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Elite and/or high profile athletes are often identified as role models, and both positive and negative behaviours come under intense scrutiny.

Elite and/or high-profile athletes are often identified as role models, and both positive and negative behaviours come under intense scrutiny. 4, 5, 16, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 56

Many high-profile athletes embrace their recognition as role models and work with—or start—organisations and programs to promote positive health and lifestyle messages or raise awareness of significant social issues both during and after their careers. 6, 10, 21, 29, 30, 57

However, the pressures associated with being a role model—including expectations of always showing exemplary behaviours or feelings that if they don’t succeed it could impact on others—can be an additional challenge for athletes to navigate as part of their careers. 12, 23, 24, 31, 32, 33, 56

A lack of athlete role models from a specific community (e.g. no or limited First Nations or LGBTIQ+ representatives) can be a barrier to sport participation and can lead individuals from those groups to feel a sport, or sport more generally, is not welcoming or safe for them. 2, 3, 18

  • A 2025 survey of 31 Australian current or former elite athletes found that they tended to engage in community and charitable activities across a wide range of interests because they found them personally meaningful, rather than feeling obligated or for recognition. Engaging with organisations or causes that aligned with their personal interests and values can provide benefits for both the athletes and the charities or communities involved. 57
  • In the 2024 ‘Free to Exist’ report, young people said that seeing LGBTIQA+ celebrated for their sporting achievements, and being comfortable in their relationships and sexuality provided positive and impactful role models for both sport and broader life events (e.g. coming out). 18
  • In the 2022 Black Diamonds report investigating netball in Western Australia, participants mentioned the benefit of being exposed to elite Indigenous players through watching them, or through programs that allowed them to meet/interact. Having representatives at the elite level encouraged them to think “if she can do it, so can I”. On the flip side, a limited number of role models or representatives acted as a barrier. 2
  • An analysis of a 2022 survey of respondents from seven European countries found that around 28% of the 10,402 respondents identified an Olympic athlete as a personal role model. People who were already active in sport were more likely to be in this group. Role model prevalence varied considerably across countries, with age, gender, and migration background also showing significant effects. 15
  • A case study report of the UK Football Association (FA) 2015-2016 ambassador program found that enabling female football players to share their stories at schools and community groups provided a positive experience for girls who attended. The key impacts reported were re-enthusing and validating girls’ participation in football; actively and meaningfully getting across positive life lessons; inspiring girls to believe they can achieve in football; and driving interest in the women’s elite game. 21

Resources and reading

  • Athletes for Society: Empowering the public value of sports through athletes as role models, opens in a new tab, Veerle De Bosscher, Inge Derom, Sofie Smismans, Lynn Praet, European Commission: Erasmus+ Sport Collaborative Partnership, (2021-2023). The objective of the Athletes 4 Society project was to inspire, support and stimulate sports organisations to increase the public value of sport. Specifically, by empowering sport organisations to develop policies, campaigns or programmes that successfully put athletes to good use towards positive societal impact. It brought together a unique group of European stakeholders – universities and both private stakeholders and public sport organisations. Outputs from the project included research reports, population survey, athletes and federations survey, infographics of key results and recommendations, and a toolkit and templates.

  • Purpose, Perspective & Paying it Forward: Understanding community contribution in current and retired elite athletes - an exploratory study, opens in a new tab, Adwoah Hammond, Camilla Brockett, Julia Symons, Victoria University and Athletes for Hope Australia, (January 2026). The research found that for both current and retired elite athletes, community contribution is about meaning, not marketing, and that it can contribute to sustainable wellbeing outcomes during and beyond elite sport. The report also provides tangible, practical recommendations for the sports sector to support elite athletes to pursue meaningful community contribution, as a structured mechanism to support their wellbeing.
