CONTENTS
In the Mag this Month
Welcome to our 161 st edition . You can click on the page numbers below to go straight to the article of your choice .
C o l u m n
WARMING UP
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The Ed ’ s Desk : Awesome Athletics
From our biggest ever coverage of the World Champs to wonderful memories of old running friends and challenges tackled , this edition pulls at my heartstrings and really speaks to me ! – BY SEAN FALCONER
Runner ’ s High
It was wonderful to see so many people turn out for the recent Totalsports Women ’ s Races in Joburg and Durban , and the new Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K .
Stats & Facts : Best of September
Some of the best performances in September from the rich history of SA athletics , plus Frank Shorter ’ s Olympic Marathon win , SA All-time 3000m performance list and list leaders in SA road running 2023 . – BY RIËL HAUMAN
On the cover
Karsten Warholm of Norway claimed the gold medal in the men ’ s 400m hurdles at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest . Photograph by Christian Petersen / Getty Images
ISSUE 161
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TRACK & FIELD
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What a World Champs !
The 2023 World Athletics Championships saw nine days of World , Championship , Area and National Records , in what was one of the best World Champs meets of all time . – BY SEAN FALCONER & WORLD ATHLETICS
No Medals , but Hope Springs Eternal
The 2023 World Athletics Championships proved another disappointing outing for South Africa , but a number of athletes showed that there is fresh hope for better at the 2024 Olympics . – BY SEAN FALCONER & NORRIE WILLIAMSON
Best in the World
The World Athletics Championships always delivered stunning performances by the world ’ s best athletes , and some of the world ’ s best sport photographers are there to catch all the action . – COMPILED BY SEAN FALCONER
Meeting an Iconic Legend
One of my highlights of the 2023 World Championships was the chance to meet 1968 Olympic gold medallist Tommie Smith at PUMA House , as his famous Black Power salute made a huge impression on my younger self . – BY NORRIE WILLIAMSON
Ask Yourself Why … Championship Challenges
Team South Africa has not won a medal at the World Champs since London 2017 , and this disappointing statistic is a clear sign that it ’ s time for change in the sport in this country . – BY NORRIE WILLIAMSON
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Pg 52
Pg 62
SA ’ s Biggest Running Publication www . modernathlete . co . za
Also Inside
• Eugene Lekay ’ s 25-year Green
• 9Peaks on Wheels & Foot
• Not a Taboo Topic … Period !
Karsten Warholm , 400m Hurdles World Champion
September 2023
Cover Image : Christian Petersen / Getty Images
World Champs Focus , brought to you by PUMA SA
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ROAD RUNNING
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Long Wait Finally Over
They say that if at first you don ’ t succeed , try again ... Well , Eugene Lekay must have that advice imprinted on his psyche , judging by his 25-year journey to a Comrades Green Number . – BY SEAN FALCONER
Terrific Showing in Tshwane
The inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K saw the elites posting fast times and the masses enjoying a day out in the capital city , but before the start , there was another ‘ race ’ to get things ready ! – BY SEAN FALCONER with JACKY McCLEAN
Tourist in My Own Town
When they talk about a scenic race with a stunning view , they normally don ’ t mean running straight up a skyscraper , but the Ponte Challenge is well worth the climb . – BY JULIANA AMBROSI with SEAN FALCONER
2 ISSUE 161 | www . modernathlete . co . za