here are the texts Tania's quest for gold Michael Warner 06mar06 MELBOURNE badminton whiz Tania Luiz wants two things from the Commonwealth Games -- a gold medal and a sponsor. Luiz, 22, is Australia's highest ranked international player and a rising star in the sport. But the Games glamour girl is also hunting a financial backer. She needs about $30,000 a year to keep alive her dream of winning gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. "That's really what I need to be able to dedicate all of my time to playing and training," she said. "I'm working about 30 hours a week at the moment just to make ends meet. So it would be a great burden off my shoulders to know the money was there." Luiz, sporting a gold Jenny Bannister dress, said most Australians underestimated the global popularity of badminton and the skill and fitness required to play at the top level. "People will see at the Games the dynamics that are involved. It will be world-class badminton." Luiz was a black-belt in karate at age nine and took up badminton at 13. The 10-member Australian squad fine-tuned their Games preparations with a training camp involving members of the world champion Chinese team last month. Badminton will be played on all 11 days of the Games in a purpose-built venue at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. Interested sponsors can contact Badminton Australia on 9397 4722.
I do have a serious point about pictures like these. There is such a shortage of money for badminton players that they have to do what they can such as posing for pictures that they perhaps wouldn't normally do. On the other hand, if you do pose for such pictures can you really object if you are noticed for your attractiveness? My previous thoughts on the posts about Tania was that we should leave her alone to play badminton and that some of the comments about her physical appearance were out of order. However, seeing these photos makes me wonder whether she would actually welcome her appearance being discussed. After all it might result in sponsorship for her if she became recognisable face. Is she set to be the Anna Kournikova of Badminton? (I've never seen her play so I don't know how good she is) Don't get me wrong. I have nothing at all against any badminton player using their attractiveness to raise their profile and maybe raise money. I just think that when you do that you have to accept that you will become known for more than just your badminton skills!
Of course. Many facets of a person get noticed when they become sports personalities. Modelling is one facet. Other people may choose to direct some of their energy in charity work, coaching .... A person cannot be a badminton robot and nothing else, can they?
She is definetly the hottest female badminton player in the world at the moment. I have seen her in person........LongReach's eyes were like this---> And tongue hanging out like this---> Hehe. Amazing player too!............I think someone like her could really boost the popularity of badminton in Australia. Go Tania!..........I will be at the games tomorow night to watch Australia play........and hopefully more days to follow.......I will be cheering her on!
I DO!!!!!! I feel so priviledge now! hehe Ps: I will not disclose what stadium in Australia she trains......my secret. Also she is more beautifull in real life too.......those photos are ok.....but she looks better in racket attire......seriously.
Shucks! I'll miss both of you on Sat evening as Australia is not playing! But I will get to see Emms and Tracey who will help England against India. Maybe I should show up for the afternoon show as well to witness the grudge match between perennial rivals, host Australia and NZL.
oh man did tania play for aus today?coz i went to work and miss that match!!!and my dvd recorder fked up...damn!!!
Spew dude! Damn technology! I am going there to watch Australia tonight........not sure if she is playing tonight though. :crying: Besides there will be some good matches to watch. Not even sure what other country will be playing.......I hope it is Malaysia! Anyway it should be good