The extent to which athletes today are perceived to be role models is problematic, for changing media functions of the star have led to the decline of the 'hero' in the traditional sense. The term 'hero' is used in a number of different ways. Although the term hero originates from the Greek word meaning 'person distinguished for courage, fortitude or deeds', its meaning is adaptable between cultures and through time. True role models have moral and social responsibilities. Sporting role models resemble each other and they differ from each other. They have common qualities like courage and willpower but they also have specific national and social characteristics.
The names of athlete as role models may soon be forgotten perhaps are never known, but the substance of the achievement has served its purpose by providing one of an endless number of affirmations of cultural values. Synonyms such as celebrity, conqueror, exemplar, great man, heartthrob, man of the hour, idol, star, and superstar are used for the term 'hero'.
Far fewer synonyms are offered for the term 'heroine' - goddess, ideal, celebrity and woman of the hour. The use of 'goddess' and 'ideal' as synonyms for heroine are pertinent in this analysis of media representations. For it seems female athletes are often compared to the feminine ideal, and those that receive amplified coverage are constructed as (sex) goddesses. By comparison, male definitions carry a wider range of meanings, with the notion of exemplars and conquerors frequently represented in media coverage of male athletes. (Boyle, R. and Haynes, R. 2000)
