What kind of person runs three and a half thousand kilometers from Townsville to Darwin without a support crew, pulling a 50-kilo trailer for no glory and no gold? This guy. Meet Ben Ferris, 33, a man who just needs to run and looks to an unlikely hero - Forrest Gump, as his inspiration. Ben is the ultra marathon man. Not all pro athletes are rich! When you think of a … [Read more...]
Everyone’s favourite surf journalist, Tim Baker, takes a walk! – but not just any walk. Tim discovers the song line of the sea eagle!
So, I just spent two days walking, and paddling, from Byron Bay to the Gold Coast – well Fingal just over the border in Northern NSW. I was fortunate enough to be invited along with a group of Indigenous dad’s and their sons on the walk, following the story line of the sea eagle, and introducing the youngsters to their indigenous culture. It’s hard to put into words what a … [Read more...]
A Dad’s story (the trials of Spike) – part 2… the perils of parenting a gifted footballer
While this story stands alone it may be fun to read Part 1 as well to get an even broader picture of our talented footballer and his kin. https://sportsocratic.wpengine.com/2016/03/13/a-dads-story/ It was one of those startling autumn days that makes everything seem much more colourful than it really is. The kind of day that encourages you to be outside. It was just cold … [Read more...]
Men behaving badly!
If you want to see the worst in men, go and watch a children’s soccer match. The minute their kid hits the pitch, certain ‘grown’ men transform into testosterone-fueled man-beasts, obsessed with living out their failed sporting prowess through their poor kid. Clearly ‘grown-up’ is a loose term and I also want to clarify the use of ‘certain’ here, because there is definitely a … [Read more...]
Football’s fight against homophobia – has it reached a “tipping point?”
How is football's fight against homophobia progressing? The following article from British academics Daniel Lock, Adi Adams and Emma Kavanaugh, attempts to paint a hopeful picture where changing attitudes are finally reaching a "tipping point" where gay athletes and spectators may no longer have to fear harassment and abuse from homophobic elements within the football (soccer) … [Read more...]