# real stories (blogs) — RSS Amplifier Recent posts from the 4 feeds in the RSS Amplifier directory that cover real stories. Page: Feed: --- ## [The steeplechase mile: one and done (part 2 of "where did innovation go?" mini series)](https://rethinkingathletics.blogspot.com/2026/08/the-steeplechase-mile-one-and-done-part.html) _2026-08-17 · Vasilis Grammaticos · Rethinking Athletics_ In a recent article, where I returned to the subject of (nonexistent) innovation in Athletics, I wrote that I had seen a steeplechase mile only once. My memory had played a trick on me. In fact, I had watched two of them. The first was part of the farcical comedy that was the Fribourg Track Lab, a competition I hurried to forget. The second, however, was memorable for a completely different… ## [The 2026 Women's Decathlon championships](https://rethinkingathletics.blogspot.com/2026/08/the-2026-womens-decathlon-championships.html) _2026-08-11 · Vasilis Grammaticos · Rethinking Athletics_ The 2026 edition of World Women's Decathlon Championships were held in Oberlin (Ohio) on July 8&9. And it was a smashing success. You can find all the details on the Décapassion blog , curated by my friends Frédéric and Pierre Gousset. Just after the first day I exchanged some mail with them and we shared our optimism on a possible 8000+ final score. Unfortunately that was not to be. But still,… ## [Canadians don't worry about national security](https://therealstory.substack.com/p/canadians-dont-worry-about-national) _2026-08-09 · Terry Glavin · The Real Story_ And we place more trust in public institutions and the media that you might think. ## [Where did innovation go?](https://rethinkingathletics.blogspot.com/2026/08/where-did-innovation-go.html) _2026-08-09 · Vasilis Grammaticos · Rethinking Athletics_ World Athletics loves the word innovation. Type it into the search box on the World Athletics website and you will find articles going back to 2019. (That is already an improvement: until recently, the search function was in shambles and finding anything on the site was an achievement in itself). Unfortunately, the early articles offer little more than polished journalistic blah-blah. Things… ## [Dr. Mike Nkuna Net Worth Latest: Inside the Empire of SA’s Property Mogul](https://www.mzansixtreme.co.za/dr-mike-nkuna-net-worth-latest/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dr-mike-nkuna-net-worth-latest) _2026-08-08 · Editor · Mzansi Extreme_ In Brief: Key Wealth Facts Estimated Net Worth: R2 Billion to R3.5+ Billion Primary Source of Wealth: Real Estate & Property Development (Masingita Group) Flagship Developments: Jabulani Mall, Protea Glen Mall, Nkuna Kraal, Nkuna Smart City Key Diversified Assets: Retail Franchises, Filling Stations, Motor Dealerships (Marble Group) Legacy Status: Pioneer of Township & Rural Retail … The post Dr.… ## [A last kick at the revisionists. For now.](https://therealstory.substack.com/p/a-last-kick-at-the-revisionists-for) _2026-08-04 · Terry Glavin · The Real Story_ About Emancipation Day, again. ## [Emancipation Day: Be Not Ashamed.](https://therealstory.substack.com/p/emancipation-day-be-not-ashamed) _2026-08-03 · Terry Glavin · The Real Story_ Revisiting our common legacy of vigilance against slavery, annexation and war. ## [Zappas and the Revival of the Olympics (part 3 of "the real story of the Olympics")](https://rethinkingathletics.blogspot.com/2026/08/zappas-and-revival-of-olympics-part-3.html) _2026-08-01 · Vasilis Grammaticos · Rethinking Athletics_ Soutsos’ appeal for the revival of the Olympic Games struck a chord in many Greek hearts. Unfortunately, it did not move those who actually had the power to act, except for one man, and what an exception he was. Evangelis Zappas was born in a village of northern Epirus (a region that today belongs to Albania). As a young man he fought in the Revolution of 1821, and after Greece gained its… ## [Why are we denied our own history?](https://therealstory.substack.com/p/why-are-we-denied-our-own-history) _2026-07-30 · Terry Glavin · The Real Story_ I have my suspicions, but here's a sweeping overview of what that history is, and I just scratch the surface. And this bit just covers British Columbia history. ## [Change Maven Musings: Seen Not