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The Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I came as close to death as you can get without dying – what my mind showed me was jaw-dropping, says Steve Backshall
HURTLING 30ft down a blistering cliff edge, Steve Backshall found himself staring straight into the face of death. Realising that his final moments could be upon him, in the space of one-and-a-half seconds the Strictly star's mind went into overdrive in ways he could barely believe were possible. 8 8 8 Over his incredible career as a TV naturalist and adventurer, Steve, 52, has come closer to the abyss than nearly anyone, cheating death not once but twice. The first was a stomach-churning rock-climbing accident, which left him hospitalised with a broken back and a bone piercing through the underside of his foot. The second was a horrifying kayaking disaster that saw the dad-of-three nearly drown after being dragged underwater into the depths of an icy whirlpool for nearly five minutes. Now, Steve has revealed the extraordinary - and contrasting - ways his mind took over during the chilling near-death experiences, as survival looked increasingly impossible. Speaking to the High Performance podcast, in an episode that goes on general release later this week, Backshall says of his 2011 fall: "I broke my back in two places, smashed my left ankle, put my ankle bone through the underside of my foot." Hurtling through the air in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, he reveals his life flashed through his mind like a video on an incredibly fast speed - hoping there was some valuable lesson he could pluck from it that could be immediately put into action to save him. "The fall itself, from about 30ft up, I know scientifically - a second and a half," he explains. "And in that second-and-a-half I had time to see the leaves passing by me on the trees, to flash back through my life - to so many of the things that had happened to me. "There's lots of suggested scientific reasons why that might happen, that adrenaline might quite literally make our brains process things faster. "So time appears to slow down. Our brains are zipping back through our life history to try and find something that might save us in that instant - some little moment that could give us the clarity to act, and in my case stop my fall. "That was a second-and-a-half. And in a second-and-a-half I did see my life flash before me." World's oldest crocodile is 118st beast with 6 wives & 7,000 babies In contrast, when Steve nearly drowned traversing thunderous uncharted rapids in Bhutan in 2018, life didn't flash backwards, but forwards - before he was miraculously pulled to safety by fellow kayaker Sal Montgomery. He said: "In four-and-a half minutes your brain is just struggling to find anything it can to get you out of that situation. "It's running through every single scenario it can find. "It's running through all the training that you've done over the years, through all your experiences, through all the different things that you had that might possibly make you think 'Oh, what I need to do is to pull this particular rip cord and everything will be right'. "In this case that didn't happen, and without Sal I would absolutely without question not be sat here today." 'Life-costing mistake' 8 8 Backshall, who is married to Olympic champion rower Helen Glover, candidly admits he made a serious misjudgment that day. Detailing the full terrifying drama, he said: "We should have aborted - instead we decided to run it blind. It was a mistake that very nearly cost me my life. "I got caught in this spinning whirlpool. I pulled myself out of the boat. The water is glacial melt water so it's not much above zero degrees. "It is highly aerated and spinning, so your buoyancy disappears. I was being dragged down to the bottom over and over again. I couldn't breathe. Time appears to slow down. Our brains are zipping back through our life history to try and find something that might save us in that instant "And I was in there for four-and-a-half minutes under water - coming up every once in a while and then straight back down again. "I've had a lot of close calls in my time but never that amount of time to process what was happening to me. To think 'this is really bad, I'm drowning, I haven't got the wherewithal to get out of this myself. I am done'. "I could feel all the strength going out of my body and just knowing that I couldn't rescue myself." Steve continues: "And that was when somehow - and I'm still not really sure how she managed to do it - Sal battled upstream against the rapids, got a line, and threw it at me. "And she had one shot, because if she hadn't hit me with that one line she'd have had to redo the rope back in the bag and I would have been gone. "Pulled me out and I just pinballed all the way through these rapids until I was hauled out further downstream." Guardian angel 8 8 The near-death experience came months after Steve became a father for the first time, with Helen giving birth to their son Logan in July 2018. Tragically, they had been expecting twins but one of the babies died during the pregnancy. In four-and-a half minutes your brain is just struggling to find anything it can to get you out of that situation The couple went on to have two more children, twins Kit Nathan Newlyn and Willow Bo, who were born in 2020. Steve added of his brush with death in Bhutan: "The reason that it stuck with me more than any other one was that amount of time to think about and process what was happening to me, to think about my little boy, who'd really only just been born, who I would never get to see grow up. "To think about my wife and this life that we'd planned together that wasn't going to happen. "And also to feel - and I've never felt this before - the strength sapping out of my body to a degree where I just couldn't do anything, I was finished. "It's a very, very powerful thing to know that someone has saved your life in the absolute underlined in bold way that Sal did for me then. "Everything that's happened in my life, including having twins and all the other stuff, has been down to Sal. And it's great that on things like this I get a chance to say 'thank you'."
