Gold Rush: Australia’s Obsession with Winning
What does it mean to win? Why are so many of us motivated by the prospect of glory? How does our obsession with winning in sport shape our culture and sense of nationhood? And does this obsession spill over into our attitudes towards art, education and our careers?
In this conversation, hosted by broadcaster Francis Leach, we’ll examine the concept of winning from some fresh angles. Leach will be joined by artist Abdul Abdullah, whose artwork has broached the intersection of sport and politics, and academic Zali Yager, whose research focuses on body image and doping. Also stepping up to the crease will be cricket writer Gideon Haigh, whose new book explores themes of legends and legacy in cricket.
The panel will discuss the toll the obsession with winning can take on individuals, as well as the links between triumph, legacy and the dream of immortality.
Featuring
Featuring
Francis Leach is a broadcaster and journalist. He co-hosts the breakfast show with David Schwarz on 1116 SEN sports radio in Melbourne and is a regular panellist on ABC TV’s The Offsiders and Ten’s The Project. For the last four years Francis was part of the ABC Grand... Read more
Abdul Abdullah is an artist from Perth, currently based in Sydney, who works across painting, photography, video, installation and performance. As a self described ‘outsider amongst outsiders’, his practice is primarily concerned with the experience of the ‘other’ in society. Abdullah’s pr... Read more
Gideon Haigh has been a journalist 32 years, published 32 books and edited seven others. His latest is book is Stroke of Genius: Victor Trumper and the Shot That Changed Cricket published in 2016 by Penguin Random House.
Zali Yager is a Senior Lecturer in Health and Physical Education at Victoria University in Melbourne. She is passionate about preparing the next generation of health and PE teachers to inspire health literacy and positive movement experiences for children and young people. Her research expertise is ... Read more
Watch, Listen, Read
Listen
Return to Country: Repatriation and Resilience
6 Feb 2023
Listen
Sophie Cunningham: This Devastating Fever
31 Jan 2023
Read
Hot Desk Extract: Hope to Die
24 Jan 2023
Listen
Andrew Sean Greer: Less is Lost
24 Jan 2023
Read
Programming a weekend of fearless conversation
19 Jan 2023
Read
Hot Desk Extract: Impossible Figures
17 Jan 2023