Solved](https://kristinaralston.substack.com/p/change-maven-musings-seen-not-solved) _2026-07-28 · Kristina Ralston · Changemakers Confidential_ Welcome to Changemakers Confidential where we talk with real people about their real stories about real change. ## [Watch Chovy Code Live (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/0XiZXW5DmN8F) _2026-07-28 · **Sponsored**_ Join live coding streams with real-time collaborative screen sharing, open source and free. ## [More weird scenes from the 'unreported' file](https://therealstory.substack.com/p/more-weird-scenes-from-the-unreported) _2026-07-26 · Terry Glavin · The Real Story_ One small step for Mark Carney, one giant leap for the Muslim Brotherhood. ## [The overlooked and the unreported](https://therealstory.substack.com/p/the-overlooked-and-the-unreported) _2026-07-22 · Terry Glavin · The Real Story_ Every time Donald Trump acts like a jackass he makes Mark Carney look good. And Carney doesn't even have to earn it. Bonus: another video conversation. ## [Why do we run anticlockwise?](https://rethinkingathletics.blogspot.com/2026/07/why-do-we-run-anticlockwise.html) _2026-07-21 · Vasilis Grammaticos · Rethinking Athletics_ In writing this title, I realized that it may become unintelligible to future generations. As digital clocks replace analog ones, we may need a better term altogether. Mathematics, of course, does not depend on clocks to define the direction around a circle; what we call anticlockwise is simply the positive direction. What spurred this post was an article I came across in which one of the… ## [The unraveling continues](https://therealstory.substack.com/p/the-unraveling-continues) _2026-07-20 · Terry Glavin · The Real Story_ The long reach of Qatar, the collapse of the postwar democratic alliance, and the Eclipse of the Enlightenment. ## [Hybrid War: More News from the Front](https://therealstory.substack.com/p/hybrid-war-more-news-from-the-front) _2026-07-19 · Terry Glavin · The Real Story_ President Trump is not helping. Canadian content: Belarusian, Saudi & Qatari intrigues. ## [Change Maven Musings: The Short-Term Life](https://kristinaralston.substack.com/p/change-maven-musings-the-short-term) _2026-07-16 · Kristina Ralston · Changemakers Confidential_ Welcome to Changemakers Confidential where we talk with real people about their real stories about real change. ## [A great long jump competition in Monaco](https://rethinkingathletics.blogspot.com/2026/07/a-great-long-jump-competition-in-monaco.html) _2026-07-14 · Vasilis Grammaticos · Rethinking Athletics_ This year’s Diamond League season has marked the return of Miltiadis Tentoglou to the top of the men’s long jump hierarchy. His sixth-place finish at the World Indoor Championships in March had raised legitimate doubts: would 2026 extend the disappointing trajectory of 2025? That concern was not unfounded. The 2025 season had indeed been a poor one by his standards. It began with a fifth-place… ## [NATO and its enfeeblements](https://therealstory.substack.com/p/nato-and-its-enfeeblements) _2026-07-12 · Terry Glavin · The Real Story_ Quite a lot on my desk this week. . . ## [Once again, I find myself writing about Athletics Podium](https://rethinkingathletics.blogspot.com/2026/07/once-again-i-find-myself-writing-about.html) _2026-07-11 · Vasilis Grammaticos · Rethinking Athletics_ This is not the first time I have highlighted this excellent site. I first introduced it in 2022, and returned to it in 2023 following their article on the African Games. Earlier this year, I discussed their “best of the best of 2025” list—an original and refreshing approach that did not follow the usual World Athletics classification of track, field, and out-of-stadium events, nor my own method… ## [Video Allegedly Showing King Misuzulu Insulting Queen Nomzamo Trends Online](https://www.mzansixtreme.co.za/video-allegedly-showing-king-misuzulu-insulting-queen-nomzamo-trends-online/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=video-allegedly-showing-king-misuzulu-insulting-queen-nomzamo-trends-online) _2026-07-10 · Editor · Mzansi Extreme_ A video allegedly showing Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini verbally insulting Queen Nomzamo Myeni has resurfaced and is trending across social media platforms. The undated video appears to show the King holding