I visited Bangkok in 2007 (coming by train, bus and fishing boat up the Malay peninsula). After settling in, I was asked “So, you’re here for the World Cup?” I looked at this English fellow blankly. World Cup? Turns out people were flocking to Bangkok from around the world, to watch men kick a round ball around on the grass.

My new acquaintance chuckled. “There’s two kinds of Australians traveling overseas. Those who can’t wait to find out what’s been happening in sport while they’ve been away, and those who leave Australia to get away from the sport.”  As for me, I don’t see how sports “news” makes it into actual news programs.

Playing sport is fun. Watching top athletes can be inspiring. But if you’re just watching someone else play, what you’re doing is not sport.