30+ years experienced CEO/GM/Director + Chairperson & Non-Executive Director of Board | Motivational Inspirational Leadership Keynote Speaker | Strategist | Olympian | Fellowship | Disability, Accessibility & Inclusion
Addressing the Misguided Petition Against RayGun and Anna Meares It's perplexing to see the criticism directed at RayGun and Anna Meares OAM OLY in the recent petition circulating online. Australians have historically celebrated athletes like Eddie the Eagle and Eric the Eel, appreciating their spirit and participation in the Olympics. So why is RayGun, who embodies that same spirit, being judged so harshly when many do not fully understand the sport itself. It’s crucial to remember that the Olympic Games are about more than just winning; they celebrate the courage to compete. Moreover, the petition targeting Anna Meares is particularly troubling. As the Chef de Mission, Meares does not have a role in selecting team members. The selection process is managed by the National Sporting Organisation, which decides who competes based on their selection criteria. Meares' role is to support the team in her capacity as a leader and manager, not to make individual selections. The attempt to blame Meares in this petition reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of the structure of the Australian Olympic Committee and how the team is chosen. This kind of criticism not only undermines Meares' reputation but also discredits the entire Australian Olympic team. While free speech is a right everyone should have, this petition crosses the line. It’s both disturbing and un-Australian to see such baseless attacks on our athletes. Criticising someone like Anna Meares not only targets her but also reflects poorly on every Olympian who has dedicated themselves to representing Australia. The anonymity of those behind the petition speaks volumes about their intentions. If these critics truly believe they could do better, they should step forward and prove it, rather than hiding behind pseudonyms and issuing unfounded accusations. In summary, it is important to respect and support our athletes and understand the roles and processes involved in the Olympic selection. Constructive criticism is welcome, but it should be informed and respectful.
The AOC has condemned an anonymous online petition attacking Australian Olympic Team member, breaking competitor Rachael Gunn as vexatious, misleading and bullying. The AOC has written to change.org which has published the petition demanding it be immediately withdrawn. AOC CEO, Mr Carroll says the petition contains numerous falsehoods designed to engender hatred against an athlete who was selected in the Australian Olympic Team through a transparent and independent qualification event and nomination process.
Gary Kerridge
5mo
I’ve actually watched it again and a lot of it was quite clever .. not spectacular and athletic as some .. but it was telling a story … I laughed at first, and at the memes .. but having watched it a second time I actually see what she was trying to…
Senior Legal Counsel at Liberty Specialty Markets (Asia Pacific)
5moA respectful comment may look like this Dean: Australians applauded Eddie the Eagle and (it was Eric, not Eddie), the Eel. We appreciated their grit and determination and courage in the face of the odds. None of those attributes were demonstrated or embodied by 'Ray gun'. Australians can smell a piss take at taxpayers' expense and many are irate at her deliberate mocking of the sport and the valor and competitive spirit of her fellow Olympic, and particularly Australian, athletes. They also smell a rat re the selection process. Frankly, Anna's comments about ray gun may have undone quite a deal of the good will towards her. Likewise, happy for respectful comments.