a green beer bottle while accusing the Queen of infidelity and making threats against her. However, the authenticity of the footage and the circumstances … The post Video Allegedly Showing… ## [Screen Share With Real Control (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/eAdpLs77EMoy) _2026-07-10 · **Sponsored**_ Collaborative screen sharing with simultaneous remote control — open source, like Screenhero. ## [The Persecution of Iran's Baha'i minority](https://therealstory.substack.com/p/the-persecution-of-irans-bahai-minority) _2026-07-05 · Terry Glavin · The Real Story_ Arrested without warrant, charged without evidence or jailed without charge. Framed, tortured, disappeared, released, re-arrested, and always living in fear. ## [The First Call for the Revival of the Olympics (part 2 of "the real story of the Olympics")](https://rethinkingathletics.blogspot.com/2026/07/the-first-call-for-revival-of-olympics.html) _2026-07-01 · Vasilis Grammaticos · Rethinking Athletics_ In 393 AD, Emperor Theodosius I issued an edict putting an end to pagan festivals. As a consequence, the Olympics, dedicated to Zeus and intertwined with sacrificial rites and festivities, could no longer be held. Modern archaeological evidence suggests that the Games may have lingered into the 5th century, yet they were already in decline, and Theodosius’ decree merely drove another nail into… ## [Women shot-putters and the de facto world record](https://rethinkingathletics.blogspot.com/2026/06/women-shot-putters-and-de-facto-world.html) _2026-06-21 · Vasilis Grammaticos · Rethinking Athletics_ When Jessica Schilder threw a world-leading 21.09 m in May, I realized that it had been 15 years since a woman had gone beyond 21 m—the 21.24 m achieved by Valerie Adams in 2011. This brought to mind an article from last year’s Track & Field News, which discussed Chase Jackson’s preparation for the World Championships, where she was aiming for a third title (a goal she ultimately missed, with… ## [A great article in the Deca Passion blog](https://rethinkingathletics.blogspot.com/2026/06/a-great-article-in-deca-passion-blog.html) _2026-06-17 · Vasilis Grammaticos · Rethinking Athletics_ It has been quite some time that my friends Frédéric and Pierre Gousset had not published a long article in their WordPress blog. (Of course, the fact that Pierre was defending his PhD earlier this Spring and is now preparing for a post-doc abroad is reason enough). Well, the dry spell has ended with an excellent review of the Götzis Hypomeeting, by Frédéric Gousset who attended the meeting. I… ## [Change Maven Musings: How We Take the Steps](https://kristinaralston.substack.com/p/change-maven-musings-how-we-take) _2026-06-12 · Kristina Ralston · Changemakers Confidential_ Welcome to Changemakers Confidential where we talk with real people about their real stories about real change. ## [The Enhanced fiasco](https://rethinkingathletics.blogspot.com/2026/06/the-enhanced-fiasco.html) _2026-06-11 · Vasilis Grammaticos · Rethinking Athletics_ It began as a supposed revolution in sport, an enterprise not merely challenging the establishment but seeking to dismantle it altogether. Enhanced is built on a radical premise: that athletic competition should embrace medical science rather than prohibit it. When Aron D’Souza unveiled the Enhanced Games in 2023, the concept was deliberately provocative. Athletes would be allowed (indeed… ## [WATCH: Four Killed in Deadly Taxi Rank Shooting in Philippi](https://www.mzansixtreme.co.za/watch-four-killed-in-deadly-taxi-rank-shooting-in-philippi/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=watch-four-killed-in-deadly-taxi-rank-shooting-in-philippi) _2026-06-03 · Editor · Mzansi Extreme_ Residents and commuters in Browns Farm, Philippi, were left shocked after gunmen opened fire at a taxi rank, killing four people and critically injuring two others. The shooting took place on Tuesday morning at the eKoneni Taxi Rank in Siyahlala along Sheffield Road. According to police, unknown suspects opened fire on a group of people … The post WATCH: Four Killed in Deadly Taxi Rank Shooting in… ## [How to Never Run Out of Things to Say: The FORD Method](https://www.mzansixtreme.co.za/how-to-never-run-out-of-things-to-say-the-ford-method/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-never-run-out-of-things-to-say-the-ford-method) _2026-06-03 · Editor · Mzansi Extreme_ Mastering small talk isn’t about giving a flawless performance; it’s about staying genuinely curious. By actively listening and asking open-ended questions, you can transform awkward pauses into meaningful connections. Here is your foolproof blueprint for keeping any conversation flowing naturally. The F.O.R.D. Method When a conversation stalls, use the FORD framework to easily pivot to … The post… ## [Elon Musk’s Father Under Fire Over Shocking Nelson Mandela Remark](https://www.mzansixtreme.co.za/elon-musks-father-under-fire-over-shocking-nelson-mandela-remark/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=elon-musks-father-under-fire-over-shocking-nelson-mandela-remark) _2026-06-02 · Nigel · Mzansi Extreme_ Elon Musk’s father opens up about politics, apartheid, immigration and his strained relationship with his billionaire son in a controversial interview. In an interview with UNAPOLOGETIC host Ashfaaq Carim, Errol Musk discussed his background, political views and relationship with his son, Elon Musk. Errol said he helped fund Elon and Kimbal Musk’s first company and … The post Elon Musk’s Father… ## [Family Claims Man Was Mistaken for Foreign National Before Killing](https://www.mzansixtreme.co.za/family-claims-man-was-mistaken-for-foreign-national-before-killing/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=family-claims-man-was-mistaken-for-foreign-national-before-killing) _2026-06-01 · Editor · Mzansi Extreme_ A grieving mother is seeking justice after her son was allegedly killed during recent unrest in Mossel Bay. According to reports, the family believes the victim was attacked after being mistaken for a foreign national amid tensions that erupted in parts of KwaNonqaba and Asla Park. The violence, which authorities say was linked to tensions … The post Family Claims Man Was Mistaken for Foreign… ## [Every Channel. One Login. (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/CbJ1cPdq9Vre) _2026-06-01 · **Sponsored**_ 17,000+ live channels, movies and sports on any device. Free trial, no IP lock. ## [Bafana Finally Cleared for Mexico After Visa Drama Ahead of World Cup](https://www.mzansixtreme.co.za/bafana-finally-cleared-for-mexico-after-visa-drama-ahead-of-world-cup/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=bafana-finally-cleared-for-mexico-after-visa-drama-ahead-of-world-cup) _2026-06-01 · Editor · Mzansi Extreme_ Bafana Bafana are finally set to depart for Mexico after a visa crisis disrupted the team’s World Cup travel plans. The national team was originally scheduled to leave for North America on Sunday, but visa issues affecting players and members of the travelling delegation delayed the trip. The situation sparked concern across the country, with … The post Bafana Finally Cleared for Mexico After Visa… ## [Khayelitsha Rapper Brie Lee Dies After Battle With Bone Cancer](https://www.mzansixtreme.co.za/khayelitsha-rapper-brie-lee-dies-after-battle-with-bone-cancer/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=khayelitsha-rapper-brie-lee-dies-after-battle-with-bone-cancer) _2026-06-01 · Editor · Mzansi Extreme_ The South African music community is mourning the passing of Khayelitsha rapper Brie Lee following a courageous battle with bone cancer. Brie Lee, whose real name was Liyema Ndibi, touched many South Africans earlier this year when she publicly shared her struggle with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer that severely affected her arm. … The post Khayelitsha Rapper Brie Lee Dies After Battle… ## [Before the modern, the ancient Olympics (part 1 of "the real story of the Olympics")](https://rethinkingathletics.blogspot.com/2026/06/before-modern-ancient-olympics-part-1.html) _2026-06-01 · Vasilis Grammaticos · Rethinking Athletics_ The genesis of the ancient Olympics is lost in the mists of time. Pindar, writing whole centuries after the beginning of the Olympics, mentions two myths and they cannot both be true. The best known one involves the demigod Herakles, son of the god Zeus (whom the Greek were also calling Dias and whom the Romans called Jupiter) and Alkmene, who among his labours had to clean the stables of king… ## [12-Year-Old Girl Killed After