Nicky Winmar and Rhoda Roberts − showing racism in sport the red card
Jan 28, 2025
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Nicky Winmar, a Noongar AFL legend known for his courageous stand against racism, joins Rhoda Roberts, a Bundjalung producer and journalist, and Naomi Moran, CEO of Koori Mail. They discuss the ongoing challenges of racism in sports and the importance of truth-telling in First Nations communities. The conversation highlights the powerful impact of family stories on identity and resilience, explores the struggles of Indigenous athletes, and emphasizes the need for mentorship and community support in overcoming adversity.
Nicky Winmar's historic protest against racism in 1993 highlights the continuous struggle and need for dialogue about racial issues in Australia.
Rhoda Roberts' storytelling about her family's sporting legacy serves to connect cultural identity with the socioeconomic challenges faced by Indigenous communities.
Deep dives
Nicky Winmar's Iconic Stand Against Racism
Nicky Winmar's bold gesture during a 1993 AFL match, where he lifted his jersey and pointed to his skin in response to racist taunts, has become a powerful symbol in Australian sports history. This act was not just a personal rebellion but has been seen as a catalyst for broader discussions on racism in Australia. Winmar's moment of defiance resonates deeply, highlighting the ongoing struggle against racism faced by Indigenous Australians in both sports and society. After 31 years, the reverberations of that day illustrate the continued need for honest conversations about race and identity in Australia.
Rhoda Roberts and Family Legacy
Rhoda Roberts shares her family's rich history in sports, particularly through the story of her cousin, Francis Roberts, a boxing champion and Australia’s first Indigenous Olympian. This narrative not only pays tribute to sporting excellence but also sheds light on the socioeconomic struggles faced by Aboriginal communities in the early 1900s. Through her storytelling, Roberts emphasizes the importance of family and community in shaping identities, showcasing how sports served both as an escape from poverty and a means of empowerment. Her insights reveal that telling these stories is a vital way of preserving cultural heritage and encouraging a deeper understanding of Indigenous people's experiences.
Shared Experiences of Adversity
Both Winmar and Roberts recount their childhoods characterized by significant challenges, yet the love and support from their families emerged as crucial sources of strength. Winmar reflects on growing up in a remote community and the societal obstacles he faced, emphasizing the hardships and racism that were part of his upbringing. Similarly, Roberts reveals how her family's commitment to their boxing legacy was driven by a need for survival amid economic hardship. These narratives underline the resilience of Indigenous Australians, illustrating how family bonds and cultural pride helped them navigate adversity.
The Ongoing Impact of Racism in Sports
The conversation underscores the persistent issue of racism in sports, with both Winmar and Roberts addressing its psychological toll on athletes. Winmar expresses the emotional burden of being a high-profile Indigenous athlete facing racial abuse, highlighting that the stigma remains even decades later. Similarly, Roberts discusses the broader implications for Indigenous athletes today, indicating the need for systemic change within sports organizations to combat discrimination. Their experiences emphasize the crucial need for respectful acknowledgment of Indigenous stories in sports and society to foster understanding and healing.
Nicky Winmar's iconic stand against racism was a wakeup call more than 30 years ago. But how much has really changed? Racism on and off the field continues to be an issue across Australia, when we should be celebrating Indigenous sport icons.