Latest news with #HighPerformance
Gulf Today
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Gulf Today
South Africa's power hitter Klaasen announces retirement
Big-hitting South Africa wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen has announced his retirement from international cricket, adding that this decision will now allow him to spend more time with his family. Klaasen had previously retired from Tests, where he made just four appearances, to focus on white-ball cricket commitments for South Africa, where his last international appearance for them came in the 2025 Champions Trophy semi-final defeat to New Zealand. 'It is a sad day for me as I announce that I have decided to step away from international cricket. It took me a long time to decide what's best for me and my family for the future. It was truly a very difficult decision but also one that I have absolute peace with. 'From the first day, it was the biggest privilege representing my country and it was everything that I have worked for and dreamed about as a young boy. To have played with the Proteas badge on my chest was and will always be the biggest honour in my career. 'I look forward to spending more time with my family as this decision will allow me to do so. I will always be a big Proteas supporter and would like to thank everyone that supported me and my teammates during my career,' wrote Klaasen on his Instagram account on Monday. Klaasen, 33, made his international debut in 2018 and went to play in 60 ODIs and 58 T20Is for South Africa, amassing 2141 and 1000 runs respectively across formats. While he smashed four centuries and 11 fifties in ODIs, Klaasen had five T20I half-centuries against his name. Known for his belligerent six-hitting as a middle-order batter, Klaasen was also the member of South African team finishing runners-up in 2024 Men's T20 World Cup. 'I have made great friendships and relationships that I will treasure for life.' 'Playing for the Proteas gave me the opportunity to meet great people that changed my life, and to those people I can't say thank you enough. My road to wearing the Proteas shirt was different than most and there were certain coaches in my career that kept believing in me - to them I will always be grateful,' he concluded. Enoch Nkwe, South Africa's Director of national teams and High Performance, said Klaasen had been transparent in communication with Cricket South Africa (CSA) in last few months, adding that he fully respects the keeper-batter's decision. 'Heinrich has been a true match-winner for South Africa. He was a player capable of changing the course of a game in a matter of overs. His commitment and impact in the white-ball formats have been immense, and we thank him for his outstanding service to South African cricket.' 'He has been transparent with Cricket South Africa throughout the past few months, and we fully respect his decision to retire from international cricket. We wish him continued success in the next chapter of his journey,' said Nkwe in a statement. With his international career over, Klaasen will now be visible on the T20 franchise circuit via deals with Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Seattle Orcas in Major League Cricket (MLC), Durban's Super Giants in SA20 and Manchester Originals in The Hundred. Agencies
NZ Herald
6 days ago
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Athletics Insight: Kat Austin leaves Athletics NZ for key role at Athletics Australia
Athletics New Zealand's loss is very much Athletics Australia's gain with the imminent departure of Kat Austin from the Athletics New Zealand High Performance programme. Austin, originally from Whanganui, will leave Athletics New Zealand at the end of the month to take up a position with Athletics Australia after 13
The Irish Sun
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Newcastle star Callum Wilson bravely opens up on moment he considered taking his own life as a child
CALLUM WILSON revealed he contemplated suicide aged 12 and how seeking therapy a year ago saved him from the demons. The father-of-two forward, 3 Callum Wilson revealed he contemplated suicide aged 12 3 Wilson has represented England at senior level Credit: Getty 3 His Newcastle contract expires at the end of the season Credit: Getty England international Wilson, 33, bared all about growing up in Coventry as one of six children with a single mum and with a different dad to his siblings. The Leeds transfer target spent time in He told the High Performance podcast: 'I cried myself to sleep at night. I got to about 12, 13 - it was like suicidal moments. "When I say I cried myself to sleep, I was just praying to God like 'take me out of this environment, I want to become a footballer'.' read more in football He admitted: 'I've walked alongside the train track and was building up the courage to jump basically in front of the train. "I've tied cables around my bedroom rail and my PlayStation remote controller to see if it was strong enough to hold my weight. 'Football really was my saviour, it was my escape.' Wilson, though, refuses to blame his mother for any of his unstable upbringing, saying: 'It was my mum on her own, all my siblings in the house. Most read in Football "We had a three bedroom council house. Food was sparing to come by. That, along with a bit of turmoil. 'I probably have a lot of aggression from that point, but football was a place that I could be aggressive in my position on the pitch and it would be ok. So it was like a release really.' Champions League places CONFIRMED after Aston Villa VAR controversy as Newcastle have to be saved by Man Utd Despite all of the success in his career on the pitch, Though he hailed a He added: 'Once I started speaking, and revealed everything I've been through in life, she was like 'Wow, how have you got to this point already without not seeing a therapist?' 