Way back in 1997 Belinda Clark carved her place in cricketing history with an astounding performance, becoming the first cricket player in the world to strike a magnificent 200 runs in a One Day International (ODI).
Fast forward to the 2023 Men’s Cricket World Cup. Last week, Glenn Maxwell accomplished a remarkable double century, marking a historic moment in men’s cricket. Interestingly just days before Maxwell’s phenomenal feat, I shared an observation with friends about cricket seeming a tad more progressive compared to many other sports. The use of the term “men’s” in the event’s title and broadcast seemed inclusive, acknowledging the gendered aspect of the game.
But then came the glaring discrepancy in the recognition of Clark’s and Maxwell’s accomplishments, revealing stark gender bias in sports reporting. These milestones should transcend gender comparisons and focus on celebrating exceptional athletic achievements. Both Clark and Maxwell displayed outstanding prowess on the cricket field.
However as soon as it was raised that Clark was the first to hit the 200-run ODI milestone, some 30 years before Maxwell, social media erupted with #whataboutism. What about the circumstances? What about her not playing against men? What about the shorter boundaries? What about the faster bowlers? The truth is, these arguments are irrelevant when recognizing who achieved the milestone first.
So just to be clear, just in case you didn’t know …
- Belinda Clark was the first person in the world to score 200 runs in an ODI. And the first female.
- Sachin Tendulkar was the first male cricket player to score 200 runs. And (obviously) the first male.
- Glenn Maxwell was the second Australian to score 200 runs. And the first Australian male.
Simple isn’t it?
The absence of knowledge (or refusal to acknowledge?) by the media of Clark’s achievement when reporting Maxwell’s underscores a prevalent issue—gender bias in sports reporting. While Maxwell’s feat was duly celebrated and widely covered, it was also reported incorrectly. This discrepancy is not just a disservice to Clark’s extraordinary talent but also a disheartening reflection of the prevailing gender biases in sports media.
Arguments about men being stronger, faster, or playing in more extensive fields are irrelevant when it comes to acknowledging and celebrating remarkable athletic accomplishments. The essence lies in recognizing and honoring the talent, effort, and dedication of the athletes—regardless of gender.
This post isn’t about invalidating comparisons between their feats. Each achievement stands out—Clark’s for its timelessness, Tendulkar’s against a formidable rival, and Maxwell’s for his resilience through cramps. If you want to debate whose effort was better, it’s an interesting discussion, it just doesn’t change the order of who did what.
It’s high time to bridge the gap in recognition, ensuring that remarkable feats, regardless of gender, receive the deserved celebration and honor. Efforts like Clark’s and Maxwell’s shouldn’t be overshadowed or diminished by biases in sports reporting. The conversation should celebrate all exceptional athletes, acknowledging their achievements without devaluing one to elevate another.
Jugood 