Belinda Wheaton – The Conversation

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July 2, 2025

More than meds: why easier access to ADHD treatment has to be part of a whole‑system approach

Belinda Wheaton, University of Waikato; Byron Rangiwai, UNITEC Institute of Technology; Nicholas Bowden, University of Otago, and Stephanie D'Souza, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

Increasing access to ADHD diagnosis and medication is a good move. But it shouldn’t be the whole plan to address a condition affecting thousands in New Zealand.

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July 21, 2024

The greenest games ever? How claims of Olympic sustainability hit a reef in Tahiti

Belinda Wheaton, University of Waikato and Holly Thorpe, University of Waikato

Hosting the Olympic surfing half a world away from the host city of Paris has highlighted just how hard it is for mega-events to be truly environmentally sustainable.

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July 15, 2024

Breakdancing, DJs and Tahitian surf: Paris 2024 is going for gold in Olympic innovation

Holly Thorpe, University of Waikato and Belinda Wheaton, University of Waikato

Sports keep evolving – and so must the Olympic Games. But can the inclusion of new events like breakdancing and kiteboarding also create a new generation of fans?

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December 19, 2022

Too many Māori and Asian people are drowning – can better cultural understanding reverse the trend?

Belinda Wheaton, University of Waikato and Lucen Liu, University of Waikato

Last summer was the worst for drownings in a decade, with some groups tragically overrepresented. Community groups are urging a change of approach to water safety education.

Veteran snowboarder Shaun White in action at the Beijing Winter Olympics. GettyImages

February 11, 2022

Old gold: how action sports athletes are challenging age stereotypes and redefining lifelong physical activity

Holly Thorpe, University of Waikato; Belinda Wheaton, University of Waikato, and Nick Maitland, University of Canterbury

As the Winter Olympics are showing, the unique cultures of action sports seem to support long careers among the top athletes – something other sports and society in general could learn from.

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February 1, 2022

How snowboarding became a marquee event at the Winter Olympics – but lost some of its cool factor in the process

Holly Thorpe, University of Waikato and Belinda Wheaton, University of Waikato

The mainstream embrace of snowboarding for its youthful audience and sponsorship riches also dented its once-alternative image – but a new generation of stars could change all that.

US surfer Carissa Moore will be part of a new-look Olympic sports schedule in Tokyo. www.shutterstock.com

July 18, 2021

Alt goes mainstream: how surfing, skateboarding, BMX and sport climbing became Olympic events

Holly Thorpe, University of Waikato and Belinda Wheaton, University of Waikato

The inclusion of new action sports can offend Olympic traditionalists and outsiders alike. But it’s part of a long-term strategy to keep the games relevant and appealing to younger fans.

Professional female surfers have been advocating for decades for equal pay, access to events, visibility and sponsorship. Ed Sloane / EPA

September 30, 2018

Women’s surfing riding wave towards gender equity

Holly Thorpe, University of Waikato and Belinda Wheaton, University of Waikato

The World Surfing League has announced that it will offer equal pay to male and female athletes. In a sport dominated by hyper-masculinity, this is a significant step.

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August 9, 2017

New Premier League season begins … but child abuse scandal hangs heavy over football

Jayne Caudwell, Bournemouth University; Belinda Wheaton, University of Waikato; Louise Mansfield, Brunel University of London, and Rebecca Watson, Leeds Beckett University

328 football clubs, spanning all tiers of the game, are currently involved in the inquiry.

England’s Lucy Bronze (right) and Spain’s Leila Ouahabi (left) battle for the ball during the UEFA Women’s Euro 2017. Mike Egerton/PA Wire/PA Images

July 28, 2017

Sportswomen still face sexism, but feminism can help achieve a level playing field

Louise Mansfield, Brunel University of London; Belinda Wheaton, University of Waikato; Jayne Caudwell, Bournemouth University, and Rebecca Watson, Leeds Beckett University

The reality of life as a female sports star.

The IOC is seeking to address the problem of an ageing audience with the inclusion of more youth-focused action sports in the Olympics. FISE

October 25, 2015

Why are the Olympics in search of the X‑factor?

Holly Thorpe, University of Waikato and Belinda Wheaton, University of Waikato

The Japanese Olympic Committee recently announced five new sports for possible inclusion in the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics: baseball/softball, karate, skateboarding, sport climbing, and surfing.

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