Newsweek
23-07-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Carlos Sainz Makes Massive Max Verstappen Revelation
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Williams driver Carlos Sainz Jr. made an appearance on a major podcast and opened up on his relationship with former teammate Max Verstappen. Sainz and Verstappen were both brought up through the Red Bull junior program and secured their first Formula 1 seats at the same team - Toro Rosso. Now known as Racing Bulls, Toro Rosso was Red Bull Racing's junior team, which became responsible for the development of young, promising drivers. Sainz raced for the team for one season, eventually leaving the Red Bull family to join Renault, while Verstappen received the promotion to the senior Red Bull team. Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Carlos Sainz Jr of Spain and Scuderia Ferrari in parc ferme during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos... Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Carlos Sainz Jr of Spain and Scuderia Ferrari in parc ferme during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on October 26, 2024 in Mexico City, Mexico. More Photo byDuring an appearance on the High Performance Podcast, Sainz highlighted his competitiveness in terms of pace related to Verstappen. "I think everyone is having a really tough time being Max's teammate," Sainz said on the podcast. "I can only say that when I was Max's teammate, I didn't have this tough time. I was obviously incredibly surprised by how quick he was. I mean, he's an insane driver. "He's probably going to become one of the best ever in history, if he's not already one. But, that first year together, since then, has given me the confidence to know I can go up against anyone." During their time as teammates, several reports indicated a rift between Sainz and Verstappen, primarily stemming from a reported clash between their fathers. When Sainz became a free agent on the driver market, people around the paddock ruled out the Spanish driver becoming Verstappen's teammate at Red Bull. Sainz revealed how competitive it was between him and the four-time World Champion. "I remember so many things from that year that were so intense. I think at the time, Max was 16, 17, we had the mentality to deal with that level of intensity, but I remember not the level of pressure, the level of detail we were looking at things," he said on the podcast. "Every session, every FP1, we were going for it like crazy! Like, for me, FP1 was qualifying. "I wanted to beat him in every FP1, every FP2, every FP3. I remember we were both really quick in the wet; we both had been really good in the wet in previous categories. "So, it was like, who is quicker in the wet in Formula 1. And FP1 in Suzuka, full wets, go out on intermediates tyres, aquaplaning like crazy, just to try and show in the first wet session of my life in Formula 1, without knowing the track, I was quicker than Max, and vice versa. "I took the risks I shouldn't have taken. It was honestly exhausting. That level of pressure builds you. I wouldn't change it, I would still do it all over again." He never joined Red Bull, but he claims to be happy and appreciated at Williams. Sainz also clarified that his relationship with Verstappen is in a good place, and they get along well with each other. For more F1 news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Daily Mirror
21-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Carlos Sainz reveals what Ferrari didn't tell him about Lewis Hamilton before Mercedes talks
Carlos Sainz was suddenly dropped by Ferrari as they announced the signing of Lewis Hamilton in February 2024, with the Spaniard blindsided and left lacking an explanation Carlos Sainz has revealed that Ferrari didn't explain why when they told him he would be replaced by Lewis Hamilton. The Formula One world was rocked in February 2024 when it emerged that the seven-time world champion would be joining the iconic Italian team, partnering up with Charles Leclerc. Sainz, who was caught completely off guard by the announcement, had been under the impression that his future at Maranello was secure. The Spanish driver, 30, was in the midst of contract renewal talks, with his deal set to run out after the 2024 season. He finished the season with the Scuderia before joining Williams for the current 2025 campaign, while Hamilton bid farewell to Mercedes, where he had enjoyed the most successful driver-team partnership in F1 history. Sainz has now opened up about the shocking moment he was told of Fred Vasseur's decision over a phone call, voicing his disbelief and noting the lack of answers he was given by the team regarding his axing. He explained on the High Performance Podcast: 'I received a phone call and I suddenly received the news. I was completely shocked. I went from believing I was going to be in Ferrari for a while to, 'What am I going to do now?' "It never occurred to me that that could happen.' When asked whether they gave him any reasons, he added: 'No, not really. There weren't many reasons. "I'm not going to go a lot into the detail of those conversations but I was like, 'Okay now it's my time to shine and to prove to everyone what I'm worth. It's the most important moment of my life now.' 'I went into that late February and March period with the mentality of I'm just going to go for it. That gave me a bit of a kick and I think it made me a better driver.' Sainz's previous season had ended in a disappointing seventh placed finish in the drivers' championship, which may have been one reason for Ferrari reconsidering his future. Sainz then entered talks with Sauber, Alpine and even Mercedes, potentially replacing Hamilton in a dramatic swap. But despite lengthy discussions with Toto Wolff, he admits it was never a serious possibility. Asked whether he was on the verge of securing a contract offer, he said: 'Not really. We spoke a lot with Toto and everyone else at the time and I was certainly one of the options that was considered. But how close was I? You can ask Toto that. But I think he is very happy with Kimi Antonelli.' Both Sainz and Hamilton have faced challenges adapting to their new teams this season. Despite being halfway through the campaign, Hamilton is yet to clinch a podium finish and sits sixth in the standings, while Sainz finds himself in a disappointing 15th place.
