Former speed skater Ane Farstad has sparked a debate in the sports community by criticizing Dutch world champion Joy Beune for her recent Playboy photoshoot, stating that it undermines the integrity of professional athletics. Farstad, who retired earlier this year, emphasized that while showcasing a fit physique is acceptable, commodifying one’s body for a magazine does not align wiht the values of top-tier sports. In contrast, she praised fellow skater Jutta Leerdam for effectively using social media to promote the sport and serve as a positive role model. Farstad encourages Norwegian skaters to engage more actively online to boost interest in speed skating.stad, som tidligere har fortalt Dagbladet at hun vurderer comeback som skøyteløper, er klar.
– jeg synes Jutta er et veldig godt forbilde. Hun er dritgod på skøyter, og gjør en bra karakter ut av det å være toppidrettsutøver. Det støtter jeg veldig. Alt nå til dags handler om sosiale medier,og der får hun satt skøyter på kartet.
POPULÆR: Nederlandske Jutta Leerdam får tommel opp fra Ane Farstad. Foto: Andre Weening/Orange Pictures/Shutterstock / NTB
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Farstad fortsetter:
– Hvis tror at dét ikke er en god inngang for å få sponsorer og den type ting, så tar du feil.Sponsorer krangler nok for å få navnet sitt på drakta til Jutta, fordi hun er så populær.Det er mange som ser på henne.
– Er det noe norske skøyteløpere kan lære av?
– Ja,absolutt. Jeg tror de kan tørre å by litt mer på seg selv. Idretten må være i fokus, men har du tid til overs, så skader det ikke å være aktiv på sosiale medier. Jeg tror mange der hjemme er interessert i å se hva som foregår i en utøvers liv, svarer Farstad.
aktiv
24-åringen vet hva hun snakker om. Gjennom karrieren delte hun hyppig stort og smått fra eget liv og treningshverdag med egne følgere. I dag har hun eksempelvis 213 000 følgere på Instagram.
– Jeg la ut masse om alt fra kosthold, trening og hvor vi reiste. Det var utrolig mange som fulgte med på det, sier trønderen.
– Jeg synes skøyesporten har forsvunnet veldig de siste årene. Da jeg begynte å legge ut noen skøytevideoer, så fikk det mye oppmerksomhet. Da tenkte jeg at det var en mulighet til å sette skøyter på kartet igjen, og få opp interessen, for det er en kul og veldig morsom sport, forteller Farstad.
Slår alarm
Før den inneværende sesongen lå det lenge an til at skøyter ikke ville bli sendt på norsk TV, men på overtid sikret Viaplay seg rettighetene.
Farstad mener at akkurat det sier noe om hvor idretten står i dag.
– Hvis TV-selskapene ikke har lyst til å kjøpe rettighetene, så er det ingen interesse blant publikum heller. Så jeg tenker at folk må tørre å by litt mer på seg selv, og sette skøyter på kartet igjen. Det ligger et stort potensiale der,fastslår Farstad.
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Editor: Welcome, and thank you for joining us today. I’m here with dr.Jane Roberts,a sports sociologist who specializes in the intersection of sports,media,and identity. Today,we’re diving into a rather heated debate sparked by former speed skater Ane Farstad regarding Dutch world champion Joy Beune’s recent Playboy photoshoot. Farstad believes this choice undermines the integrity of professional athletics. What are your thoughts on this, Dr. Roberts?
Dr. Roberts: Thank you for having me. It’s a fascinating and complex issue. Ane Farstad raises notable points about the potential commodification of athletes, particularly female athletes.In her view, portraying athletes solely through a lens of physical appearance, especially in a provocative context, distances the public’s perception from the dedication and skill that top-tier sports embody. It challenges the narrative of sports as an arena for competition and achievement.
Editor: That’s true. Farstad seems to suggest that while it’s perfectly acceptable to showcase strength and fitness,there’s a line that shouldn’t be crossed when it comes to sensuality and commercialism. How do you see this tension manifesting in the broader sports community?
Dr. Roberts: This tension highlights the ongoing struggle female athletes face regarding their image and identity. On one hand, thay are expected to be strong and competitive, yet on the other, they often feel societal pressure to conform to traditional standards of femininity, wich can include sexualized portrayals. This is evident in how media representation can sway public perception. Ane’s praise for Jutta Leerdam’s use of social media illustrates another side of this conversation; promoting the sport on platforms that allow for broader narratives beyond mere aesthetics can help redefine how athletes are viewed.
Editor: Exactly. Leerdam has managed to create a strong personal brand that aligns with her athletic achievements, which seems a healthier approach.But do you think Farstad’s criticism of Beune is fair? Is there a risk of policing how athletes choose to express themselves?
Dr.Roberts: That’s a crucial point. While Farstad’s intentions might stem from a place of wanting to uphold the integrity of the sport, there is indeed a fine line. Critiquing how someone else chooses to express their identity can feel paternalistic. Every athlete has the right to navigate their career and personal image as they see fit. It’s important to foster an environment where athletes can make choices without facing backlash, as long as those choices don’t harm others or violate agreed-upon ethical standards within the sport.
Editor: So, in your opinion, what is the best way to mediate these differing perspectives in the sports community?
Dr. roberts: Open dialog is essential. Encouraging athletes to voice their opinions and experiences can lead to a deeper understanding of their choices. We can look to educational initiatives that highlight the complexities of image, identity, and performance in sports. For instance, creating platforms where athletes can share their personal stories and challenges—much like what Leerdam has done—can help reshape narratives and promote supportive discussions. it’s about finding a balance between personal freedom and professional integrity.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Roberts. This conversation sheds light on an important issue in the world of sports and media representation. It seems that encouraging diverse expressions while fostering an atmosphere of respect and understanding is the way forward.
Dr. Roberts: Absolutely.It’s vital that we encourage voices from all corners of the sports community, as they all contribute to a more nuanced understanding of what it means to be an athlete today.