Duggan: Sweeney ad backlash shifts focus to female athletes' dedication

Former Republic of Ireland footballer Karen Duggan says the backlash to Sydney Sweeney's controversial betting advert has "flipped the script in a positive way," shifting focus onto the dedication required of female athletes. The Novig ad, featuring Sweeney nearly nude and covered in sports equipment, drew criticism from athletes like swimmer Ariarne Titmus, gymnast Gracie Kramer, and sprinter Amy Hunt, who called it a potential "barrier" for young girls in sport. Duggan called the ad "silly" and "outdated," noting it likely excluded women from its creation. Duggan praised female athletes for using the controversy to highlight their achievements, citing Hunt's post-race celebration of competitors. She hopes companies learn that women want to see "strong, powerful women" in advertising, not outdated stereotypes.