'I speak to my wife about it, but I didn't want to blur the lines with our relationship. "She's not my therapist, she's my wife and the mother of my children, so I didn't want to burden her with problems. "You can speak to a therapist and it does feel a sense of relief afterwards. 'It's an investment in yourself and more than worth it. I'm probably learning a lot about myself now - little traits that I have that were obviously triggered by things as a kid. I'm really happy.' YOU'RE NOT ALONE EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide. It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society - from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers. It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women. Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now. That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign. The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives. Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others... If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organizations provide support: CALM, Heads Together, Mind, Papyrus, Samaritans, Movember, Meanwhile, Wilson appeared to wave goodbye to Newcastle with a tearful solo lap of honour round the St. James' pitch on Sunday after the Magpies had secured Champions League qualification. Although Magpies boss Eddie Howe refused to rule out a potential stay. Howe said: 'Let's wait and see. We're going to sit down and talk with his representatives. 'What I can say is Callum Wilson is and has been just an incredible footballer for Newcastle. "Someone who epitomises the spirit that's got us to where we are really professional. Brave. 'To come here and be the No.9 in the manner and the moment that he did in the club's history. "It was a difficult moment and the club needed hope and Callum gave them hope, led the line with that responsibility and the pressure that role brings unbelievably. 'He brings a positivity to the group. He's a leader within the change room. He's just been incredible and let's wait and see what happens.' If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
IOL News
20-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Leadership battle looms as Mkasi eyes KZNA re-election
Steve Mkasi, left, is running for re-election as president of KZN Athletics. Photo: Supplied Veteran Pietermaritzburg-based coach Chris White had taken the initiative by announcing his intention to stand earlier this week. A bruising battle for leadership is anticipated, with the election scheduled to take place a week after the Comrades Marathon on June 8. Independent Media understands there are at least four potential candidates, including Mkasi, seeking election to the position but the true extent of the challenge will only become clear on Friday. KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA) president Steve Mkasi has defended his record in office as he prepares to seek re-election, with the official nominations list for the organisation's presidency due to be released on Friday. Veteran athletics coach Chris White is ready to take on the established order at KwaZulu-Natal Athletics. Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Meanwhile Mkasi, a lawyer by profession, has emphasised the financial stability achieved under his leadership. The previous administration, led by Sello Mokoena, was placed under Athletics South Africa administration in 2018, with Mokoena stepping down the following year. Mkasi has also cited increased athlete participation at national and international levels, enhanced incentives for international competitors, and a rise in the number of competitions hosted across multiple disciplines by KZNA. He further highlighted the training of technical officials and coaches under the current board. 'I am proud of the work we have done. We have laid the perfect foundation for the future of a massively competitive and visible KZNA. 'We have increased the number of athletes benefitting from the High Performance programme from the 25 funded by the KwaZulu-Natal department of sport to an additional 50 athletes now supported by KZNA,' Mkasi told Independent Media Sport. A particular point of pride for Mkasi is the incorporation of schools and TVET colleges into the KZNA fold. 'Due to the financial difficulties experienced by government departments, particularly in education, we as a federation must create opportunities for young people to participate in our programmes and assist the education department in assembling teams to represent the KZN DOE at national competitions,' he said. However, critics have questioned the quality of competitions hosted by KZNA, suggesting a focus on quantity over quality. Mkasi's leadership style has also come under scrutiny. White is campaigning on a platform of greater integrity, accountability, and transparency within the federation. At least one athletics stakeholder approached by Independent Media declined to comment on the state of the sport in the province, citing fear of reprisals. Veteran coach Victor Vas, however, voiced strong criticism of both regional and national athletics leadership. Based in Salt Rock on the KZN North Coast, Vas has been an athletics coach for 40 years. 'Most federations in recent years have lost touch with reality — their sole purpose is to serve the athlete, not themselves,' he said. 'People with no knowledge or appreciation of athletics have taken up leadership positions and forgotten their fundamental duty: to serve athletes. 'Some of our elite athletes have succeeded not because of the federation but because of private support. The top athlete in KZN today, Zakithi Nene, a world-class 400m runner, would have struggled without private backing. The federation never supported him.' The race for control of KwaZulu-Natal Athletics looks set to be a fiery one — and the starter's gun has yet to be fired.