  • Free to exist: Documenting participation data on LGBTIQA+ young people in sport and physical activity, opens in a new tab, Ryan Storr, Carleigh Yeomans, Kath Albury, et al., Swinburne University for VicHealth, (May 2024). The aim of this mixed-method research project was to collect participation data on LGBTIQA+ young people (aged 16-25) in sport and physical activity, whilst exploring the experiences, needs and engagement of LGBTIQA+ young people in sport and movement settings. In total, 20 young people aged 16-25 years participated in 5 focus groups, and 506 LGBTIQA+ young people participated in a quantitative survey. Quantitative and qualitative data paint a concerning picture of young LGBTIQA+ people’s participation in sport and physical activity, with lower rates of participation and engagement than the wider population and high rates of discrimination when they do engage. However, more promising, are the perspectives of young people who want to engage in sport and movement, and their motivation for sport and movement spaces to do more to be inclusive. Key findings relating to role models, representation, and visibility included:
    • Having role models on the global stage, who unapologetically live their lives and are open with their relationships and sexuality, was significant for young people we spoke to.
    • Witnessing LGBTIQA+ athletes as visible and celebrated for their sporting achievements and was seen as affirming and liberating for young people.
    • Although there has been progress and more LGBTIQA+ athletes coming out, men’s sport is still underrepresented. In sporting cultures where LGBTIQA+ athletes are not visible or out, it sends a message to young people that LGBTIQA+ identities are invisible.
  • Empowering the public value of sports through athletes as role models: Literature review report, opens in a new tab, Sofie Smismans, Lynn Praet, Inge Derom, et al., Athletes 4 Society, (2023). It is a common statement that elite athletes are viewed as role models. In fact, it is widely assumed that they have a duty to be a role model. Indeed, athletes are often motivated to be a role model and subsequently give back to the community. However, the motivation of athletes to be a role model is often “complex, multifaceted, dynamic and may shift over time”. For example, Jonson and colleagues (2013) highlighted that not all athletes are motivated to be role models. Sometimes, athletes are assigned the status of ‘role model’, without fully understanding, appreciating, or willing to be a role model. According to Jonson and colleagues (2013) there are three types of athlete role models: (1) athletes who intrinsically choose to be a role model, (2) athletes who are imposed to be a role model (e.g., by their club or federation), and (3) athletes who are famous and therefore automatically become a role model.
  • Empowering the public value of sports through athletes as role models: Intermediate report - population survey results, opens in a new tab, Veerle De Bosscher, Sofie Smismans, Lynn Praet, et al., Athletes 4 Society, (2023). This survey examined how the European population views elite athletes and their thoughts about the potential impact those athletes will have on the general population. Data were collected using an online survey with citizens of the seven partner countries (Belgium, Czechia, Finland, France, Poland, Portugal, the Netherlands). A representative sample of the European population was obtained during August 2021, just after the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games. Key results relating to athletes as role models included that:
    • 70 to 77% of the European citizens perceived that elite athletes are role models for young people and that the achievements of elite athletes inspire young people to do (more) sports themselves.
    • 79% indicate that elite athletes provide a positive international and national image.
    • 68% of the Europeans indicate that their favourite Olympic athlete is a role model for them. Participants who indicated that they have an athlete role model are more likely to believe in the positive societal impact of elite sport and more likely to participate in sport and physical activity.
    • A large percentage of Europeans believed that good performances by athletes encouraged increased sport participation, however, they felt that the impact was strongest for youth (76% believed youth would be encouraged by good performances), other adults (66%), and lowest for themselves (51%). After the Olympics, Europeans also estimated that good athletic performances could lead to motivation to continue playing sports: 76% for youth, 71% for adults, and 54% for themselves. The authors highlight that interpreting the results requires nuance, as what the population perceives and what they actually do can differ.
    • The analysis showed that Europeans were most likely to be a fan of an athlete when: a) the athlete is a positive example to others (90%), b) the athlete is in very good physical condition (89%), c) the athlete shows fair play and respect for opponents and other players (89%), d) the athlete is among the world's best in his/her sport (88%) and e) the athlete’s top matches against their biggest opponents are very exciting (88%).
    • Maintaining a healthy lifestyle (37%) and demonstrating exemplary behaviour during (44%) and apart from sporting competitions (35%) are considered as the most important characteristics of athlete role models.
