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Editorial
A question of colour: systemic racism in sports and exercise medicine
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  1. Phathokuhle Cele Zondi1,
  2. Ashley V Austin2
  1. 1 High Performance Commission, Medical Advisory Committee, South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee, Houghton, South Africa
  2. 2 Stadium Sports Medicine Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
  1. Correspondence to Dr Phathokuhle Cele Zondi, High Performance Commission, Medical Advisory Committee, South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee, Houghton 4409, South Africa; phathokuhlez{at}gmail.com

https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2020-103351

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    People often think of racism as aggressive and overt. However, more commonly it is subtle—intricately embedded into societal beliefs, expectations and practices. Systemic racism leads to the disproportionate distribution of resources, power and opportunities.1 2 It is ubiquitous, and exists in sports and exercise medicine (SEM) as it does in other industries. As two black SEM professionals, from different countries on different continents, it is our daily lived experience. We have had to sidestep racial slurs from patients; spar with employers over intentionally low-balled salary offers that devalue our talents; and hurdle perceptual barriers in the workplace just to be acknowledged as equals, despite occupying leadership positions. The ultimate challenge of playing in a sports medicine game that ignites us, within a system that often devalues us, is to use our efforts and voices to level the playing field for future generations.

    The purpose of this editorial is to highlight distinct ways in which institutional racism manifests within SEM, and …

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