The Sun-Herald

Cadel: a true hero

Like all his fans, I wish Cadel Evans had won the Tour de France. No-one deserved it more than this great sporting champion.

The brawlers, show ponies and cheaters who grab so much of the attention in high-level athletics could learn a lot from the star cyclist. He embodies the most fundamental sporting values, including courage, integrity, determination and fairness. He's modest and gracious in both victory and defeat, on and off the bike.
I wanted to pay tribute to Cadel this week not only for his achievements in France, but also because I devote so much space on this blog to condemning people who suppress truth and deny human rights I felt it was time to draw attention to some of the good guys who defend those ideals. Cadel is one of them.
For many years now he's been a staunch supporter of the Tibetans' cause, lending both his profile and his wallet to their fight for religious and political freedom. He and his wife Chiara support a Tibetan child and proceeds from the Free Tibet socks and T-shirts on his website www.cadel.com.au go towards education for Tibetan students. Cadel also hasn't been afraid to be photographed in a Free Tibet shirt and he spouts none of that self-righteous nonsense about politics and sport being mutually exclusive - the excuse other high profile athletes use for not speaking up on behalf of the oppressed. He will of course be going for gold at the Beijing Olympics and we should feel very proud to have him there. Maybe he'll use some of his bravery and doggedness to make a peaceful statement about human rights in Tibet. I hope so.
Meanwhile, if you want to make your own peaceful statement about China's oppression of Tibetans, you can do so easily and effectively on August 7, the eve of the Games' opening ceremony. Join the greatest light protest on earth by lighting a candle wherever you are to symbolise your support for freedom. Even if I'm out reporting on a function, I'll have my candles with me.
An even easier way for everyone - and a perfect opportunity for the athletes in Beijing - to show support is with a hand gesture (and no, it's not the one I often feel like making at inconsiderate motorists and Chinese government officials). The clever campaigners from T for Tibet suggest a simple but immediately recognisable T signal you can make anywhere to show you care.
The more we all use this signal, the stronger its symbolism will grow. If you bump into me around town, please use it as a greeting. If we're in a bar, I might even buy you a drink in return.