Theo Hobson Theo Hobson

Can we talk about Emma Raducanu’s Christianity?

Emma Raducanu in action at the US Open, wearing her pendant cross (Getty images)

I’ve just been looking at photographs of Emma Raducanu again, this time focusing on her upper chest. She usually wears a pendant cross, which suggests that she is a Christian. Yes I know that some people wear crosses for fashion reasons, but I don’t think she’s in that camp. Maybe it’s more a sign of cultural than religious allegiance, maybe a treasured gift from a grandparent? Or maybe a sign of solidarity with China’s persecuted Christians.

To what extent is it legitimate to inquire into this? The orthodoxy is, not at all, you meddling creep. It’s her business, and it’s utterly irrelevant to her tennis success. But it is not too out-of-order to ponder the symbols that people in the public eye choose to wear. 

When it comes to religious signs, an awkward silence descends

If she wore a rainbow ribbon, for example, you can bet that plenty of commentators would be speculating on its meaning.

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