Jana drama

March 11, 2006

Looks like Jelena might have some company. Jana Pittman has cracked it and, crying once again, said she is leaving (‘driven out of’) Australia and has lost ‘the passion’ for running for this country. She even goes to the length of comparing herself to Lleyton Hewitt and Cathy Freemen, both of who are based overseas.

In general, Australia doesn’t respond well to tall poppies. We appreciate their success, but resent any sign of an overinflated ego. Jana has presented herself and has been presented as the prima donna of the track. Every major track meet has seen multiple days’ newspapers devote covers to her and her injuries, personal clashes and chances. This naturally creates resentment and, as far as the public is concerned, she has done little to change any of this. Hence the lack of people really caring that much if she does move and we begin to hear less of her. Tamsyn Lewis, Jana’s rival apparently on and off the track, has done the opposite. She’s taken a laid back and cynical approach to the whole thing, and apart from coming across a little catty, has come out far better off in the public eye.

As for Lleyton and Cathy, yes, they did move, the same as a vast percentage of successful Australians, sporting or otherwise. However, they are still happy and proud to represent Australia and that is where the difference lies. Compare yourself to when Jelena Dokic left, Jana, not the others. If you burn your bridge on the way out, you may find it even harder to return when the rest of the world isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. You can ask Jelena about that one too.

edit: Here we go again. Now Jana has pulled out of the baton relay for fear of aggravating an injury. I can understand pulling out of the A series meet ahead of the Games, but seriously. If she can’t handle a brief jog holding a stick, then how the hell is she meant to compete in a matter of days? Or perhaps that’s the question we’re supposed to be asking…

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