Modern Athlete Magazine August 2026 | Page 2

CONTENTS

Modern Athlete – sports stories that inspire.

The latest issue of Modern Athlete has landed! From future Olympic hopefuls chasing big dreams to athletes overcoming obstacles, this edition is packed with stories that show what sport is all about. We follow the journeys of some of SA’ s most exciting rising stars, look at the challenges of funding sporting dreams, and meet the people helping shape the future of sport in their communities. There ' s also an important conversation around mental health, practical training and nutrition advice, and plenty of inspiring stories from athletes who refuse to give up when the odds are stacked against them. Enjoy the read!
EDITORIAL

4
Investing in greatness
FEATURE

12

Back on track for LA
If there were medals awarded for channel-hopping, scrolling results and trying to keep up with multiple events at once, I’ d have had a shot at the podium this week.
After making history at the Paris Olympics, BMX rider Miyanda Maseti is back in the saddle and chasing her Los Angeles 2028 dream while balancing international racing.
FEATURE

6

Impossible until it’ s done
Q & A

16

Simone’ s still hungry for more
Ranked among the world’ s best juniors in two events, fearless South African star Tumi Ramokgopa is targeting a golden double at the world under-20 champs.
Paralympic discus champion and world record holder Simone Kruger continued her impressive form by winning both the discus and shot put at the World Para Athletics Women’ s Grand Prix in Olomouc.
FEATURE

10

Playing the long game
Fresh from Goalkeeper of the Tournament honours at the FIH Nations Cup, Cullin de Jager reflects on the setbacks, sacrifices and self-belief that have shaped his remarkable rise ahead of the Hockey World Cup.

On the Cover Cover image by Anton Geyser
COLUMN

17

18

In another life …
If sport hadn’ t come calling, where would they be now? We put the question to some of South Africa’ s leading sports stars.
Mexico, Maseko and mass hysteria
From tears in the stands to scenes of mad jubilation, Rory Petzer shares what it was like to be there when Bafana Bafana made history in Mexico.

21

Cape Town calling
The SPAR National Netball Championships are heading to the Mother City with the team from Joburg looking to make it five titles in a row.
Pg 6
Pg 10
FEATURE

22

Montjane’ s unfinished story
Pg 26
Pg 22
She has reached the pinnacle of wheelchair tennis, overcome unimaginable heartbreak and inspired a continent, yet Kgothatso Montjane still believes her greatest achievement lies ahead.
Pg 33
Pg 30
COLUMN

25

Beginning again
There comes a time in all our lives when we’ re asked to become beginners again. The Rope Runner, Marissa Groenewald, shares how she’ s embraced her new beginning.
2 www. modernathlete. co. za