As with every year, 2021 has had its fair share of heroes and villains.
I doubt I need to explain why the villain badge should be firmly pinned to politicians and officials such as Boris Johnson and Dominic Cummings (I wouldn’t be surprised if we eventually discover there was a cheese and wine party at Barnard Castle) but, again, I’d like to keep things positive.
So, let’s talk about my “sheroes” – Emma Raducanu and Simone Biles.
As the current British No. 1 and reigning US Open champion, 19-year-old Raducanu has already done so much to bring women’s sport to the fore, and she has become an incredible role model for young girls, who might one day dream of following in her footsteps.
Her rise has been so meteoric, I’m fascinated to see what 2022 brings for her.
© Gregory Bull/AP/ShutterstockBiles, on the other hand, showed the world the more vulnerable side of being a professional athlete, and highlighted why it’s so important to speak about mental health.
The 24-year-old gymnast made headlines when she withdrew from some events at the Tokyo Olympics, admitting she wasn’t mentally prepared to continue. That has to be one of the bravest moves I’ve ever seen in sport.
What’s more, Biles also gave evidence against former USA Gymnastics team doctor, Larry Nassar, who has been imprisoned for abusing athletes in his care. Her courage should be an inspiration to us all.
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