[gilesb]

Originally Posted by paperplanes_

I'm sure they're perfectly nice people although I don't really pay attention to their respective programmes. I only know what I hear about from friends, magazines etc. I just think sortspeople are more interesting and good role models for people. Maybe I didn't give the best examples though.

Just because someone plays sport it doesn't make them instantly a perfect role model.

[paperplanes_]

Originally Posted by gilesb

Just because someone plays sport it doesn't make them instantly a perfect role model.

Of course not all of them are and I'm not suggesting they are all great. There's some sportspeople that are awful role models. I'm saying I think the majority of Olympic sportspeople in particular are in my opinion respectable/ hard workers etc. It does obviously mean the ones who are respectable etc.

I think it's best we agree to disagree on the discussion.

[gilesb]

Originally Posted by paperplanes_

Of course not all of them are and I'm not suggesting they are all great. There's some sportspeople that are awful role models. I'm saying I think the majority of Olympic sportspeople in particular are in my opinion respectable/ hard workers etc. It does obviously mean the ones who are respectable etc.

I think it's best we agree to disagree on the discussion.

I agree.

I dont completely disagree with your assertion, i just think it is too easy to criticise one group and build up another without fully looking in to all the details.

[Scarlett O Hara]

I think they are. It's sad that what seems like all young people seem to care about is fame and taking the easy ways of making money even when they are genuinely talented at something worthwhile and inspiring.

Competing in the Olympics would have been its own reward for people in terms of getting what they wanted out of life but now it doesn't seem their profession is the main goal in the way it should be. They want fame too. I find it extremely depressing,

[hugene141]

Originally Posted by Big Boy Barry

Surely the question should be "Are the media embarassing GB's young olympians?"

You've hit the nail. Great role models at their sport but thrown in with the celebrity non-achievers, their past sporting prowess will be quickly forgotten . I know these athletes worked extremely hard to excel at their respective sport...just a pity they have to sell-out to the already oversubscribed celebrity culture at such a young age - risking the murky depths of obscurity before they're even 30.

[Tiger Rose]

Originally Posted by Scarlett O Hara

I think they are. It's sad that what seems like all young people seem to care about is fame and taking the easy ways of making money even when they are genuinely talented at something worthwhile and inspiring.

Competing in the Olympics would have been its own reward for people in terms of getting what they wanted out of life but now it doesn't seem their profession is the main goal in the way it should be. They want fame too. I find it extremely depressing,

But that doesn't pay the bills does it? And why shouldn't Olympians earn some money if they want? I don't begrudge them a penny.

[Cheesey Peppers]

Did anyone see Ashley McKenzie in Celebrity Big Brother 2012? Any opinions?

[Scarlett O Hara]

Originally Posted by Tiger Rose

But that doesn't pay the bills does it? And why shouldn't Olympians earn some money if they want? I don't begrudge them a penny.

Going the reality TV/z-lister route will never be anything but tacky and desperate in my eyes, sorry. People had to do real work for a living once. Better times...

[Cheesey Peppers]

Surely that is a form of jealously that you have to do "proper work", is proper and traditional work meant to be the same thing!

[Scarlett O Hara]

Originally Posted by Cheesey Peppers

Surely that is a form of jealously that you have to do "proper work", is proper and traditional work meant to be the same thing!

Oh man, not that old chestnut.

[Cheesey Peppers]

Could say the same for you really.

[Scarlett O Hara]

Originally Posted by Cheesey Peppers

Could say the same for you really.

You can always tell when it's the school holidays around these parts.

At least, I hope you aren't any older than school aged, because then there is not even that excuse for your posting style.

[Cheesey Peppers]

Oh Scarlett run along your defense mechanism is strange .

Don't post if you think a child had made a thread. Silly.

[Scarlett O Hara]

Originally Posted by Cheesey Peppers

Oh Scarlett run along your defense mechanism is strange .

Don't post if you think a child had made a thread. Silly.

So you just want an argument? That's just sad.

[Cheesey Peppers]

Bye Scarlett, that should answer your question.

[scintilla]

I think there is definitely a distinction that needs to be drawn between those who have reached the age where retirement is the only real option, and therefore a new career is a must, and those who are going down the media route before they have fully achieved in their given sport.

Those who are forced to step away from competitive sport due to age or injury have a right to pursue whichever career opportunities are most lucrative, as do we all.

[Cheesey Peppers]

Is reality tv the best way though?

[lexi22]

Originally Posted by Cheesey Peppers

Is reality tv the best way though?

I think RTV is fine as long as it doesn't become a habit. Nothing wrong with trying something out if the opportunity presents itself and I have no probs with any of the Olympians taking advantage of the interest in them. If they're lucky, it may lead to a new career, if not, they're made some money and why would anyone begrudge them that?

But as a long-term 'career', bouncing from one show to another, definitely not, not if they want to retain the respect they have for their sporting achievements.

