EDITORIAL
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So often the media is criticised for focusing too heavily on the negatives of society and brushing off what many consider to be a good news story.
At times this can be a fair accusation, but it is a reality that is unlikely to change throughout the world any time soon.
However, from time to time, something positive cuts through and makes a genuine difference.
This week, that was Zoe Hives.
At a time when the focus of a large portion of the country turns to tennis, Zoe stood tall and did Ballarat proud, both in victory and defeat.
Even here at The Courier office, we were glued to the television set as Zoe fought bravely in her second round match, riding every point with her as she battled one of the world’s elite.
As well all now know, she went down to 19th seed Frenchwoman Caroline Garcia, but it was Zoe’s press conference afterwards that was almost the highlight of the week.
Tennis brats (and we don’t even need to name names) have stolen much of the spotlight this Australian Open for all the wrong reasons.
Bitter disputes, petty behaviour and sheer immaturity seem to have become par for some of our tennis players of late.
But not our Zoe.
Just moments after tasting defeat, the young woman had a broad grin as she fronted a press conference – her first time properly encountering a media pack.
She spoke humbly of her achievements, heaped constant praise on her parents/supporters and seemed genuinely thrilled just to be there.
Watch her press conference here.
She even made a point of saying she made a special effort to have fun this year, following a first-up doubles defeat last year.
But, the week still isn’t over for Hives. On Saturday she competes in round two of the doubles, having scraped through round one.
Whether you follow tennis or not, it doesn’t matter.
Zoe Hives is the sort of person Ballarat is more than proud to claim as one of our own.
And, in terms of a good news story, they don ‘t come much better.