Harsh treatment for a sporting role model says young Olympian Jarry

March 7, 2013, 9:30 p.m.

THE University of Ballarats Human Movement and Sports Science head Sue Brown said women in sport face much tougher times than men.

Even women at a national level cant earn enough money, and thats where the struggle comes in, Ms Brown said.

I dont think it is really recognised by the sporting community that women are successful at sport.

Women are supposed to stay home and look after the family and its not recognised that they can have a working career and a successful sporting career and often be parents too.

Ms Brown said the situation facing Ballarat Rush basketballer Andrea McMahon, who has been sacked by Ambulance Victoria for taking unpaid leave to play sport, was disappointing.

They havent recognised that she is a role model in the community. She has a career, she plays sport at an elite level, what more could you ask for in a role model?

Olympian Rachel Jarry, who played for the then Ballarat Lady Miners in 2010, also spoke out in support of Ms McMahon and said achieving the work-life balance was tough.

I study because I need to have a career in mind for after basketball, Ms Jarry said.

I earn just enough and I still live at home but youre definitely not set up for life.

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Harsh treatment for a sporting role model says young Olympian Jarry