[Sweet FA]

Well they'd be pretty silly not to take advantage of any opportunities which come their way, wouldn't they? Apart from the fact that being an Olympian has a short shelf-life and is seasonal anyway, there's no guarantee they won't suffer career-limiting injuries before it comes to a natural end. These people have to eat as well - how do you suppose they do that? As if any of you lot criticising would turn those opportunities down in their position...

[Blondie X]

Originally Posted by lexi22

I think RTV is fine as long as it doesn't become a habit. Nothing wrong with trying something out if the opportunity presents itself and I have no probs with any of the Olympians taking advantage of the interest in them. If they're lucky, it may lead to a new career, if not, they're made some money and why would anyone begrudge them that?

But as a long-term 'career', bouncing from one show to another, definitely not, not if they want to retain the respect they have for their sporting achievements.

I agree Lexi. Using reality tv to pay the mortgage during the quiet season, I don't have a problem with but no one really wants to see our young Olympians known more as media whores than as sportspeople.
Anyway, it's quite nice to see rtv shows using people who have actually achieved fame for reasons of talent rather than for being on the dregs of the z list

[DavetheScot]

Originally Posted by Sweet FA

Well they'd be pretty silly not to take advantage of any opportunities which come their way, wouldn't they? Apart from the fact that being an Olympian has a short shelf-life and is seasonal anyway, there's no guarantee they won't suffer career-limiting injuries before it comes to a natural end. These people have to eat as well - how do you suppose they do that? As if any of you lot criticising would turn those opportunities down in their position...

There's any number of ways they can earn a crust - coaching would almost certainly be an option for some (it looks like that is Rebecca Adlington's plan). I have no problem with them going on reality TV, but it's far from their only option.

[milliejo]

Originally Posted by jeffiner1892

I don't think that's entirely the case though. Rebecca Adlington for example may only be 23 now but come Rio she'll be 27 which is incredibly old for a swimmer and she's already lost to a teenager who'll be even better in 4 years time so why punish herself for another 4 years to be completely outstripped?

Asking an athlete to keep training for another 4 years can be asking alot. The body has a limit to how much wear and tear it can take. You also have to consider the competition that will come through. Someone can work hard for four years, like Rebecca Adlingtion did, but someone younger and faster came along. For a swimmer or a gymnast that is punishing hard work, long hours and often a strict diet. Beth was able to compete in three Olympics but that is rare, she did it by specialising on bars and floor.

I think the Olympians should have their share of the limelight.
In other countries they become huge stars.

[milliejo]

Originally Posted by hugene141

You've hit the nail. Great role models at their sport but thrown in with the celebrity non-achievers, their past sporting prowess will be quickly forgotten . I know these athletes worked extremely hard to excel at their respective sport...just a pity they have to sell-out to the already oversubscribed celebrity culture at such a young age - risking the murky depths of obscurity before they're even 30.

In this country we revere football players, regardless of their success, they are hugely over paid, whether they win or lose.
Yet when we have real success either from the Olympians or Andy Murray they get slated for making money from their fame. Many of our athletes are painfully aware when they compete that the funding that goes into the sport depends on the medals they win. Future swimming success is underthreat because of the lack of medals in the pool.

In the US, China, Russia and Romania their gymnasts are treated like superstars when they win medals. In this country we resent anyone's success if they make money and appear on tv to try something new... Maybe Tom Daley likes fame, but he also has trained hard from a young, his parents have sacrificed much for him in time, money, family life and the money he earns will pay his mother back. It will maybe help him because his biggest supporter didn't live to see his achievement.

I remember Duncan Goodhew, Suzanne Dando, Sharron Davies, Daley Thompson and Seb Coe becoming celebs..
The difference is in 2012 we have a lot more medallists and a top three tennis player.

[Sweet FA]

Originally Posted by DavetheScot

There's any number of ways they can earn a crust - coaching would almost certainly be an option for some (it looks like that is Rebecca Adlington's plan). I have no problem with them going on reality TV, but it's far from their only option.

Not implying it's their only option but people seriously seem to expect them to turn offers which come their way down. Don't mean to be rude, but Rebecca Adlington would be very limited in terms of being offered TV work and the like so of course she is having to cut her coat according to her size...

[milliejo]

Originally Posted by Scarlett O Hara

Going the reality TV/z-lister route will never be anything but tacky and desperate in my eyes, sorry. People had to do real work for a living once. Better times...

Gymnasts like Beth worked very hard for 20 years...since the age of seven..She worked through injuries, she has ankle problems which is actually why she does the forward tumbling that made her World and European champion on floor. She also completed a degree whilst competing.
Tom Daley has also worked hard since he was a little boy, his family sacrificed for him. He isn't even fully grown yet....He isn't a z lister...Rebecca Adlington also trained for years it is real work, for a career that has ended at 23.

Some of them may get careers as sports writers or presenters. Sue Barker has done it, people forget she won the French Open in her time. Before Reality TV sports stars used appear on tv shows like Blankety Blank and Celebrity Squares, I don't remember them being accused of selling out. At least with DOI or Strictly there is a chance to adapt the skills of a gymnast. In America, the gymnast Shawn Johnson won their version of Strictly, even though she was never a great dancer in her sport...