australian entertainment, where she left an indelible mark.

Conclusion

September 14 in Australian history is a date filled with significant moments across various sectors, from politics and sports to arts and science. Whether it be the nuclear tests that left lasting scars, political upheavals that shaped the country’s leadership, or the birth of figures who would make substantial contributions to Australian culture and identity, each event reflects the diverse and rich history of Australia. The stories of September 14 remind us of the ongoing impact of these events on Australia’s national narrative and global standing.

#australian history

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