Modern Athlete Magazine October 2026 | Page 2

CONTENTS

Modern Athlete – sports stories that inspire.

The latest issue of Modern Athlete has landed! This month, we celebrate athletes who found another gear, whether that meant a comeback, a first for South Africa or a bold new chapter. We hear what it took to get there, from injuries and setbacks to the sheer stubbornness that keeps them going. Along the way, there ' s practical advice to help you fuel, train and move better, plus plenty of inspiration for your own next step. Enjoy the read!
EDITORIAL
FEATURE
FEATURE

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Enough is enough!
The heartbreaking reality is that gender-based violence is an all-too-familiar part of life in South Africa. But the stories of our phenomenal sportswomen remind us that, even in the midst of the pain, there is strength, resilience and hope.
The next chapter
From a primary school court in Centurion to the top of the world, Karla Pretorius has plenty to pass on as she embarks on her coaching career.

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Tatjana’ s triumphant return
FEATURE
Q & A

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Stung to bits, but Berry still blazes to English Channel record
At 19, SA’ s Amber-Rose Berry has conquered Robben Island, False Bay and the English Channel, setting another record along the way – and she’ s only just getting started.

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The Ultimate new look
Just six South Africans qualified to compete at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships. We take a look at how they got on.
Bayanda’ s back in the fast lane
We catch up with sprint sensation Bayanda Walaza on coming back from injury and finding another gear.
Two years away, two gold medals and a ticket to Beijing – Tatjana Smith is back, and she’ s already making her mark with an eye on LA 2028.

On the Cover

Cover image courtesy of Netball South Africa

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Who’ s on your ultimate training partner list?
What if you could train with any athlete in the world, from any sport? Who would you choose? We put the question to some of South Africa’ s top athletes …
COLUMN

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The Comrades of comedy
From thousands of runners at the start line to a theatre full of comedy fans, Rory Petzer finds a surprisingly familiar feeling alongside Trevor Noah.
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Q & A

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SA women set to give it stick in Windhoek
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The SA women’ s indoor hockey team will face off against Namibia in a five-match series from 9-11 October in Windhoek. We get Edith Molikoe’ s thoughts ahead of the showdown.
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FEATURE

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The road less travelled
Stubborn as they come and hungrier than ever, Kim Le Court- Pienaar has turned a tiny island with no racing pedigree into an unlikely force in world cycling
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