Read the below statement and explain in your own words what is meant by this statement.



Many Australians are passionate about sport, both as participants and spectators. Sport, and related concepts like ‘punching above our weight’, ‘having a go’, and ‘triumph in the face of adversity’, are often considered fundamental aspects of the Australian identity both on the sporting field and off [source:, Paul Barclay, ABC RN, (22 August 2016)].

This statement means that a large number of Australians have a strong love and enthusiasm for sports, both as people who actively participate in them and as fans who watch and support teams and athletes. The statement suggests that sports play a significant role in the Australian culture and are considered important to their national identity. It also mentions specific concepts related to sports, such as the idea of surpassing expectations ("punching above our weight"), taking on challenges ("having a go"), and achieving success in difficult circumstances ("triumph in the face of adversity"). These concepts are said to be fundamental not only in the context of sports but also in other aspects of Australian life.

This statement means that in Australia, many people have a strong interest and love for sports. Australians are not only actively involved in sports as players but also enjoy watching sports as spectators. The statement also mentions some concepts associated with sports, like "punching above our weight," which means exceeding expectations or achieving success against stronger opponents. "Having a go" refers to making an effort or trying one's best, and "triumph in the face of adversity" means achieving victory or success despite facing challenges or difficult circumstances. These concepts are seen as important elements of the Australian identity, both in the world of sports and in other aspects of life.

This statement is saying that a lot of people in Australia are really enthusiastic about sports, and they enjoy both playing sports and watching them as spectators. It explains that sports and related ideas such as 'punching above our weight', 'having a go', and 'triumph in the face of adversity' are seen as important parts of the Australian identity. These concepts are associated with both sports and other aspects of life in Australia. The source of this information is Paul Barclay from ABC RN, on August 22, 2016.