    • 81% of the European population indicated that Paralympic athletes can promote the inclusion for people with disabilities in society and 84% indicated that Paralympic athletes are role models for young people with disabilities. 80% also believed that Paralympic athletes should actively promote para-sports among young people with disabilities.
  • Empowering the public value of sports through athletes as role models: Athletes and federations survey report, opens in a new tab, Sofie Smismans, Lynn Praet, Inge Derom, et al., Athletes 4 Society, (2023). Data were collected using an online survey with European elite athletes and sport federation representatives of Belgium, Czech Republic, Finland, Poland and Portugal. A representative sample of the athletes (203 responses) and federations (78 responses) was obtained during April-June2022.
    • 76% of European sport federations surveyed indicated that they see their elite athletes as role models, 17% said they didn't really see their athletes as role models and 7% remained neutral.
    • Almost half of the elite athletes (48%) saw themselves as role models, with 34% saying they weren't role models, and around 18% remaining neutral.
    • 52% of elite athletes perceived that society expects them to be a role model (28% didn't feel these expectations and 20% were neutral).
    • 71% of the elite athletes were moderately or definitely motivated to be a role model. Key motivators included: wanting to learn new things (83%); wanting to be really proud of themselves (81%); thinking it was important to try to be a good role model (79%); liking inspiring people (78%); and thinking it is important to be an inspiration to people (71%).
    • For the 15% of elite athletes who indicated they were less motivated to be a role model (including 5% who were "not at all" motivated), reasons for not being motivated to be role models included: wanting to focus on their sporting careers (2.5%); feeling that it is unnecessary for them to be a role model (1.5%); and not wanting to share their life with fans (1.5%).
    • 53% of the sport federation representatives indicated that they sometimes use elite sport as means for societal good (only 1% of the federations indicated that they never did). Most of the federations promoted sport participation, with a focus on encouraging or assisting less active people to start doing sport. A lot of programmes and campaigns promoted healthy lifestyles, especially the benefits of physical activity, as well as values and ethics through sporting practices (fair play, anti-discrimination, equality, equity, inclusion, integration, respect).
    • 41% of the sport federations indicated that they implement practices that use elite athletes as role models.
    • Elite athletes and sport federation representatives engage in different types of practices, such as organising events to visit schools, children's homes, hospitals and/or senior homes; organising physical or online meet and greets, to enable fans the opportunity to discuss certain topics with the athletes; supporting charities and non profit organisations; coaching young athletes; (social) media appearances, where athletes participate in commercials, talk shows, videos or podcasts; and organising youth recruitment campaigns, tournaments, or camps.
    • 83% of the sport federation representatives indicated that they encountered barriers in the development of athlete role model practices, with the main barriers being: Lack of human resources (41%); Lack of financial resources/funding (33%); Difficulties to set up process for evaluating the effectiveness of the programme (22%).
  • Empowering the public value of sports through athletes as role models: Results report – inspirational practices, opens in a new tab, Sofie Smismans, Lynn Praet, Jan-Willem Van der Roest, et al., Athletes 4 Society, (2023). The main aim of the first objective was to obtain an overview of athlete role model practices across Europe. Such an overview can inform sport organisations, athletes and political or public bodies about which areas could be prioritised to increase the overall public value of sport, both country-specific and on a European level. In total, 24 inspirational practices were collected. The report provides an overview of the main characteristics of the inspirational practices grouped by country as well as the overall main characteristics of the national and international inspirational practices.
  • State of Play Survey 2022-23, opens in a new tab, Change our Game, Victorian Government, (June 2023). Between October and November 2022, more than 670 Victorians answered questions on a range of topics relating to gender equality in sport, including values and behaviour in community sport, elite sport, sports media and coverage, leadership opportunities and perceptions, and experiences working and volunteering in sport. In relation to role models, parents of boys were significantly more likely to say their son had elite athletes they considered as role models compared to parents of girls.