Daily Mirror
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Callum Wilson opens up on desperate childhood where he 'cried himself to sleep'
England striker Callum Wilson says seeking therapy a year ago has finally saved him from the demons that saw him first contemplate suicide when he was 12-years-old. England striker Callum Wilson says seeking therapy a year ago has finally saved him from the demons that saw him first contemplate suicide when he was 12-years-old. Thanking his Newcastle United physio for suggesting that he needed outside help 18 months ago, Callum admits that life's frustrations had been making him more aggressive and that he had started gambling. The star, whose goalscoring prowess won him a place in England's last World Cup squad, says: "He (the physio) basically pulled me aside and said 'I think you need to see somebody, I've got somebody I've worked with in the past and I think you'd really benefit from it'. I was like 'no, no, no'." Fighting to regain full fitness after an injury at the time, Callum says his need for help soon became too difficult to ignore. "Too many people were asking me if I'm ok, and then I questioned myself. 'Am I ok? What little traits am I showing that are unlike me? And I'd find myself having a little gamble here and there a little bit more,' he admits. 'Then, for example, the outbursts of aggression - which I'd release on the pitch at times. If you see me off the pitch, like 'Oh what a nice guy'. "But I was unable to do that because I was injured. I wasn't getting that release. It all rose to a head and I was like 'right, I need to go and seek therapy now'.' For a tough sportsman from a dog eat dog background, admitting to needing help was very hard.. "It took a bit of bravery,' says Callum. "The people that I really get along with I was starting to harm. And I was like 'maybe I need to take myself away and speak to somebody'." Immediately, at his first session with his female therapist, father-of-two Callum, 33, felt "like a weight was lifted". He says: "Even just speaking to her was a great help. "Once I started speaking, and revealed everything I've been through in life, she was like 'Wow, how have you got to this point already without not seeing a therapist?' Speaking out during Mental Health Awareness week, hoping that his honesty will encourage others to seek help, Callum - one of six children by a single mum and with a different dad to his siblings - makes some deeply personal revelations about his Coventry childhood. Witnessing domestic violence at home, he stayed in safe houses, spent time in foster care and often ate courtesy of food banks. Feeling desperate, he reveals on the High Performance podcast, that at the lowest point of his childhood, he even considered jumping in front of a train. "I cried myself to sleep at night. I got to about 12, 13 - it was like suicidal moments. When I say I cried myself to sleep, I was just praying to God like 'take me out of this environment, I want to become a footballer'.' Thankfully, Callum's footballing talent rescued him and he now credits his unhappy childhood with giving him the strength to become a success. Thinking 'this can't be all life has to offer,' instead of giving in, he became determined to find a better life. ' Football really was my saviour, it was my escape,' he says, adding that his football coach gave him a taste of the love and care he lacked at home. And, aged 15, while playing for Coventry's youth team, a friend whose cannabis habit had ruined his own sports career, gave him a harsh warning. Grabbing a drink from his hand the night before a football game, he told Callum: "Do not ruin your career like I ruined mine". Luckily, he listened, adding: 'From that point onwards I never looked back in terms of that path to success." But he does not blame his mum for his unstable homelife. 'It was my mum on her own, all my siblings in the house. We had a three bedroom council house. Food was sparing to come by. That, along with a bit of turmoil,' he says That turmoil saw him go to live with his aunty. He adds: "I probably have a lot of aggression from that point, but football was a place that I could be aggressive in my position on the pitch and it would be ok. 