Elite athletes or superstars? Media representation of para-athletes at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games

Abstract

This article offers a discourse analysis of media representations of para-athletes before, during and post the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games in print and online sources, drawing on the lens of critical disability theory. We consider the importance of the media–sport cultural complex in influencing public attitudes towards disability. We conclude that whilst the importance of discursive change cannot be underestimated at the level of the media agenda, change at the level of lived experience will only flow from carefully designed and executed political and policy initiatives rather than directly from changes in the media presentation or visibility of individual athletes.

Keywords:

• Para-sport
• disability
• mega-events
• media
• Commonwealth Games

Notes

1. The images in question can be found online: http://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/libby-clegg-of-great-britain-and-her-guide-mikail-huggins-news-photo/151337831.

2. Two of the promotional images covered here can be found in Go Scotland!’s image gallery (http://www.goscotland.org/image-gallery.aspx?OpenMediaFolderId=2585): Meggan Dawson-Farrell at position 2 and Micky Yule at position 17. Go Scotland! is an arm of Commonwealth Games Scotland, which is responsible for selecting, preparing and managing Scotland's team at the Commonwealth Games every four years. Since 2010 this team has been known as Team Scotland.

3. See http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/13117677.Six_to_follow__Sam_can_do/

4. See http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/13136394.Bowls__Young_and_gold/

5. See http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/other-sports/athletics/blind-sprinter-libby-clegg-reveals-2906678#lxKPOTBTQCzpmA1E.97

6. See http://sse.com/newsandviews/allarticles/2014/06/british-athletic-championship-success-for-sse-ambassadors-eilidh-and-katarina/