Australian swimming champion Cate Campbell has remarked that the dismissal of radio host Marty Sheargold from Triple M should raise standards in the media’s portrayal of women’s sport. Sheargold’s exit followed backlash over disparaging comments he made about the Matildas after their defeats in the SheBelieves Cup, including a flippant remark asking if there was "any men’s sport?" in an episode deemed "horrendous" by listeners.
Additionally, Sheargold faced criticism for claiming that "endometriosis… it’s made up," a comment that elicited laughter from his co-hosts. Rosie Malone, a player for the Hockeyroos, highlighted the incident by sharing an audio clip on social media, which circulated widely.
On the Today show, Campbell expressed her disappointment that a female athlete was the one to call out Sheargold’s remarks, reflecting on the ongoing struggle for equality in sports. She noted that Australia’s success in the Olympics, where women secured a substantial number of gold medals, underscores the need for greater recognition of female athletes, who remain underpaid and misrepresented.
Campbell articulated her frustration about men remaining silent while women confront inappropriate behaviour, urging male counterparts to step up and challenge misogyny in sports discourse. She highlighted that comments like those made by Sheargold diminish not only women but also the reputation of sports teams like the Matildas, which deserve respect.
Fellow Olympian Leisel Jones broke down in tears during a segment discussing the issue on Wednesday, illustrating the emotional impact of the incident. Campbell expressed hope that this moment would signal a shift in attitudes within Australian media, condemning blatant misogyny and emphasizing that comedy should not be a cover for disrespect.
She stated, "This has been a real watershed moment in Australian media," asserting that there is no justification for belittling female athletes. The incident has prompted a call to action for better treatment of women in sports, aiming to ensure that such disparaging remarks are not repeated.
The Matildas are set to face Colombia in their next game of the SheBelieves Cup, with Campbell confident that changes will follow this pivotal moment in the media landscape, allowing female athletes to receive the respect and recognition they deserve.