Escaped Bull Triggers Tragic Shooting Incident](https://www.mzansixtreme.co.za/12-year-old-girl-killed-after-escaped-bull-triggers-tragic-shooting-incident/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=12-year-old-girl-killed-after-escaped-bull-triggers-tragic-shooting-incident) _2026-05-31 · Editor · Mzansi Extreme_ A 12-year-old girl was killed during a tragic incident at a Qurbani event near Fouriesburg in the Free State. According to reports, a bull being prepared for Qurbani broke free and escaped, prompting several people to chase after the animal. During the pursuit, a member of the group allegedly attempted to shoot the bull. However, … The post 12-Year-Old Girl Killed After Escaped Bull Triggers… ## [Man Criticised After Shooting Injured Dog and Posting About It Online](https://www.mzansixtreme.co.za/man-criticised-after-shooting-injured-dog-and-posting-about-it-online/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=man-criticised-after-shooting-injured-dog-and-posting-about-it-online) _2026-05-31 · Editor · Mzansi Extreme_ A man is facing widespread criticism after allegedly shooting a dog that had been struck by his vehicle and later sharing details of the incident on social media. According to reports, the dog was injured after being involved in a collision with the man’s vehicle. The situation sparked outrage online after information about the incident … The post Man Criticised After Shooting Injured Dog and… ## [Changemakers Confidential: Nicky](https://kristinaralston.substack.com/p/changemakers-confidential-nicky) _2026-05-21 · Kristina Ralston · Changemakers Confidential_ Welcome to Changemakers Confidential where we talk with real people about their real stories about real change. ## [The IOC has seen the light. Finally!](https://rethinkingathletics.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-ioc-has-seen-light-finally.html) _2026-05-21 · Vasilis Grammaticos · Rethinking Athletics_ Everybody remembers the Olympic fiasco of 2024; you would have to be living in an alternate universe to have missed it. A boxer, previously barred from women's competitions due to eligibility concerns (translation in plain english: she is male) was nevertheless allowed by the IOC to participate in the female boxing tournament, terrorizing her adversaries and usurping the gold medal. I cannot… ## [The centenary of Kinue Hitomi's book](https://rethinkingathletics.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-centenary-of-kinue-hitomis-book.html) _2026-05-21 · Vasilis Grammaticos · Rethinking Athletics_ I had not planned to write this article. My intention was to publish a piece on the IOC’s decision to introduce a femininity test. However, during my daily visit to the World Athletics website, I came across an article by none other than P.-J. Vazel. If you follow this blog, you know I am a longtime admirer of his work. His technical articles have been a major source of inspiration for me. Since… ## [World Relays in Gaborone](https://rethinkingathletics.blogspot.com/2026/05/world-relays-in-gaborone.html) _2026-05-10 · Vasilis Grammaticos · Rethinking Athletics_ I hadn't followed last year's World Relays. And, to tell the truth, had I done so I would have been irritated at the timorous, fainthearted and borderline cowardly choice of World Athletics concerning the mixed 4x100 m race. Fortunately, somewhere along the line they saw the light and opted for the proper relay composition, the only one I find acceptable: man-woman-man-woman. If you have been… ## [Change Maven Musings: A Return to My Roots](https://kristinaralston.substack.com/p/change-maven-musings-a-return-to) _2026-05-06 · Kristina Ralston · Changemakers Confidential_ Welcome to Changemakers Confidential where we talk with real people about their real stories about real change. ## [It's time for the real story of the Olympics](https://rethinkingathletics.blogspot.com/2026/05/its-time-for-real-story-of-olympics.html) _2026-05-01 · Vasilis Grammaticos · Rethinking Athletics_ Unless you are living in an alternate reality you have certainly been exposed to the de Coubertin myth, a myth created by himself, peddled by a bunch of sycophants and sanctified by the multinational mastodon that has become the IOC. He was touted as the