From Serena Williams’ Black Panther-inspired catsuit to Ash Barty’s rise to the number-one female tennis player in the world and the Matildas’ groundbreaking equal pay day, female athletes have been making steadfast changes to the male-dominated world of professional sport in recent years.
AFLW and boxing star Tayla Harris—one such face paving the way—will front a new documentary that provides fans with an inside look at one of the nation’s most impressive athletes.
Amazon Prime Video announced it has begun production on Kick Like Tayla, which will provide “a gripping account of the emotional, physical and mental challenges that Tayla faces, as she strives for sporting greatness.”
The upcoming series, set to be released in 2021, will document the life of the 23-year-old sports star, who balances a successful boxing career alongside playing in the NAB AFL Women’s Competition for the Carlton Football Club. It will include a behind-the-scenes look at Harris’ life on and off the field, as well as feature interviews with prominent Australian figures, all while celebrating the once-in-a-generation talent.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of this new Amazon Prime Video documentary where I can show what is a usually very private side to myself,” Harris said in a statement. “You will see what makes me tick, how I go about game day, cutting weight for fights and plenty more.”
It will also delve into the impacts of social media and cyber-bullying, after Harris’ now-famous kicking photo in March 2019 led her to being subjected to sexist trolling.
Taken during her side’s final round match against the Western Bulldogs, Harris’ incredible photo, taken by Michael Wilson, attracted “inappropriate and offensive” comments that the AFLW star labelled “repulsive.”
“That is what I would consider sexual abuse on social media,” Harris told RSN radio at the time.
She also reposted the shot on her Instagram feed, writing “My hamstring is okay, but derogatory and sexist comments aren’t.”
In August 2020, Harris wrote a reflective piece for marie claire Australia, where she shared her hopes for the future.
“I hope it is a place where aspiring female athletes are not challenged by multiple barriers that prevent them from achieving their dreams, while their male counterparts follow the yellow brick road to becoming professional sports stars,” she wrote. “We don’t mind if our brick road isn’t yellow, hell, paint it rainbow and give a voice to the LGBTIQ+ community too—women are multitaskers after all, aren’t we?
“I am ambitious by nature, so I refuse to tone down my optimism. I believe many Australians’ attitudes need to change, but I do believe gender equality in sport is possible. I would also love to see the end of the tall poppy syndrome in Australia, replaced by a culture where we support each other and celebrate our achievements,” she continued.
“Lastly, I see an Australia that is devoid of bullying. I am often in disbelief at the public display of bullying by our politicians. It is clear that it is a ‘top-down’ issue—young people see our leaders disrespecting each other, raising their voices, shaming each other’s work and they think this is OK. It then bleeds into the school rooms, social gatherings, online—a vicious cycle.”
Kick Like Tayla is currently in production with the Australian Football League and Screentime, and will be directed by Andrew Garrick.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