'So it was like a release really.' Without football, it was far trickier, according to Callum, who confesses: "You go through spells of (finding) coping mechanisms like gambling." Progressing from Coventry's first team to Bournemouth and helping them to reach the Premier League, he ran into difficulties in September 2015, when he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. A career-ending injury for many players, he recovered, only to do the same thing in his left knee 17 months later. But his tough childhood had given him the mental strength to handle the long battles back to fitness, while sidelined from football. And it made him determined to recover and keep the life he had built for himself. After another long rehab battle, he returned to the field - scoring a hat-trick soon after and winning his first England cap on his debut. His sparkling forward play won him a big-money move from Bournemouth to Newcastle, where he became the North-East club's top scorer. But more injuries, albeit less serious, followed - leading to the worrying behaviour that prompted those close to him to suggest he seek help. For years, Callum had suppressed the trauma of his childhood, which had been unleashed by another bout of injury. He says: "When football's going great, when life's going great, you can block it out. I had a period over the last 18 months with setback after setback. Basically, it was too much to suppress. I was in the gym at the football club and was spinning on the bike in the altitude chamber. Bless the sports scientist, lovely guy at our club, I had to put my heart rate monitor on. You can see how much your heart rate's increasing and then you can leave the altitude chamber. "Basically, my heart rate's not going up. He's like 'it's fine, the iPad's fine, you're not working hard enough'. That obviously triggered something in me. I obviously flipped a little bit. In the end we've just come to a head. I've got off the bike so angry and just walked off and was almost crying with anger. Then the manager (Eddie Howe) called me in a few days after and said 'I've heard what happened with you'. "The physio like two weeks after - I'm really close to him, he's helped me do my ACL rehabs - he said 'Cal, you're not yourself'. That got my back up straight away. I'm like 'I'm absolutely fine'. He's got a good relationship with my wife, and spoke to her, was like 'Is everything ok with Cal at home?' She was like 'yeah, yeah'. I was probably getting a little bit snappier with the kids than I would have liked and less patient.' When his tetchiness failed to dissipate, increased concern from those close to him finally led Callum into therapy. "I speak to my wife about it, but I didn't want to blur the lines with our relationship,' he says. 'She's not my therapist, she's my wife and the mother of my children, so I didn't want to burden her with problems. You can speak to a therapist and it does feel a sense of relief afterwards.' Opening up to interviewers Jake Humphrey and Damian Hughes, he says of therapy: 'It's an investment in yourself and more than worth it. I'm probably learning a lot about myself now - little traits that I have that were obviously triggered by things as a kid. I'm really happy.' Meanwhile, Callum hopes that people will identify with what he says. He adds: 'There'll be many people who won't be able to resonate, but there'll be a few people that will. And if that one person can resonate and change their life for the better, in terms of therapy, then so be it. I'm at a point where I'm content and willing to share and give back. I'm proud of the journey that I've been on. I've embraced it." He has been fit now for four and a half months and, while there's no guarantee his Newcastle contract - which ends this summer - will be renewed, he says he still feels he can achieve his goal of making the England squad for next summer's World Cup finals. Asked if he could go back to any point in his life, what that would be, he concludes: 'The 12-year-old me, and putting my arm around myself and telling myself 'everything will be ok'." If you need someone to talk to, contact The Samaritans by calling 116 123.
