Modern Athlete Magazine May/June 2026 | страница 2

CONTENTS

Modern Athlete – sports stories that inspire.

The latest issue of Modern Athlete has landed! From the emotion and intensity of the Comrades Marathon to athletes chasing big dreams on the world stage, we celebrate the many reasons why we keep moving. You’ ll find inspiring back stories, honest reflections, practical training and nutrition advice and a closer look at some of the major sports events we’ ve got to look forward to in the month ahead. Enjoy the read!
EDITORIAL

4

From chilly Maritzburg mornings to sport’ s biggest stages
FEATURE

12

Finding her balance
June is a massive month in sport and we can’ t wait to dive into all the major events coming our way.
Between marketing deadlines and medal-winning routines, star SA gymnast Caitlin Rooskrantz opens up on life and her Commonwealth Games build-up.
PREVIEW

6
Comrades is calling
PREVIEW

16

48 teams, the greatest stage, and Bafana are back
From elites chasing records to first-timers battling to beat the brutal 12-hour cutoff, the 99th running of the Comrades Marathon promises to deliver all the drama, emotion and unforgettable stories.
Mexico, the United States and Canada are getting ready to throw football ' s biggest ever party as a record 48 teams descend on the region for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
FEATURE

10

Defying doctors and rewriting her story
COLUMN

18

Running on empty
Kayla La Grange has gone from fangirl to national champion – all while overcoming a career-threatening injury and the mental anguish that came with it.
Rory Petzer recounts with comic honesty the heat, heartbreak and misery of missing Comrades qualification for the first time and how he ' s already plotting his comeback.

On the Cover Cover image by Tobias Ginsberg

21

Why I run Comrades
South African icons and regular runners share what inspired them to tackle the Comrades Marathon.
FEATURE

22

Fast, fearless and fired up for success
South Africa ' s women arrive at the T20 World Cup in England with a star-studded squad, a history of record-setting performances and the potential to go all the way.
Pg 6
Pg 12
COLUMN

25

Holding the rope when doubt pulls hardest
Pg 10
Pg 26
Marissa Groenewald headed to the Cape Town Marathon feeling a little undercooked, nervous & quietly unconfident, but is always inspired by a greater cause.
Pg 16
Pg 44
FEATURE

26

Remember the name
Follow Timothy Meuwsen’ s remarkable journey from loss and struggle to African judo champion.
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