  • Black Diamonds Report, opens in a new tab, Glass Jar, (April 2022). This review took place between February 2021 and February 2022. The dominant method of data collection was Yarning Circles, a uniquely Aboriginal methodology, with four stakeholder groups, across two phases. Report highlights that many participants enjoyed coaching, mentoring, or being a role model (5th most common motivator for participation), and that they were inspired by role models in netball (6th most common motivator). The majority of participants who spoke about role models talked about Indigenous or familial role models, whether that was in reference to growing up on the side of the court watching their mum or aunties play, being exposed to other Indigenous players or coaches, or watching/interacting with elite level Indigenous athletes. Several participants talked about the part that role models play in terms of advocacy, and the importance of representation in terms of achievability or courage (she can do it, so can I), and safety. A lack of role models, especially at the elite level of netball, was also referenced as a barrier. The lack of Indigenous representation at the elite level of netball was compared with footy, which was described as having a more welcoming culture that respected Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander athletes. The lack of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander coaches and umpires was discussed not just at the elite level but across the board.
  • Role models and their influence on children and young people’s reading, opens in a new tab, Aimee Cole, Ariadne Brown, Christina Clark and Irene Picton, National Literacy Trust, (October 2022). Role models are an important influence in children and young people’s lives. Indeed, our data show that the percentage of children and young people who say they have a role model has increased over the past decade, from 78.0% in 2009 to 93.4% in 2019. This report looks at children and young people’s role models more closely to identify who they look up to, and what seeing their role model read would make them think or feel.
    • The most popular role models were mums (67.4%); dads (60.2%); followed by YouTuber (52.6%); friends (51.9%); Grandparent (41/2%); sibling (38.3%); teacher (36.5%); footballer (29.8%); other sportsperson (25.9%); sports coach (22.2%).
    • Girls were more likely to look up to people they were in direct contact with, such as their mum (76.0% vs 61.9% of boys) or friends (61.5% vs 44.6% of boys). Boys were more likely to look up to YouTubers (57.9% vs 47.9% of girls) and sportspeople (30.6% vs 22.0% of girls).
    • The percentage of children and young people who said they had a role model remained over 90% from age 7 to 14, but only 76.2% of those aged 16 to 18 said that they had a role model.
  • Case Study: Measuring the impact of the FA player appearances programme 2015-2016, opens in a new tab, Women in Sport, (2017). This report looks at the impact of elite sport stars on girls. The Football Association (FA) runs an established ambassador programme, enabling female football players to share their stories and inspire at a local level, with female players visiting schools and community groups for a number of years. Key findings reported are that player appearances provide a really positive experience for girls in school and community settings. Additionally, the four key impacts reported were: re-enthusing and validating girls’ participation in football; actively and meaningfully getting across positive life lessons; inspiring girls to believe they can achieve in football; and driving interest in the women’s elite game.
  • Indigenous Australians' Participation in Sports and Physical Activities: Part 1, Literature and AusPlay data review, ORC International prepared for the Australian Sports Commission, (May 2017). This report includes a summary of the key drivers and barriers of Indigenous participation explored in the AusPlay data and summarised from the recent literature. Having positive role models, in the form of older, more experienced participants from within the community, and professional Indigenous sportsmen and women, was also seen as motivating for young people and less experienced participants.

  • The position and influence of elite athlete role models in sport and physical activity across the island of Ireland, opens in a new tab [PhD thesis], Eimear Kelly, Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), (2025). This research aimed to evaluate the role and influence of elite athlete role models (ARMs) on female adolescents’ SP and PA across the island of Ireland. By focusing on the culturally significant context of Gaelic games, the research explores how ARMs impact participation through motivational, behavioural, and social mechanisms. In doing so, it contributes to broader understandings of gender equity in sport and informs evidence-based strategies to enhance youth engagement and inclusion in sport and PA. Results indicated that Athlete RM-led interventions lack objective outcome measures, theoretical grounding, and evaluation frameworks. Among Irish children and adolescents, ARMs were the most frequently identified RM in sport and were positively associated with SP and PA. Girls more often identified local female ARMs particularly from Gaelic games, while boys selected international male ARMs, typically from soccer. Further study revealed that adolescent and elite female Gaelic games athletes chose ARMs who were relatable, accessible, and attainable, with frequent engagement important to elicit behavioural or inspirational impact. Sport leaders acknowledged limited empirical evidence for ARM influence yet were consistent in their support for, and delivery of ARM strategies.
