In light of Venus Williams latest business venture along side Richard Branson, owner of The Virgin Group which owns over 400 countries, an article was posted with Essentially Sports by writer Ripunjay Gaba.
The article lets us in on a $550,000,000 5 day excursion organized by Jennifer Lopez and led by the Virgin Group. However we couldn’t help but notice Venus’ age listed in the article title. In no other place throughout the article are J-Lo or Branson’s ages pointed out. Why would age be an important factor to consider when writing an article?
Gaba’s use of her age and no one else’s stands out quite a bit and seems to have no essential reason. Often when a younger celebrity such as she who is only 42 years old compared to J-Lo,53, and Branson, 72, stands out. Is the use of her age to point out her success at a younger age than her peers? Is it ageism?
Earlier this year, Venus played her last match in the second round of the Australian Open against Sara Errani, which she won 6-3, 3-6, 6-3. She is the first African American woman to be ranked No. 1 in the world and has been a trailblazer and an inspiration to many throughout her career.
While Gaba decided to point out her age and it could be seen as a negative and questionable, it’s also an opportunity to share the age as a strength to be one of the leading sports players in the world where money follows.
