FEUD FOR THOUGHT
Runner's World SA|March / April 2024
As the Paris Olympics approaches, bringing healthy rivalries and lofty ideals to the fore, we shine a light on running's dark side.
DUNCAN CRAIG
FEUD FOR THOUGHT

HE IMPORTANT THING is not so much winning as taking part.' A mantra that's come to symbolise not just the Olympics, but every branch of athletic endeavour. Few will know that the high-minded expression's origins lie in one of the darkest chapters of sport: the viciously rancorous 1908 Games in London.

The gathering - just the fourth by the new Olympic movement was less a coming together in the spirit of collective aspiration, more a festival of petty nationalistic animosity. And tensions between Britain and America lay at the heart of the acrimony.

There was an ugly cocktail of contributing factors, but the most explosive incident was the men's 400m. It was won by American John Carpenter, but only after he was alleged to have run British favourite Wyndham Halswelle off the track. The 25 000-strong crowd let out "a howl of execration", whatever that is, and British officials rushed to void the race. The rerun was a farce. With Carpenter disqualified and the other two US athletes dropping out in solidarity, Halswelle ran to a sheepish solo triumph.

It was against this backdrop that American Bishop Ethelbert Talbot invited to give the sermon at St Paul's - exhorted listeners to prioritise participation over victory, with a line that was subsequently commandeered by Pierre Coubertin, father of the modern Olympic movement.

It's one thing having a catchy mantra; quite another to adhere to it. In the 115 years since those Games, the darker side of competitive running, across all its myriad formats and stages, has resurfaced regularly.

Denne historien er fra March / April 2024-utgaven av Runner's World SA.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra March / April 2024-utgaven av Runner's World SA.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA RUNNER'S WORLD SASe alt
LONGOVERDUE PRAISE FOR THE RUNNING SINGLET
Runner's World SA

LONGOVERDUE PRAISE FOR THE RUNNING SINGLET

In the last decade, the running singlet once reserved for amateur competitors and professional athletes - has gone mainstream, not only on race day but also on everyday runs.

time-read
9 mins  |
May/June 2024
RISE OF THE 'ILLEGAL RUNNING SHOES
Runner's World SA

RISE OF THE 'ILLEGAL RUNNING SHOES

Banned shoes emerged at a basketball court long before they found their way onto a marathon course.

time-read
9 mins  |
May/June 2024
CRACKING THE SLEEP CODE
Runner's World SA

CRACKING THE SLEEP CODE

Are you an early bird or a night owl? Perhaps you've assigned yourself another animal after completing an internet quiz. Research is shedding light on the link between well-being and circadian predisposition, but there's no need to rewire yourself. Learn to lean into your biology with our guide.

time-read
6 mins  |
May/June 2024
THE SECRET TO SPEED IS IN YOUP BLOOD
Runner's World SA

THE SECRET TO SPEED IS IN YOUP BLOOD

Some of the world's best runners credit this unorthodox Norwegian training method for their success. Is it right for you?

time-read
9 mins  |
May/June 2024
THE MIND OF MASSYN
Runner's World SA

THE MIND OF MASSYN

IN 2024, LOUIS MASSYN WILL ATTEMPT HIS 49TH COMRADES MARATHON AND HE'S LEARNT PLENTY OF LESSONS ALONG THE WAY. HERE'S THE STORY OF HIS AMAZING JOURNEY.

time-read
10 mins  |
May/June 2024
TAKING CHARGE
Runner's World SA

TAKING CHARGE

OUTSPOKEN AND AMBITIOUS, NEW COMRADES RACE MANAGER (AND FORMER WINNER) ANN ASHWORTH IS LOOKING TO TAKE THE RACE INTO THE FUTURE.

time-read
5 mins  |
May/June 2024
A HALF CENTURY OF COMRADES
Runner's World SA

A HALF CENTURY OF COMRADES

THIS YEAR, BARRY HOLLAND WILL BE AIMING TO FINISH HIS 50TH CONSECUTIVE COMRADES MARATHON. THIS IS WHAT HAS INSPIRED HIM.

time-read
6 mins  |
May/June 2024
MY RUNNING LIFE
Runner's World SA

MY RUNNING LIFE

ORDINARY RUNNERS doing EXTRAORDINARY THINGS

time-read
3 mins  |
May/June 2024
Ageing In The Age Of Strava
Runner's World SA

Ageing In The Age Of Strava

RECENTLY MY BUDDY Sean sent a text message that said, “Been running a lot of 5:30–6:00 kays early. It feels pretty nice at that pace.”

time-read
4 mins  |
May/June 2024
How To Start A Run When You Don't Feel Like It
Runner's World SA

How To Start A Run When You Don't Feel Like It

I'VE ALWAYS FELT validation when reading a story about writers and their love of procrastination.

time-read
3 mins  |
May/June 2024