  • To whom are active Olympic athletes role models? A cross-country population survey in seven European countries, opens in a new tab, Sebastiaan de Cocq, Veerle de Bosscher, Sofie Smismans, et al., European Journal for Sport and Society, (November 2025). This study investigates the prevalence and demographic determinants of individuals who consider Olympic athletes to be role models for themselves. Drawing on data from a cross-national survey of 10,402 respondents from Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Finland, Czechia, Poland, and Portugal, the research examines (1) role model prevalence across countries, (2) associated demographic characteristics, and (3) relationships with sport engagement. Respondents were classified into three groups: those who identified active Olympic athletes as personal role models (28.2%), those who reported having a favourite athlete but not as a role model (13.4%), and those who identified neither (58.4%). A multinomial logistic regression examined which factors were associated with group membership. Sport engagement was the strongest predictor, with role model identification concentrated amongst those already active in sport. Age, gender, migration background, and country also showed significant effects, with role model prevalence varying considerably across the seven European countries. The findings reveal that only a minority identify Olympic athletes as personal role models, concentrated primarily within already-engaged sporting groups. These findings challenge policy assumptions that elite athletes inspire broad populations, suggesting their influence is limited to those already embedded in sporting cultures.
  • The influence of role models on the engagement of people with disabilities in sport: a scoping review, opens in a new tab, B. Bittar, Priscilla, Márcio Pereira Morato, Janine Coates, et al., European Federation of Adapted Physical Activity, (2025). Role models can motivate and promote engagement in activities of interest. This study sought to investigate how para-athletes can serve as role models for people with disabilities. Twenty-one studies were included in a scoping review to examine existing evidence relating to role models within parasport. A thematic analysis of available evidence identified five key themes. Persons identified as role models showed para-athletes, coaching staff with disabilities and other people (e.g.family members) were cited as potential role models to people with disabilities. Para-athlete role models as inspirational showed that role models could be important for entry into and maintained engagement in sport. Role models as social support associated with the theory of social learning (emotional, and structural support). Being a role model examines the desire of para-athletes to motivate and promote adapted sport. Finally, the impact of the ‘Supercrip’ narrative is examined in relation to parasport role models. We conclude that para-athletes may be highly relevant role models for people with disabilities and may encourage engagement in sport.
  • Understanding the motivators and barriers of elite athletes as role models, opens in a new tab, Lynn Praet, Veerle De Bosscher, Sofie Smismans, et al., Sport in Society, Volume 28(9), pp.1406-1428, (2025). Elite athletes are often leveraged as role models, regardless of their willingness to fulfil this role. Yet, little is known about how athletes perceive themselves as role models, what motivates them to be a role model or what barriers they encounter. Using Self-Determination Theory, this study explored these questions through semi-structured interviews with 20 Belgian elite athletes. Athletes’ perceptions are more nuanced and cannot be reduced to ‘athletes are role models’ or ‘athletes are not role models’. Athletes experienced intrinsic (e.g. satisfaction) and extrinsic (e.g. rewards) motivators, with feelings of competence, autonomy and social relatedness increasing their intrinsic motivation. Athletic, organisational, initiative-specific, personal and social barriers were identified. Findings highlight the importance of including an athlete-centred approach when developing role model theories within the sport’s context. Sport stakeholders are advised to foster an adequate motivational climate that supports athletes’ autonomy, competence and social relatedness, while tackling barriers at different levels.
  • The Influence of role models on participation in sport and physical activity among young males and females in Ireland, opens in a new tab, Eimear Kelly, Katie Liston, Kieran Dowd, et al., European Journal of Public Health, Volume 34(Supplement 2), (2024). Two sporting role model (RM) questions were included in the 2022 All Island Children’s Sport Participation and Physical Activity Study (CSPPA) Study. The sample included 5,815 participants (aged 10-19 years) from primary (N = 2,265) and post primary (N = 3,551) schools. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between RMs, such as parents, coaches, and sports stars with physical activity (PA) and sport participation (SP). The most popular sporting RMs across all youth are sports stars, coaches, fathers and friends. Sports stars, fathers, and coaches were most influential on PA and SP. Male and female youth with sports star RMs were on average twice as likely to meet PA guidelines and play sport weekly, the latter stronger for males. All youth appear to select sports star RMs in the sport they play, while males are more likely to choose male and international sports stars and females are equally likely to choose male and female, and Irish rather than international sports stars as RMs.
