Cover Annabelle Bond and Zac Purton go head-to-head in this month’s great debate on athlete’s behaviour
Annabelle Bond and Zac Purton go head-to-head in this month’s great debate on athlete’s behaviour
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Sportswoman and philanthropist Annabelle Bond OBE goes head-to-head with star jockey Zac Purton in this month’s great debate
Annabelle Bond says: Yes, an athlete’s behaviour off-field should absolutely colour opinion
“World-class, best-in-sport athletes are often widely known and admired for their on-field accomplishments. They are often revered by younger generations as role models. Sponsors pay vast sums to have these people represent their brands and fill stadiums. To have an opinion solely on their on-field behaviour, while ignoring their off-field behaviour, seems unrealistic to me.
One category of athlete where off-field behaviour should absolutely colour opinion is that of those who cheat in the pursuit of their sport. Examples include Lance Armstrong for doping; Barry Bonds for steroid use; and any Olympian taking banned substances.
Then there are those top athletes who have killed people, like former professional athlete Oscar Pistorius and the American football player Aaron Hernandez. Sponsors rush to distance themselves from their morally and socially corrupt behaviour. The athletes’ on-field accomplishments cannot be erased but are only part of the picture for sponsors, teams, teammates and fans.
I understand the purist argument, but the opinion of on-field success should be affected by heinous off-field behaviour."
Zac Purton says: No, an athlete’s behaviour off-field shouldn’t influence our opinion as it’s a job
“For me, this all centres around whether sportsmen and women should have to be role models in society as well—and whether we are equipped to be so. To be the best in your chosen sport, you have to be very selfish, and very focused on yourself—and to have been so from an early age. Putting it bluntly, when success is predicated on the failure of others, it is not a scenario likely to produce ideal human beings.
The problem is that we live in a social-media world where the lives and behaviour of sports stars are held to account more than ever. The real role models should be your parents, teachers and those who pass or uphold laws—not those who ride horses around a field, kick balls or punch each other.
I am a role model to my children, Roxy and Cash, but I don’t believe I should be a role model to yours. That’s your job, though naturally, I hope I am the exception that proves otherwise.”
As Content Director at Tatler Hong Kong, Tara shapes the brand's editorial vision across social, digital and print, and reports on Asia's most influential figures — from CEOs and leaders across business, style and the arts. In her dual role as Head of VIP, she also drives the planning and execution of Tatler's flagship IPs, curating star-studded events and building the relationships and communities that define the brand. Born and raised in the Middle East, she honed her craft in Dubai, crafting communication strategies for luxury brands across the Gulf. Follow her on Instagram @tarasobti.
