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IOL News
4 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Beyond the finish line: LIV2Run and the spirit of true sporting change
This year, the Liv2Run team includes rising stars like Mthobisi Ntanzi and Nolwazi Dlamini, LIV2Run's first female athlete and coach-in-training, will proudly represent the team this year at RMB UTD. Photo: Supplied Image: Supplied In the world of sport, where elitism trumps just about everything – a world where mainly the winners and most successful are celebrated and pampered, often turning into spoilt prima donnas – the late Nelson Mandela's words about the power of athletic pursuit can sometimes ring hollow. The former South African president once said: 'Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.' While his sentiment was true, the focus on elite performers often sees this impact of sport overlooked, as the spotlight typically falls on those at the top. Yet, far from the glitz and glamour of high-end sport, away from the limelight of superstardom, Mandela's words remain profoundly relevant – especially where men and women of goodwill use sport to make a difference, often unseen and undocumented. Nolwazi Dlamini of LIV2Run. Photo: Supplied Image: Supplied One of these changemakers is Lindi Meyer, founder of LIV2Run, a development running team based at LIV Durban, and supported by RMB and the FirstRand Foundation. The team is transforming lives through trail running. In April, Meyer led several of her runners to compete at the RMB Ultra-Trail Drakensberg (UTD), where they all performed admirably – particularly impressive for a few debutants. 'We had an incredible weekend as a team at UTD, and we look forward to growing from strength to strength every year,' Meyer told Independent Media. The team achieved notable results, with three athletes finishing in the top five of their respective distances, and several others recording personal bests. Meyer is grateful she chose to dedicate herself to helping young people who were previously seen by many as misfits. Originally from the Eastern Cape, Meyer first heard of LIV Village in 2014 while attending a church conference and was moved by its vision: 'To rescue and restore.' She began living in the village in 2015 while working in the finance department. A lifelong runner, Meyer would often jog to and from work. LIV2Run tackled the Drakensberg in April. Photo: Supplied Image: Supplied 'Soon, I found that I had this trail of kids running after me. One day I said to them, 'Let's meet on Mondays for a running club'. While I didn't come here specifically to start racing, LIV2Run started informally, just me sharing what I knew about running.' The children's enthusiasm and teachable spirit soon led Meyer to enter them in races. 'The club grew very quickly and eventually reached a point where I realised it was too much to do alongside a normal job – there was just too much going on.' She recalls experimenting with different disciplines until they found their niche. 'Since 2018, we've explored all the running spaces and eventually settled on trail running as our speciality. We believe it's an emerging sport with lots of opportunity. It was hard to focus on many disciplines, and trail made sense given our partnerships.' LIV2Run is not a typical running club. Meyer and her team developed a unique model for athlete growth. 'We have senior and junior teams, but we also introduced the concept of an athlete-coach. Senior athletes double as coaches – whatever they learn, they're expected to pass on to the juniors. It's about paying it forward.' 'Last year, some of our juniors matriculated into the senior team through a selection process that assesses both talent and character. It's a full-circle strategy – to inspire, you must first be inspired. You can't coach someone if you haven't been coached yourself.' The team benefits from expert coaching by the renowned James Montgomery, who also mentors the athlete-coaches and advises them on training the juniors. At this year's Drakensberg event, 25-year-old Nolwazi Dlamini made her UTD debut and impressed as the first female athlete on the team being developed as a future coach. 'We are training Nolwazi to be an athlete-coach, and our hope is that she will manage and lead the women's team. She's incredibly disciplined, knows what she wants, and most importantly – she loves running. She's not into the Salomons and fancy gear. She's focused and a natural leader.' Understandably, Nolwazi was nervous before her first race in the Drakensberg. 'I'm scared but excited. It's my first time going to the Drakensberg for a race, and I'd like to thank Ms Lindi for encouraging me.' Meyer described her as a standout runner spotted in their social running group, RunFit, and fast-tracked to the senior squad due to her dedication and talent. Nolwazi ran cross-country, track, and road races before settling on trail running. 'I love running. I did it in school – they used to call me Caster Semenya,' she laughs. 'I did the 1500m and ran like her.' Athletes were taken through their paces during the Drakensberg event. Photo: Supplied Image: Supplied
The Irish Sun
21-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Man Utd and Tottenham fans blast football at each other as tempers flare ahead of Europa League final
