One metanarrative about sport that this image captures is the belief that sports are always positive experiences for children, teaching them teamwork, discipline, and resilience. However, this image challenges that assumption, showing the negative side of sports culture, where overbearing parents, demanding coaches, and extreme pressure can harm children’s mental and emotional well-being. The young girl’s body language—head down, arms crossed, and visibly upset—represents the stress and burnout that can occur when sports become more about meeting adult expectations than about fun and personal growth.

So what? Why does this matter?
This matters because sports play an important role in shaping childhood experiences and worldviews. For many children, sports provide opportunities for social interaction, self-discovery, and physical health. However, when the focus shifts to competition and performance, it can create harmful environments that take away these benefits. This image encourages us to think critically about the often-unquestioned narratives around sports, such as the idea that competition always builds character or that sports are inherently good for all children.

Being aware of these assumptions is important because it highlights the need to create sports environments that are inclusive and supportive. Sports should focus on fostering joy, confidence, and personal growth rather than stress and alienation. By addressing these issues, we can ensure that all children feel valued and supported in their athletic experiences.

The Black Power salute at the 1968 Olympics is a powerful example of how sport and social justice can go hand in hand. During the medal ceremony, Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists to actively protest and draw attention to systemic racism and inequality faced by Black communities. This deliberate act of defiance turned a sporting event into a global stage for advocacy and activism, highlighting the courage required to stand up for social justice.

At its core, this moment falls under Advocacy and Activism, as Smith and Carlos used their platform to demand change and raise awareness. However, it also touches on Equality and Representation, shedding light on the lack of representation and equitable treatment of Black people in society, including within sports. Their gesture called for structural changes to address these disparities, tying it to the broader fight for equality.

Hiding Structural Inequalities: By focusing on personal responsibility, this approach diverts attention from larger barriers like poverty, racism, and lack of access to resources.

Favouring Privilege: The narrative centres White, middle- and upper-class norms, dismissing diverse cultural perspectives and needs.

Profit Over People: Health becomes a commodity, prioritised for profit by industries rather than addressing real causes of inequality.

Widening the Gap: Without tackling systemic oppression, the divide between privileged groups and marginalised populations grows deeper.

Silencing Marginalised Voices: Ignoring social justice perspectives erases the experiences of marginalised communities, excluding them from shaping their own health solutions.

All of the images supplied are fantastic examples of feminism. The sole reason I selected this image is that it shows an absolute disregard for societal norms at the time. It depicts individuals, regardless of race or class, walking arm in arm, breaking the barriers of segregation and inequality. This image symbolises solidarity and the shared struggle for justice, showing that feminism isn’t just about gender equality but also about dismantling systems of oppression that affect all marginalised groups. It captures the courage and unity required to challenge deeply ingrained societal injustices, inspiring us to continue fighting for intersectional equality today.