  • Mothers and sportsmen: The gendered and racialised nature of role model selection for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander youths, opens in a new tab, Michael Andre Guerzoni, Jacob Prehn, Huw Peacock, Australian Journal of Social Issues, Volume 59(2), pp.281-296, (2024). This article seeks to understand who Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children select as role models, and the reasons underlying these choices. Drawing data from Wave 8 of the Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children, it comprises a sample of 307 children (169 male and 138 female) aged between 10.5 and 12 years at the time of data collection. Content analysis was used to analyse survey responses regarding two questions pertaining to role models, the analytical process being underpinned by Indigenous standpoint theory. The findings show that participants tended to select role models correlating with their gender and who were Indigenous or people of colour. For boys, most selected Indigenous sportsmen, whilst girls more evenly selected mothers, women from the entertainment industry, and sportswomen. The reasons why these individuals were selected were similar for boys and girls: the role model's ability, mastery and/or competency in a given field. These findings are important for educators and schools in guiding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youths in their educational and career choices, and for policymakers in creating campaigns and pathways into fields where Indigenous persons are underrepresented.
  • ‘They are doing it because they love it’: U.S. and English fan perceptions of women footballers as ‘role models’, opens in a new tab, Rachel Allison, Alex Culvin, Stacey Pope, Sport in Society, Volume 27(10), pp.1529-1548, (2024). We draw from 102 interviews with American and English adults who attended the 2019 Women’s World Cup to examine how fans perceive women footballers as ‘role models’, with attention to the operations of gender ideology. Despite the recent professionalization and commercialization of women’s football, there is a dearth of research on fan perspectives of players as role models. Our findings show that most fans perceive role modelling as women’s accessibility and authenticity in interaction. Fans naturalize women’s often uncompensated labor as role models through a supposed love for their sport and desire to see its future growth, endorsing a gender essentialist view of women as notably caring and giving in comparison to men. However, a minority of fans embrace a more critical view by identifying role modelling as an expectation placed disproportionately on women within an already unequal resource environment. We conclude that role modelling is a gendered expectation for elite women footballers and that fans can be a source of pressure towards its enactment.
  • ‘You can’t be what you can’t see’: Indigenous Australian sportswomen as powerful role models, opens in a new tab, Megan Stronach, Michelle O’Shea, Hazel Maxwell, Sport in Society, Volume 26(6), pp.970-984, (2023). It is generally agreed that sporting role models (SRM) can inspire behaviour and attitude. This paper explores the influence of three contemporary Indigenous Australian sportswomen, and in doing so, their role as SRMs for women and girls. By applying and extending Marianne Meier’s (2015) theoretical lens, the actions, voices and influences of the women are considered. Meier recognizes and describes nine functions of SRMs. The voices of the Indigenous female athletes are portrayed through a media analysis including the athletes’ own social media commentary alongside mainstream media over a four-year period from 2017 to 2021. Examining the Indigenous sportswomen’s SRM status enables a layered and deeper understanding of the unique platform provided by sport, which can serve to strengthen their voices and influence. Indigenous Australian sportswomen are constructed in complex and sometimes contradictory ways, at times portrayed as advocates, deviants, sporting ambassadors, and political activists.
  • Role Model or Quitter? Social Media’s Response to Simone Biles at Tokyo 2020, opens in a new tab, Steph Doehler, International Journal of Sport Communication, Volume 16(1), pp. 64-79, (2023). During the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Team USA athlete Simone Biles withdrew from several gymnastics events midcompetition, citing mental health issues. Biles, one of the most recognizable stars of the Games, faced intense scrutiny from both the world’s media and the general public in the immediate aftermath. The purpose of this study was to analyze the Facebook narrative surrounding Biles’s withdrawal within the theoretical context of framing, as crafted through user comments on various public high-profile Facebook pages. A total of 87,714 user comments were collected and analyzed using the qualitative software Leximancer. The themes emerging from the data suggested a polarizing narrative, with many users supporting Biles, engaging in the wider discussion surrounding athlete mental health, while others condemned her action, suggesting she quit on the biggest sporting stage.
