Lorraine Moller MBE, speaks out in favour of women's spaces

Summary

In this transcript, Lorraine Moller, a New Zealand athlete and Olympic marathoner, reflects on her career and the progress of women's sports participation. She highlights the historical challenges and the strides made towards gender equity in sports. However, she expresses concern over recent setbacks, including incidents of bullying and the need to protect women's spaces in sports. Moller endorses the New Zealand First party for its support of women's safety and privacy in sports, suggesting that the upcoming election could be pivotal for this cause.

Takeaways

• 🏃‍♀️ Lorraine Moller's career began in 1974 at the Commonwealth Games, where she competed in the 800 meters.
• 🥉 She won a bronze medal in the marathon 18 years later, showcasing her long-term dedication to athletics.
• 🌍 Lorraine hails from Potararu and was raised in Waikato, New Zealand.
• 🏅 She represented New Zealand in four Olympic Games, highlighting her international athletic achievements.
• 🚀 Lorraine witnessed the significant rise in women's participation in sports and their gradual achievement of equity and opportunity.
• 🧬 The world acknowledges the biological differences between men and women but also the need for equal opportunities in sports.
• 🚫 Women were historically second-class citizens in sports, often excluded from participation and opportunities.
• 🌟 By the 2000 Olympics, women had gained parity in sports, inspiring a new generation of female athletes.
• 👧 The progress in women's sports has been a source of inspiration for young girls to be active and participate in sports.
• 😔 Recent setbacks have occurred where a few individuals have undermined women's sports and discouraged teenage girls from participating.
• 💪 Lorraine supports the New Zealand First party for its stance on protecting women's safety and privacy in sports.
• 🗳️ She urges people to vote for New Zealand First in the upcoming election, emphasizing the importance of women's sports as a potential single-issue election.

Q & A

What significant achievement did Lorraine Moller accomplish at the Commonwealth Games?

Lorraine Moller won a bronze medal in the marathon at the Commonwealth Games.

How did Lorraine Moller's career in athletics begin?

Lorraine Moller's career in athletics began when she was about 14 years old and eventually represented New Zealand in four Olympic Games.

What historical event marked the beginning of Lorraine Moller's career?

Lorraine Moller's career started in 1974 at the Commonwealth Games in the 800 meters race.

How has the participation of women in sports evolved according to Lorraine Moller?

Women's participation in sports has gradually gained more equity and opportunity, paralleling that of men, especially by the end of the millennium.

What changes did Lorraine Moller witness in women's sports by the time of her retirement?

By the time Lorraine Moller retired after her fourth Olympic marathon in 1996, she was pleased to see the increased opportunities for women in sports.

What challenges have recently arisen in women's sports according to Lorraine Moller?

Lorraine Moller mentions that a few males have been able to undermine women's sports, and that women speaking out for their spaces are often attacked by activists.

What incident did Lorraine Moller reference involving Kelly J Keen?

Kelly J Keen, a British mother, was attacked in Auckland's Albert Park for advocating for women's only spaces, which Lorraine Moller considers as bullying.

What is Lorraine Moller's stance on the recent treatment of women advocating for their spaces?

Lorraine Moller believes that it is time to restore the rightful place of women in sports and society, and that the recent attacks on women advocates are not acceptable.

Which political party does Lorraine Moller support and why?

Lorraine Moller supports New Zealand First because the party has come out strongly in support of women, ready to protect girls' safety and privacy.

What issue could potentially influence the upcoming election according to Lorraine Moller?

Lorraine Moller suggests that women's sports could be a single issue influencing the upcoming election.

What is the main message Lorraine Moller wants to convey to the audience?

Lorraine Moller urges the audience to vote for New Zealand First to support the protection and advancement of women's rights in sports and society.