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The troubling sight of an athlete knocked out cold, or perhaps getting back on their wobbly feet after copping a blow to the head, is one even casual sports viewers would have witnessed at some point.
Back in the day, these moments were often downplayed or even lauded by fans, commentators and teammates. The mindset at the time was for the player to shake off the hit before getting on with things.
Players would go as far as to downplay any effects to doctors, in the hope of returning to action as soon as possible – showcasing the ultra-macho, winner-takes-all mentality of Australia’s contact sports.
Times are, thankfully, changing.
The surprise retirements of AFL players Nathan Murphy and Angus Brayshaw, due to concussion concerns, “signals a shift in how athletes view brain trauma risks in sport,” argue concussion experts Alan Pearce and Stephen Townsend.
“Rather than downplaying or ignoring the potential damage being done to their health by a career filled with brain trauma, some athletes are now choosing to end their careers early,” they write.
“With continued discussion, debate and independent research, it is plausible more players with multiple concussions will prioritise their long-term brain health. It’s in the best interests for the longevity of these sports – and the athletes we love to cheer on.”
Former Liverpool manager Bill Shankly once famously quipped “some people believe football is a matter of life and death … it’s much more important than that”.
It would be nice to think that, more than four decades after his death, Shankly would agree there are in fact many more important things than playing sport. And if an athlete in the prime of their career retires to prioritise their long-term brain health, that’s a good thing.
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Niall Seewang
Sport + Society Editor
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Alan Pearce, La Trobe University; Stephen Townsend, The University of Queensland
For decades, some sports have fostered a win-at-all-costs culture, with concussion often an afterthought. But there are signs that attitude is changing.
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