WELCOME
What happened to Winter
Hibernation?
The world never seems to slow down, take a break and a few deep breaths. Things are moving at breakneck speed, and days melt away. Before you know it, we are over halfway into the year, and just like we have been saying since 2020, since that awful pandemic that shall not be named, I haven’ t dealt with June, how
is it July already?
In this fast-paced lifestyle, where the world of AI has come into being, where social media promotes ads of‘ my boss doesn’ t know how I do everything,’ to‘ do the job of five people,’ we have lost our grasp of doing things slowly. Of taking our time, being in the moment, just one moment, and nowhere else are we feeling it more than in the magazine industry. People don’ t have time to sit and read, and they don’ t like having the added pressure of another thing to do.
We get it- better than others, it’ s a tough ask of anyone to give up more time than they feel they have available. But then, what does that mean for the industry? Well, it means adjusting, reinventing, and moving with the times. So while we are most certainly not going away, just expect things to be a little different going forward, but as always, we will be here, inspiring you.
The Comrades Marathon 2025 was a special one. While there is room for some improvement, especially in the finish area, there were stories that made us smile, cry, and believe anything is possible. Louis Massyn reached that elusive 50 Comrades
finish! Standing on the finish line when he crossed it, he radiated an energy that made you believe that, honestly, anything was possible. Being supported by his sons who ran alongside him, and his wife meeting him at the finish line, he gave an incredible interview, which you can watch here.
They say couples who run together stay together, but what about the couple who support each other, specifically one who runs Comrades and one who seconds? Brad Wentzel and Megan Roos give us insight into what each role means. We loved the honesty, we loved the consideration both had for each other, but most of all, we love how the sport of running brings such amazing stories to our door.
Candice Lill has been making waves in cycling not only in South Africa but across the world, as she makes her mark on the XCO Cross Country World Series. Our Marketing Director, Roxanne Martin, has been following her story for years now, and it was a real moment for her to get the opportunity to not only interview Candice, but also to get insight into her journey so far, and where she is going.
Fighting cancer, congenital heart failure and mental health through exercise, Brandon Fairweather is a battle-tested warrior who is shaping the health and wellness space in South Africa. But behind the campaigns and vitamin shelves lies a story that’ s equal parts heartbreaking, hilarious, and downright heroic. Our Roving Cow Richard Laskey chats to Brandon about the journey that many don’ t know about, and what it took to get to the other side.
Many think we are simply a running magazine, but we like the title of an inspirational magazine more. So when we heard the story of how Sphelele Dlamini overcame adversity to become a professional basketball player in Europe, we knew this was a story we needed to tell. Sphelele had both legs amputated shortly after birth, but hasn’ t let this hold him back; it has inspired him to push boundaries and to help others through Jumping Kids. Our Roving Cow, Richard Laskey, spoke to him.
Breaking the Four Minute Mile is a story that has fascinated generations, but a woman has never achieved it. Faith Kipyegon’ s Sub-4 Attempt: A night of hype( lots of it), hope, and heart for women’ s running brought new hype and presence to the track. While she didn’ t break the 4-minute mark, she opened up the door for the possibility that one day it would be possible. Adding to that, she went on to set a new PB and break her world record a few weeks later in the 1500m.
So, for now, we sign off, a bit of an unknown ahead, but we can guarantee in this edition you will laugh, you will cry, just like we did. But most of all, you will be inspired, and that is why we do what we do!
Keep doing what you do!
Team Modern Athlete
4 ISSUE 179 | www. modernathlete. co. za