TEMPERS flared between Tottenham and Manchester United supporters in San Sebastian ahead of the Europa League final. The two struggling Premier League clubs go head-to-head in a bid to save their seasons tonight at the San Mames Stadium. Advertisement 5 Tottenham and Man Utd fans were filmed kicking a football at each other before the Europa League final Credit: Jam Press/@Niall_UTD 5 The two groups clashed in the street Credit: Jam Press/@Niall_UTD 5 The ball was kicked into both groups of fans Credit: Jam Press/@Niall_UTD And prior to the highly-anticipated clash, some fans came to blows in the street. One Another person among the crowd retaliated by kicking it back, sparking a war of words between the two groups. The altercation did not escalate any further. Advertisement READ MORE IN SPORT A Hooligans were filmed fighting and throwing objects at each other on Fermín Calbetón Street, forcing the local authorities to get involved. Witnesses said the fight broke out when two large groups of supporters began shouting and hurling insults. It quickly escalated into a brawl, with both Advertisement Most read in Europa League Exclusive CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS 5 Man Utd vs Spurs - Europa League final: An ambulance was dispatched, with several people treated at the scene. Advertisement However, no one needed to be taken to hospital. Shocking moment punches thrown as brawl erupts between Man Utd & Spurs fans in Spain ahead of Europa League final Tens of thousands of Brits have travelled to Bilbao for the Europa League final. Some have 5 Advertisement MAN UTD VS TOTTENHAM - EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL LIVE Latest betting odds, offers and predictions
India Today
14-05-2025
- Sport
- India Today
Watch: Daniil Medvedev hits back at rowdy Rome crowd with aggressive response
World No. 11 Daniil Medvedev faced a hostile crowd during his Italian Open 2025 pre-quarterfinal match against local favourite Lorenzo Musetti in Rome on Tuesday, May 13. Throughout the match, Medvedev was met with persistent boos and jeers from the home fans. Tensions peaked in the second set, with Musetti leading 7-5, 5-3 at the Grand Stand Arena. Frustrated, Medvedev turned to the crowd and put a finger to his lips in a defiant gesture, briefly silencing the noise. He held the pose for several moments before continuing the video hereMedvedev knows the best on how to handle these vile crowds SK (@Djoko_UTD) May 13, 2025Daniil Medvedev crashes out Medvedev had a tough day in the office after Musetti defeated him 7-5, 6-4. The Russian star tried to fight through the rainy weather in Rome, but couldn't have the last laugh. With the scorecard reading 7-5, 5-4 (30-30) in Musetti's favour, rain started pouring down. Play continued and Musetti got a point through a drop shot. With the court becoming slippery, the chair umpire decided to halt proceedings with Musetti on match point. After play resumed, the Italian engaged in a 13-shot rally with Medvedev to go past the finish line. Also Read: Novak Djokovic ends partnership with coach Andy Murray after poor start to seasonadvertisementIn the first set, Musetti drew first blood to go 5-4 up with a break of serve, but Medvedev earned the break back immediately to make it 5-5. However, Musetti shifted the pressure on Medvedev with his second break, eventually claiming the opening set. In the second, Musetti took control once again, going 1-0 up with an early break and this time around, he didn't let Medvedev stage a comeback. It was Musetti's first win over Medvedev after losses in the Cincinnati and Canada 1000 Masters in 2023. Musetti will next be up against Alexander Zverev, who defeated France's Arthur Fils in straight sets in the Round of 16. Medvedev, in the meantime, will look to make amends when the French Open gets underway later this month. Must Watch
The Citizen
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
REVIEW: Riky Rick's last album ‘Boss Zonke Forever' epitomizes his passion for young people
The 17-track album was released on April 4, a decade after his memorable project 'Family Values', released in 2015. The last few weeks have seen the trend of Mount Rushmore. In the fad, a depiction of four individuals in various industries mimics the original Mount Rushmore, which has the faces of four of the most respected US presidents. The faces of football players, musicians, wrestlers and content creators have all been put on the mountain according to rank. Mount Rushmore of Tennis !!! 69 Slams, 118 Masters 1000, 1000 weeks at No.1, 25 + years of Tennis, 4 Greats of the game. Tennis's Golden Generation ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — SK (@Djoko_UTD) April 23, 2025 The trend hasn't entirely made its presence felt in South Africa. Still, after listening to Riky Rick's posthumous album Boss Zonke Forever, I wouldn't be surprised to see the late rapper, whose real name was Rikhado Makhado, being placed on a South African version of generational great Mzansi rappers by Generation Z. Comedy Mount Rushmore going viral — Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) April 19, 2025 This Sunday will be exactly a month since the album was released. The 17-track album was released on April 4, a decade after his memorable project Family Values came out in 2015. Rikhado Makhado, or Riky Rick as he was fondly known by his fans, lost his battle with mental illness and took his own life in 2022. ALSO READ: New Riky Rick album to be released a day after 10-year anniversary of 'Family Values' Riky Rick for