founder, father, saviour, reviver, restorer, creator, originator, initiator, pioneer, forerunner, progenitor, innovator, mastermind, prophet,… ## [Change Maven Musings: The Fullness of Truth](https://kristinaralston.substack.com/p/change-maven-musings-the-fullness) _2026-04-29 · Kristina Ralston · Changemakers Confidential_ Welcome to Changemakers Confidential where we talk with real people about their real stories about real change. ## [Sub-2 marathon: the writing was on the wall](https://rethinkingathletics.blogspot.com/2026/04/sub-2-marathon-writing-was-on-wall.html) _2026-04-26 · Vasilis Grammaticos · Rethinking Athletics_ That was the only occasion on which I disagreed with Ross Tucker. (If you read my blog, you know he is a leading South African sports physiologist for whom I have the greatest respect). In a post on The Science of Sport (with Jonathan Dugas), titled “The sub-2 hour marathon? Don’t hold your breath, just yet”, he offered a cautious outlook. Admittedly, the article dates back to 2013, but toward its… ## [Walk for your life (where I do not write about race-walking)](https://rethinkingathletics.blogspot.com/2026/04/walk-for-your-life-where-i-do-not-write.html) _2026-04-22 · Vasilis Grammaticos · Rethinking Athletics_ From time to time, I publish an article that is not directly related to Athletics but still concerns physical activity. This time, I was intrigued by a striking title: “How we walk might reveal our risk of death”. The piece was written in a popular-journalism style, yet it referenced a scientific publication from a research team at the University of Leicester, published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings.… ## [Change Maven Musings: Letting Go as Completion](https://kristinaralston.substack.com/p/change-maven-musings-letting-go-as) _2026-04-21 · Kristina Ralston · Changemakers Confidential_ Welcome to Changemakers Confidential where we talk with real people about their real stories about real change. ## [Change Maven Musings: Create from Your Longing](https://kristinaralston.substack.com/p/change-maven-musings-create-from) _2026-04-17 · Kristina Ralston · Changemakers Confidential_ Welcome to Changemakers Confidential where we talk with real people about their real stories about real change. ## [Cheating on World Athletics’ Front Page](https://rethinkingathletics.blogspot.com/2026/04/cheating-on-world-athletics-front-page.html) _2026-04-09 · Vasilis Grammaticos · Rethinking Athletics_ Some days ago, World Athletics published an article about the 2026 World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships. It was accompanied by a photo of race walkers in action, and, unmistakably, one of them was running. The photo was taken at the 2024 championships held in Antalya, in the 20 km race. The athlete caught running was none other than the fourth-place finisher, Yuta Koga from Japan. That… ## [Change Maven Musings: When Things Come Back](https://kristinaralston.substack.com/p/change-maven-musings-when-things) _2026-04-08 · Kristina Ralston · Changemakers Confidential_ Welcome to Changemakers Confidential where we talk with real people about their real stories about real change. ## [The World 2026 indoors](https://rethinkingathletics.blogspot.com/2026/04/the-world-2026-indoors.html) _2026-04-01 · Vasilis Grammaticos · Rethinking Athletics_ Let us start with the most important result of the championship, the men’s heptathlon world record. To tell the truth, following S. Ehammer during the event I had my doubts up to the pole vault. I have already seen him foul out in this event but this time he dominated it and went on to break Eaton’s record with 6670 points. He had taken the lead from the first event and never relinquished. For… ## [Dispelling myths about distance running](https://rethinkingathletics.blogspot.com/2026/03/dispelling-myths-about-distance-running.html) _2026-03-20 · Vasilis Grammaticos · Rethinking Athletics_ The followers of my blog know that I am a fan of the Act of Manliness newsletter. As I explained, on more than one occasions, the AoM site (and newsletter) is not at all macho. It recognises simply that roughly 50% of us are men and share common interests and preoccupations. But this does not prevent the editors from publishing many articles that can be of equal interest to men and women. It's one…