When I walk out on to the court and everyone is staring, sometimes I wonder how my legs will carry me out there. That's forgotten as soon as I start playing.
Evonne Goolagong CawleyRead
I'd much rather people knew me as a good tennis player than as an aboriginal who happens to play good tennis. Of course I'm proud of my race, but I don't want to be thinking about it all the time.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of individual identity over racial or cultural labels.
Evonne Goolagong Cawley's quote reflects her desire to be recognized primarily for her achievements in tennis rather than being defined by her heritage as an aboriginal. While she expresses pride in her roots, she underscores the importance of being seen as a skilled athlete first, signaling a wish to transcend stereotypes and focus on personal merit.
Themes
IdentityTennisPrideRaceAchievement
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about the importance of individual achievements versus societal labels.
More from Evonne Goolagong Cawley
All quotes →When I went through some racism through my early days and I went back and told Mum... she said, 'Don't worry about that, they're just ignorant.'
Evonne Goolagong CawleyRead
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