  • Kicking goals: Exploring the experiences of girls who play Australian Rules football, opens in a new tab, Paige Kernebone, Amie O’Shea, Alethea Jerebine, et al., Health Promotion Journal of Australia, Volume 33(3), pp.880-890, (July 2022). The results cover four themes: (a) Self-perception—participants presented with positive self-perceptions, (b) Social support—a supportive team and exposure to women playing football, and family support/involvement, were encouraging factors in pathways to playing football, (c) AFLW role models—were positive influences on participants’ experience and self-perceptions and (d) Influence of gender norms/stereotypes—participant self-perceptions displayed conforming and non-conforming features of gender norms/stereotypes. Participants reported exposure to sexist commentary about girls in sport through social media and peers but instead of being discouraged, most used it as motivation or empowerment, while others were dismissive. Findings suggest increased media coverage of AFLW players may be beneficial. Education programs/initiatives which i) involve AFLW role models and ii) encourage family friendly club environments and team bonding spaces are recommended.
  • She Needs to See it to be it: The Importance of Same-Gender Athletic Role Models, opens in a new tab, Midgley C, DeBues-Stafford G, Lockwood P, et al., Sex Roles. Volume 85, pp.142-160, (January 2021). In four studies, we examined the importance of gender-matched athletic role models for women. Although both women and men may benefit most from exposure to high profile athletes in their own sport, women may have fewer motivating role models available to them. When asked to nominate examples of athletes, women were less likely than men to list same-gender examples and athletes from their own sport; even high-performing female athletes were less likely to nominate a same-gender role model than their male peers. Women were nevertheless significantly more motivated by the same-gender and sport-matched examples (Studies 1–2). We demonstrate that same-gender role models are particularly valuable for women because they provide evidence that success is attainable, better represent a possible future self, and counteract negative gender stereotypes. Thus, although they derive special benefit from exposure to female athletic superstars, women are less likely than men to find such role models in their own sport of interest and, consequently, may be at a disadvantage relative to men. The present research illustrates the practical value of role models for women, with important implications for media and educational programming.
  • The inspirational effect of sporting achievements and potential role models in football: a gender-specific analysis,, opens in a new tab Wicker, P., Frick, B. Managing Sport and Leisure, Volume 21(5), pp.265-282, (December 2016). This study examines the trickle-down effect of potential role models and sporting achievements, respectively. Specifically, the inspirational effect of same-sex and opposite-sex role models on male and female participation in German amateur football. Longitudinal data on German football club memberships and amateur teams were collected for 21 regional football associations over a 15-year-period. The results found that sporting success does not automatically lead to the development of positive role models and inspirational effects.
  • Paralympic Legacy: Exploring the Impact of the Games on the Perceptions of Young People With Disabilities, opens in a new tab, Janine Coates and Philip Vickerman, Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, Volume 33(4), pp.338-357, (2016). The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games aimed to deliver a legacy to citizens of the United Kingdom, which included inspiring a generation of young people to participate in sport. This study aimed to understand the legacy of the Paralympic Games for children with disabilities. Eight adolescents (11–16 yr) with physical disabilities were interviewed about their perceptions of the Paralympic Games. Thematic analysis found 3 key themes that further our understanding of the Paralympic legacy. These were Paralympians as role models, changing perceptions of disability, and the motivating nature of the Paralympics. Findings demonstrate that the Games were inspirational for children with disabilities, improving their self-perceptions. This is discussed in relation to previous literature, and core recommendations are made.

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C4S-Footer-VIS
C4S-Footer-VIS
C4S-Footer-WAIS
C4S-Footer-WAIS
First Nations Flags, the Aboriginal flag and the Torres Strait Islander flag.
The Clearinghouse for Sport pay our respects to the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and acknowledge the valuable contribution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make to Australian society and sport.