Marty Sheargold’s Matildas rant shows why visibility and representation for women in sport still matters
Kirthana Selvaraj was recently commissioned to immortalise the Matildas journey through the 2023 FIFA World Cup for Venues NSW, the first mural in a series commemorating Australia’s greatest sporting moments. Unveiled by the NSW Premier at Accor Stadium only a few weeks ago, this week’s events show us that this visibility and representation still matter, a lot.
The Matildas have long been symbols of strength and perseverance. Their World Cup performances shattered attendance records and inspired a generation of young girls and boys, while showing the world the power of women’s sport. Yet, their achievements are still met with resistance, reminding us of how deeply ingrained gender biases remain.
This was painfully clear this week when Triple M radio host Marty Sheargold made his derogatory remarks about the Matildas, comparing them to “Year 10 girls” and saying he would “rather hammer a nail through the head of [his] penis” than watch them play. His words didn’t just insult a team; they echoed a narrative that women’s sport is somehow lesser, less exciting, less valuable, and less worthy of respect.
This incident is a stark reminder that visibility alone isn’t enough when the narrative surrounding women’s sport is still shaped by deeply rooted misogyny. It’s not just about putting women on a stage; it’s about changing how we see them once they’re there.
A legacy of visibility
When I was approached to create a painting for the Matildas during the FIFA Women’s World Cup, I saw it as an opportunity to contribute to a larger conversation. This wasn’t just about capturing a moment in sport; it was about representing a legacy and celebrating women who are changing the narrative of what it means to be seen, respected, and celebrated. In a world that too often looks the other way, this project was about visibility and belonging.
The painting started as a canvas towering at 2.4 meters by 1.4 meters, but its impact grew beyond those dimensions. It was displayed on the Great Southern Screen, one of the largest digital displays in the southern hemisphere, amplifying the presence of the Matildas to thousands of spectators. Soon, it will be projected on the 57-metre exterior of Accor Stadium, creating an immersive experience that celebrates not only the team but also the stories they carry, stories of resilience, excellence, and defiance.
Kirthana Selvaraj with the Matildas Mural. Image: supplied.
This project became part of a much larger effort to challenge stereotypes, question narratives, and honour women who are rewriting history. It was about saying: women belong here, too, at the centre, in full view.
This is why representation matters. It’s not just about celebrating victories but about making sure struggles are seen and voices are heard. It’s about ensuring that young people—regardless of gender identity, race, or background, see role models who are powerful, complex, and unapologetically visible.
When I was painting the Matildas, I kept thinking about Cathy Freeman. I remembered coming to Australia at the end of 1999 and seeing her iconic gold running suit at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. She stood at the starting line carrying the weight of a nation’s hopes and histories. But she ran for more than victory; she ran for visibility, for every First Nations child who needed to see that they, too, could be great.
Her running suit became more than just a uniform; it became a symbol of presence, of power, of possibility. It became a part of our cultural memory, not because of the gold medal alone but because of the story it told, the story of defiance, of pride, of identity.
The Matildas are carrying that legacy forward. They are running their own race, breaking barriers, and challenging stereotypes. They are showing young girls that they belong in sport, that they belong in every arena, that they belong wherever they choose to be.
Contributing to a bigger story
I didn’t set out to make a statement; I set out to paint a story. A story about women who fight for every inch of space they take up, who challenge the narratives imposed on them, who play not just for themselves but for those who come after them.
Displaying the painting on the Great Southern Screen was about honouring their achievements and celebrating their presence. Soon, the immersive projection on the 57-metre exterior of Accor Stadium will magnify that story, creating a moment of visibility that reaches far beyond the canvas.
The mural unveiling. Image: supplied.
But this is just one part of a much bigger movement. There are many stories to tell, many voices to amplify, and many narratives to challenge. This was just one way to contribute, to be a part of a collective effort to celebrate women in sport.
Why representation still matters
This matters because the conversation isn’t just about sport, it’s about equity, respect, and dignity. It’s about challenging the stereotypes that limit what women are allowed to be and showing the world who they truly are.
The Matildas are more than athletes. They are role models, changemakers, and cultural icons. They are redefining what it means to be a woman in sport, and they are doing it with courage, grace, and strength.
I’m grateful to have been a part of this conversation, even in a small way. To have been able to contribute to their story, to honour their journey, and to celebrate their legacy. Because in the end, it’s not just about one painting or one game, it’s about changing the way we see women, the way we value them, and the space we give them to be powerful.
The post Marty Sheargold’s Matildas rant shows why visibility and representation for women in sport still matters appeared first on Women's Agenda.
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