the kids Looking at his life and influence Riky had on the current crop of artists, it's surprising that his only other fully fledged album was his debut album, Family Values. But I suppose that's where Riky's powers lie beyond the music. Riky was not the 'lyrical miracle' type of rapper- the refrain is used to describe a rapper whose writing is of high prowess displayed in their intricate use of similes, metaphors and other language devices. Think Stogie T or Lupe Fiasco. Riky was 2Pac-esque. His writing was simple without being superficial, sincere in its reflections and inspiring through his convictions. This is why the youth appreciated him; the album is littered with features from people under 30. Riky's support of young people has strengthened his legacy among the youth. The artist was deeply passionate about supporting and empowering youth, particularly young creatives and artists. He believed in giving them opportunities to showcase their talent and express themselves. This passion led him to create events like CottonFest, a platform for young artists to thrive. The album opens with a sombre reflective song, Higher Power, featuring newcomer singer-songwriter Lusanda. Other album features include young rap artists such as 25K, Focalistic, K-Keed, Blue Pappi and Blxckie. Cassper Nyovest is the only 'senior' statesman on the album. While people from my generation of hip hop listeners still cite Zubz's song Heavy 8 as a track with some of the hottest local rappers at the time as a moment in rap, Cishe Ngaposta can be that kind of song for this generation. Other notable songs on the album are the catchy Raindrops and Eish featuring Blxckie. ALSO READ: Onset Music Group pays homage to Riky Rick ahead of debut EP [VIDEO] Speaking through the music Riky's appreciation for the finer things in life – be it clothes, good food or fancy rides – might come off as shallow. However, when you listen to the music, you get a sense that these things were temporary remedies for his pain. This is point is proven true when you listen to the song Never Let Me Down. On the chorus of the song Riky repeatedly raps: Gucci bag never let me down (Let me down) Prada bag never let me down (Prada bag never let me down) Louis bag never let me down Louis bag never let me down Without trying to be a pseudo-psychologist, his lyrics give one a peek into what might have troubled him. Mama told me 'Go to school', I did the opposite I looked up to dope boys sellin' rocks and shit Daddy said he comin' back but I ain't seem him since I grew up without a father, now my life's a mess But f*ck it, we gotta move on (Yeah) He seemed to contend with his father's absence throughout his life, even in adulthood when he became a father. On the opening track Never Let Me Down, Riky raps feeling lost because my daddy never taught me how to drive. Some might find it a tad melodramatic, but this was his sincerity. Riky was a modern man who could be vulnerable about his emotions, which have now become lessons. Reflecting on Riky's life, his mother, Louisa Zondo, said what remains significant about him is the lessons he would give. 'The lessons were enormous,' said Zondo speaking in an interview on 5FM earlier this year when the album was announced. 'He would give them such simplicity, and the one that stays, and I even refer to it in the book that I subsequently wrote about life. It was that we should always take the moment to calm our emotions, understanding that we don't know what the next person is going through,' Zondo said. In 2023, Zondo published Dearest MaRiky: A Mother's Journey through Grief, Trauma, and Healing. In it, she speaks to her son in letters and gradually unearths the words to express her love for him and the pain of losing him. NOW READ: A 'new template for award shows' as fashion meets music at this year's Metro FM Awards
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Grand jury indicts 14 UT Dallas pro-Palestinian protesters, 7 have charges dismissed
The Brief 14 of the 21 people arrested last May after a pro-Palestinian protest on the UT Dallas campus have been indicted. They're now facing a misdemeanor charge of obstruction of a passageway. Charges were dropped against 7 of the people who were arrested. RICHARDSON, Texas - A Collin County grand jury indicted more than a dozen people because of last year's pro-Palestinian protest at the University of Texas at Dallas. What we know The grand jury decided to charge 14 of the 21 people who were arrested in May. Prosecutors said they built an encampment with tents, tarps, wooden structures, tires, chains, and other materials on the UTD campus. The university asked them to remove the structures because they were blocking pedestrian walkways. Some protesters refused to clear the area and instead locked arms. They were arrested for criminal trespassing. After reviewing the evidence, the grand jury charged them with obstruction of a passageway, which is a Class B misdemeanor. All charges were dropped against seven of the protesters. What they're saying "Free speech is protected. Blocking access and refusing lawful commands is not," said District Attorney Greg Willis. "These charges reflect that a clear line exists between protest and unlawful disruption." What we don't know The DA's office didn't release information about why some of the charges were dismissed. The Source The information in this story comes from the Collin County District Attorney's Office.
