People I (Mostly) Admire Sue Bird: “You Have to Pay the Superstars.” (Replay)
Jun 29, 2024
Sue Bird, one of the all-time greatest basketball players and a champion for women's sports equity, shares her journey with Steve Levitt. She discusses the untold truths about clutch performance and the stark pay gap between male and female athletes. Bird dives into the negotiations that led to better contracts for WNBA players and reflects on her experience as part of the first same-sex couple featured in ESPN's Body Issue. Their conversation also touches on the emotional strain of injuries and the importance of self-advocacy in sports.
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Early Potential
- Sue Bird started to realize her basketball potential in middle school when colleges began recruiting her.
- While she didn't envision her current success, the early interest opened her eyes to the possibilities.
Grounded Confidence
- Unlike many athletes, Sue Bird wasn't overly confident, a trait she attributes to her father's honesty.
- This grounded approach fueled her drive to prove herself, potentially shaping her career.
Smart Practice
- Sue Bird prioritizes "smart practice" over excessive training, focusing on skill mastery and strategic energy conservation.
- She adapts her training as she ages, incorporating pool workouts, biking, and game analysis.