The Herald Scotland
21-07-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Paul Gascoigne rushed to hospital after collapsing at home
He is reportedly recovering now and is expected to be in hospital for treatment for a few days. Steve Foster, a friend of Gascoigne's and his driver, who found him, told The Sun newspaper: 'He would like to thank everyone for the support he's received so far from so many old friends who wish him well and want to see him back to his best.' Happy birthday to former England midfielder Paul Gascoigne! 🎉 — England (@England) May 27, 2025 He added: 'Paul is in hospital, which is the best possible place for him to be right now.' Gascoigne is considered to be one of England's greatest midfielders, having played for the likes of Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Lazio in his club career. He was capped 57 times and scored ten goals for the Three Lions between 1988 and 1998. Gascoigne came through the ranks at Newcastle in the 1980s before moving to Tottenham, where he would win an FA Cup winners' medal in 1991. He spent four years in Italy with Lazio before joining Rangers, but alcohol issues took hold during his latter career at Middlesbrough, Everton and Burnley. Happy Birthday Paul Gascoigne 🎂 One of the greatest talents England have ever produced #Gazza #Euro96 🔥 — 80s&90sFootball ⚽ (@80s90sfootball) May 26, 2025 The Telegraph adds: "He was left out of England's 1998 World Cup squad, which proved a crushing blow for both his professional and personal life." Gascoigne spoke to Jake Humphrey and Damian Hughes, who present the High Performance Podcast, about his personal struggles last year. He shared: 'The things I've put myself through, I'm lucky to still be sitting here. 'I've spent a lot of years being down, when I did my ligaments and then my knee-cap, I missed four years of football. I would've got 100 caps.' Recommended reading: Of the battle to stay sober, Gascoigne said: 'I don't blame anyone, I used to blame a lot of people when I was drinking. 'It's f****** because he did that. Because such-and-such did this'. "I did the 12 steps and one of the steps was to meet the person you blamed and apologise to them. 'What I put myself through and other people, jail and rehab – taking cocaine off toilet seats – and then I'm asked to be ambassador for my country, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.'
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mark Cuban says AI could make 'just one dude in a basement' the world's first trillionaire
Mark Cuban has said that AI could create the world's first trillionaire. He said the technology, as it rapidly develops, could make "just one dude in a basement" mega-rich. Cuban said he uses AI extensively for work and in his personal life. Mark Cuban said artificial intelligence could make "just one dude in a basement" the world's first trillionaire. The 66-year-old billionaire said in a recent episode of the "High Performance" podcast that we haven't yet seen "best, or the craziest" that AI can achieve. "It's just the very beginning, right, you know, we're still in the preseason," Cuban said, adding that, as it becomes more advanced, we'll find more ways to make our lives better and more interesting. "Not only do I think it'll create a trillionaire, but it could be just one dude in the basement. That's how crazy it could be," he said. Cuban compared the push for AI to the early days of computers and smartphones. He said people hesitated to make the shift but would now struggle to live without the devices. Someone who can come up with a way that makes AI as essential "will make a lot of money," Cuban added. "Most people condemn things when they first happen," he said. "But then, when you see people using it and you realize the value, that's when people come around." The former Shark Tank investor told the podcast it was "insane" how much he has been using AI. He said that he uses AI for writing software and its text-to-video function for work. In his personal life, Cuban said he recently used ChatGPT to track his medicine and exercise habits. "I'm not here to tell you it's going to replace everyone's job — it won't," he said, but the technology is incredible, whether you're innovative or just feeling bored. The world's richest person, Elon Musk, has a total net worth well short of $1 trillion, at around $360 billion, per the Bloomberg Billionaire Index. His net worth peaked in December at around $439 billion as Tesla shares soared. Read the original article on Business Insider Sign in to access your portfolio
