Kudos to Marion Bartoli & Father

The U.S. Open Tennis tournament has just drawn to a close, and almost everyone knows that Justine Henin and Roger Federer continue their dominance of the women's and men's fields, advancing as champions, both in straight sets. But I want to tell you about a lesser known player, her unorthodox style, and her father's unique coaching methods. Unless you are a pretty avid tennis fan you may not have heard of her.

Marion Bartoli is a 22 year old from France who blazed into focus by appearing in this year's Wimbledon final. At the U.S. Open she lost in the 4th round to American Serena Williams. She uses both hands on her forehand and her backhand; she serves from an unusual tip-toed stance; and apparently her father/coach has her practice service accuracy by casting with a fishing rod. It's rumored that he's a bit of a tyrant with his protege; but as John McEnroe noted, his unusual methods may come into vogue now that she is achieving some success.

But it was not her tennis training which caught my attention. Rather it was the discussion re: her weight, and the questions around her level of fitness, which the commentators tossed around during her matches. There were subtle (and outright) suggestions that she'd be better if she just took off a few pounds . . . As therapists we know full well the power of those words. Just such a suggestion from a coach, trainer, or parent has launched many a young woman into a diet which spiraled into an eating disorder.

Tracy Austin set the record straight. She noted that Marion's father engaged the services of a trainer for her this year; but when she changed her training regimen and lost weight he felt she became weaker on the tennis court; so he wisely stopped the process and encouraged her to return to her previous (healthy) weight. What a concept: GAINING weight in order to improve athletic performance. I wish all coaches - and fathers - understood this principle. Until next time, Gail

Comments

[Allison]

I was not familiar with this tennis player, but I will watch now that there is finally a good role-model in the tennis world. I wonder if she has ever addressed the issue of comments about her weight in any interviews?

[dred]

bartoli is a fat pig.
she is a horrible tennis player
she has lost to osterloh and king
lately
she was a fraud.
she is going to sink faster than the titanic in rankings
because she is a fat pig who likes cake

[Kirsten]

I'm sorry, but Marion Bartoli is not a rolemodel. She is terribly out of shape. She often takes long breaks after points because she is winded. She hits a powerful shot but often cannot move fast enough to get to the ball.

Athletes do not need to be thin to be sucessful. A good example is Serena Williams. Even when she is fit, she is by no means thin. She has curves, and muscles. Another good example was Jennifer Capriati. Both of these girls, when fit, are well above the average weight for their height. But they are a healthy weight and toned.

Marion Bartoli is no Serena Williams or Jennifer Capriati. She is overweight for an athlete, and the fact that she is overweight makes it visibly difficult for her to play long points. And her dad is a quack. I heard that quote from John McEnroe, and he was joking. He laughed as he said it. To quote him as approving Mr. Bartoli's methods is misleading.

In short, Marion Bartoli needs to hit the gym if she wants to have a real chance at competing for majors. She is terribly out of shape for an athlete. There's a big difference between loving your body, which may not be thin, but is healthy, and condoning an athlete who is overweight, and out of shape, due to laziness.

[Matthew]

Marion Bartoli is a bit heavy, but she's a great tennis player. She shows that you can be a little heavy and still be a world class tennis player. Sure, she could lose 15-20 pounds, and perhaps if she does this she will be an even better tennis player. It's not like she's in horrible shape though, she's been in the top ten before!