We are famous for it
The biggest change I have enjoyed since living in Australia is being able to support a country that can actually win a sporting event.
Don’t get me wrong, I am one of the most patriotic people you could meet, but even I have given up on ever seeing England actually win something. Rugby World Cup 2003 aside, my homeland is better known for inventing sports it then sucks at than for being feared for its sporting prowess.
Every time the Ashes or a World Cup comes around, you can bet every Englishman worth his salt truly believes this is the time. This is our moment. We can wipe away a lifetime of hurt by holding aloft that elusive trophy just once.
Deep in our hearts we know the only way an Englishman will hold the trophy is if he is presenting it to the winner.
Most people who read this will not have felt the above emotions, due to the seemingly endless talents Australia produces. As much as England is famous for the team that promises so much, Australia is the team that delivers consistently.
Why is this? Australia just has that winning attitude. Australia believes it can win, and the supporters believe in the players.
This attitude is mirrored in every sport I have watched since moving here, whether amateur or professional. Players have that positive attitude and truly believe they can win, but even more so, will die trying. It’s here where other nations fall down.
Giving your all is easier said than done, but Australians seem to have mastered this art. It’s truly what Australians are famous for.
This column is not written to abuse the English but to highlight why there is a world of difference between two very passionate sporting nations. I thought about listing all the failures of England’s sporting past to highlight my point, but I felt more at ease thinking about Australia’s successes.
Next time you are playing sport, ask yourself what’s my team famous for? And remember the players and fans are the ones who create the reputation we all crave.
Start your reputation by joining one of the many Team Sydney sports clubs today. www.teamsydney.org.au
By BILLY KENNEDY
erm… we’ve won the Ashes the last two times in England and here on Aussie soil most recently – and the Rugby Union in ’03 we beat the Aussies here on their own turf. Besides these two sports (which are actually more popular and mainstream in Oz than in England) what else are the Aussies actually better at??