The June 22 Edition
We adults often assume kids get into things as a result of the milieu in which they’re raised. Parents of runners raise runners; artists breed artists. But kids can also find their passion purely of their own volition: “I don’t know where she got it from” is as common a phrase as “Well, of course, I played professionally …” Ariarne Titmus was one such kid, driven to swim at 4.30am on cold Launceston mornings by her sheer love of the sport and belief she would one day be an Olympian. Amanda Hooton profiles Titmus in today’s issue, ahead of what many expect to be one of the races of the Paris Olympics. Also in this, our Olympics special, Konrad Marshall explores the sudden depth in Australia’s middle-distance running stocks, Chip Le Grand looks at Paris’s “light touch” approach to hosting the Games, and we get up to speed with innovations in time-keeping, shoes and swimsuits. – Editor, Katrina Strickland
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She’ll face the GOAT and a very fast upstart. Can Ariarne Titmus beat them?
In Paris, the women’s 400 metres freestyle final will be one of the Games’ most anticipated races: not least for world-record holder Ariarne Titmus.
- by Amanda Hooton
Our middle-distance runners haven’t won an Olympic medal for decades. But now…
In a field long dominated by Kenyans, Australia’s track athletes are gaining serious pace.
- by Konrad Marshall
‘If we change our way of life … they win’: Paris, terror and the ‘light-touch’ Olympics
Most host cities undergo an expensive building spree to fit the Games. Paris is making the Games fit the city.
- by Chip Le Grand
The controversial Olympic call that kickstarted modern timekeeping
A judge’s decision in a 1960 swimming final saw an Aussie win gold – and sounded the starting buzzer on the whiz-bang tech used at the Olympics today.
- by Luke Benedictus
The ‘super shoes’ that could help break more records in Paris – before they’re banned
Chunky, high-tech track shoes have produced world-beating race times – but they’re on their last lap.
- by Michael Gleeson
Inspo from sharks and space: The swimsuit innovations setting the pace in Paris
In the past, swimsuit technology boffins turned to apex predators in the race for record times. Now they’re looking further afield.
- by Tom Decent
Two of Us
For subscribers
‘It’s borderline crazy’: The feat that leaves this coach in awe of his athlete wife
They both lost limbs through tragic accidents – now, former gold-medal sprinter Scott Reardon coaches his fellow Paralympian wife, long-jumper Vanessa Low.
- by Jane Cadzow
Sharing a gold medal? The US reaction was ‘such a contrast’ to Australia’s, says Nina
Olympic pole vaulter Nina Kennedy made international headlines when she shared the gold podium at the World Athletics Championships in 2023 with her US rival.
- by Benjamin Law
Modern Guru
Modern Guru
After 42 years of teaching, I’ve grown to dislike people – and just want me-time. OK?
You’ve earned the right to dislike humanity for the rest of your life, writes our Modern Guru.
- by Danny Katz
Miles away
Eden observed him, statue-still, hands in the dishwater, eyes glazed over. “Jay,” she said. No reply. “Jay!” He turned, looking like someone emerging from a coma. “You were miles away,” she said. “What were you thinking about?” Jay had been in an alternate universe where, after suavely approaching the beautiful woman he’d seen on the train, she’d invited him to sit. They’d then decamped to a warm, dark wine bar where, in a corner booth, they’d connected spiritually, snogging the faces off each other. “Just thinking about tomorrow night’s dinner.” “Oh, love,” she said. “You need to get out more.” Words by Paul Connolly. Illustration by Jim Pavlidis
Attention gym-bench hogs: Try lifting more than your phones
Plus: get ready for the weekend with these fresh diversions.
- by Greg Callaghan, Damien Woolnough, Frances Mocnik, David Swan, Paul Connolly and Nicole Abadee
Crepes with bananas and home-made hazelnut chocolate spread
Julia Busuttil Nishimura tops the weekend brunch favourite with velvety choc-nut spread and fresh fruit.
- by Julia Busuttil Nishimura
