Modern Athlete Magazine January 2026 | Page 4

CONTENTS
FEATURE

24

Snowbok Smith’ s wild ride to the Winter Olympics
LIVE WELL

40

Detox or delusion? Why your Jan cleanse isn’ t doing what you think
For South Africans, the Olympic dream usually begins on athletics tracks or swimming pools. But Matt Smith, the man the internet has dubbed the“ Skifluencer”; is all about unconventional.
Prominent South African dietitian Aziwe Booi says that despite their popularity, there is no credible scientific evidence that detox diets remove toxins or provide lasting health benefits.

26

Rory is feeling the smileage FOMO
Our favourite comedian, Rory Petzer, learns all about listening to your body when it’ s time to rest. But he’ ll be back.“ Just not today!”
EVENTS

42

February events to look out for
This year kicked off strong. And it only gets better from here with even more to look forward to in February …

29

From questionable dance moves to world-class tempo
SPAR Proteas netball captain Khanyisa Chawane write for us in a new monthly column
FEATURE

43

Valentine’ s feature: Hockey’ s hottest couple
WORKOUT

30

The base strength workout every runner should start with( and actually stick with)
With February being the official season of hearts, flowers and all things romance, we thought it was the perfect time to chat with SA Hockey’ s hottest couple – national stars Dayaan Cassiem and Taheera Augousti.
Most runners either avoid strength training completely … or they do one chaotic“ leg day” that wrecks their next three runs. Neither option helps your running. This workout fixes that.
FEATURE

34

Cameron van der Burgh second’ s act
The 2012 Olympic champion is back in the pool and training again with half an eye on qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games. But this time it’ s very different.
PUBLISHERS Richard Laskey Roxanne Martin
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EDITORIAL TEAM
EDITOR: Karien Jonckheere Karien @ modernathlete. co. za
DESIGNER: Alyssa Dixon
DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER: Roxanne Martin

36

I choose to show up exactly as I am
From whispered comments to shared starting lines, Erin Lazarus reminds us that sport is strongest when everyone is included
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS: Mark Etheridge, Khanyisa Chawane, Rory Petzer, Jurgens Grobler, Candice De Mendonça, Erin Lazarus, Karien Jonckheere, SA Rooibos Council.
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