Our sporting diplomats
Written by Julie Bishop

Published on Fairfax's National Times website

There are many superlatives to describe the achievement of Cadel Evans as the first Australian winner of the Tour de France.

If the pundits are correct, Evans will now catapult into superstar status in Europe and other nations around the world, as well as in Australia.

Very few Australian sports stars achieve global recognition but those who have bear witness to the great responsibilities that come with that recognition.

Whether he seeks it or not, Evans will be seen as an ambassador for Australia and Australian values.

In many respects his story to success is typically Australian.

Born in Katherine in the Northern Territory, Cadel Evans began his life in an improbable location for an eventual winner of the Tour de France.

His family relocated to the NSW city of Armidale where a young Cadel Evans first became interested in cycling, principally mountain bike racing.

He overcame the challenges of living in regional Australia to qualify for the Australian Institute of Sport mountain bike team where he enjoyed significant success.

Evans reportedly wanted a new challenge and converted to road racing in 2000.

The path to his success at this year's Tour de France was not smooth.

He suffered injury and disappointment along the way, with two second places in years when he was considered a potential favourite.

This year he was written off by many as too old and having missed his opportunity.

There is nothing an Australian likes more than to be written off by competitors.

Underdog status is often keenly sought after.

Australians will embrace Cadel Evans as the quintessential Aussie battler who overcame the doubters and the seemingly insurmountable challenges to finally triumph against the odds.

In many respects, his story is the story of our nation.

With our convict beginnings, our distance and harsh climate, the ability to overcome obstacles is often seen as a hallmark of the Australian character.

One area of potential for stronger international relations that we should harness as a nation is our global reputation for sporting achievement.

Cadel Evans will become a household name in Europe just as he is in Australia.

It is hoped that not only will he inspire cycling enthusiasts, but also use his influence as a role model in a broader sense.

During a recent visit to Papua New Guinea I was struck by the overwhelming influence of Queensland's rugby league stars.

It is no exaggeration to say that Mal Meninga has demi-god status for many in PNG.

I met with the manager of a huge construction company who related how his 2000 workers refused to go back to work on the day of a visit to the site by Meninga, such was their determination to see and hopefully touch their idol.

I was told by astute observers of PNG culture that the rugby league State of Origin Series has the power to unite the nation like no other issue.

A deeply tribal country with over 800 languages, where family and tribe loyalty comes first and last, it seems the people of PNG are at one in their love of rugby league.

It was reported to me that when PNG trialled a preferential voting system, voting slips bearing the faces of Queensland icons, Meninga, Wally Lewis and Darren Lockyer, were used as the mock candidates, rather than local politicians, to be sure of a strong voter turnout for the test run.

Some people were reportedly deeply disappointed to find that they had not in fact voted in Meninga as national leader.

Our relationship with PNG should be a foreign policy priority and requires much closer attention.

Surely there is an opportunity to capture their enthusiasm for our sporting stars in a positive way that enhances our bilateral relationship.

Sport has the power to transcend social, cultural and language barriers.

The flag bearers for Australian sport, such as Cadel Evans and Mal Meninga may carry a heavy responsibility, but they have the opportunity to reach out to people across the cultural and geographic divide in a way that is otherwise impossible.

We should seek to leverage the success of our sporting stars in international forums far beyond the sporting field.

I would hope to see a significant sport and diplomacy initiative flourish in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

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