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PUMA Deviate NITRO™ 3 destined to deliver your PB

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The new PUMA Deviate NITRO™ 3 is designed to help you break PBs and achieve peak performance during both training and raceday. It’s the everyday source of speed that runners can trust week after week, kilometre after kilometre.

Deviate means to do things differently. To not accept normal standards. To challenge the status quo. Deviate inspires you to not just go beyond your boundaries, but to shatter them in emphatic style.

Launched in the striking Fireglow colourway this third iteration of the Deviate NITRO™ 3 is engineered with more of PUMA’s cutting-edge NITROFOAM™ technology to deliver supreme cushion and responsiveness, elevating the legacy of its predecessor.

The carbon fibre PWR Plate offers a smoother and more consistent source of speed, resulting in an explosive toe-off that propels runners beyond their normal limits, while PUMA’s unrivalled PUMAGRIP enables multi-surface traction in even the most testing conditions.




A lightweight engineered mesh upper features strategically placed PWR Tape to provide support in high stress areas, with a padded collar offering additional comfort and fit.

While the Deviate NITRO™ 3 is a premium everyday hero, PUMA has also launched the Deviate NITRO™ Elite 3 – an elite raceday shoe that has already seen Fiona O’Keeffe make a statement in her professional marathon debut.

“We’re living in a world where athletes and runners have high expectations. They want to set PBs and break records, time and time again. To do that, you need a shoe that gives you the competitive edge – that’s where Deviate comes in,” said Romain Girard, VP Innovation at PUMA, about the double dose of Deviate.

 

 

Deviate NITRO™ 3 Specifications:

  • Weight: 265g (UK8)
  • Stack Height: 29mm – 39mm

Deviate NITRO™ Elite 3 Specifications:

  • Weight: 194g (UK8)
  • Stack Height: 32mm – 40mm

The Deviate NITRO™ 3 (R3 799) and Deviate NITRO™ Elite 3 (R5 399) Fireglow colourway will be available from 12 July on PUMA.com, in PUMA Retail stores, Totalsports and Sportsmans Warehouse. For more information, please visit www.puma.com





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HUAWEI Changes the Smart Watch Game!

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Having been a fan of the HUAWEI WATCH FIT series, I was incredibly excited to try out the new WATCH FIT 3. The marketing around the watch promised something truly special, and I can honestly say they weren’t lying. This is a game changer! Review by Roxanne Martin 

 

Unboxing

First impressions, the watch is incredibly fashionable, sleek and I would say timeless. The attention to detail is also incredible in that the watch face matches your chosen colour way. I went for the rose gold, it had a nice soft feel to it, and it was easy to match in with outfits so I knew it would work as an everyday watch.  There were plenty to choose from, Olive green, charcoal and white – covering everyone’s fashion choices. It is also worth noting that the straps are interchangeable so if you want to mix and match you can.

The watch itself, comes with a charging cable, and while some may be disappointed with that, the watch is packed with so many features you won’t be disappointed as soon as you start using it.

Features

So where to start, this watch is packed full. I have to break it down a little, because if I list everything you will still be reading tomorrow!

Battery Life

The watch promises ten days of battery, so in our testing I made sure every feature was running to test their claims. I am happy to report that even with almost daily workouts of 30min to one hour, I did get ten days battery life exactly. What is more, I continued to get ten days, and the battery goes from zero to fully charged in one hour. I would say if you did a long run, or a longer training session this would shorten the battery life, but this isn’t a watch you will need to charge every day, maybe once a week.

Workout Modes

Considering this watch is priced as an entry level smart watch, I was super impressed with not only the amount of workout modes available, but the functionality within each mode. I am going to focus on running as this is the mode I tested the most. What truly impressed me was the preset running courses that come with the watch. 

  • If you are starting out it gives you walk/run combos, at different levels, so the watch notifies you when you should be walking and when you should be running. It monitors your heart rate as well, vibrating to alert you if you are too high or too low. Doing these course weekly has really improved my fitness levels, and it makes my training a lot more structured.

Along with the different running courses, you also get ‘fitness courses,’ which essentially are stretching and warm up routines, with a little model to follow and again timed, I found this incredibly helpful to ‘actually’ get me to stretch after a run.

GPS tracking, full disclosure, no watch will ever get this 100% right, there are a lot of factors, which arm you wear the watch, the way you turn the corner etc. I tested the tracking by measuring it against my phone, recording the run, using my GPS on my phone and then on the watch. Both rendered the same result, and using the watch with my phone and without didn’t change the distance. Full disclaimer this isn’t a vital for me, but I do know it’s important for a lot of runners. I tested the variables within my scope of expertise, but I am no expert. 

Post workout data is amazing, giving you access to your heart run zones, telling you how strenuous the activity was, your cadence data, and a full map of your activity, which you can share. It also tells you how long you should recover for, and it gives you insight into how the activity maintained your fitness. There is a LOT of data, but its given to you in an easy-to-follow format.

Does it connect to Strava? Yes it does, but only for outdoor activity, any indoor activities do no automatically sync. I am not too perturbed by Strava, so this was in no way a deal-breaker for me.

Training Plans

  • Through the Huawei Health app, you have access to a range of running training plans, everything from a simple 3km plan to a full marathon plan. You can personalize it to your goals, in terms of time, distance or general fitness. The plans are synched to your calendar so you can easily keep track, and within the watch you simply go to training plan and courses, so the workout is automatically loaded. You get weekly reports on how you are doing, and if you are on track.

Sleep Monitoring

 The watch offers full sleep monitoring as well, so in a sleep cycle you can track how you slept, how long you slept, and the quality of your sleep. It measures between light, REM and deep sleep, giving you an overall sleep score. I honestly always thought I slept well but looking at the data I had far too much light sleep with very little deep sleep. Consultation with my GP had me increase magnesium and would you believe I am sleeping better! It even measures respiratory and heart rate, showing you how you are breathing- the data available was incredible.

Stayfit

This is a fairly new feature, and it is there to help you if essentially live a fitter and healthier lifestyle by holding you accountable. You can choose your weight goals, and then by logging each meal, it helps you manage calories. Accurate in that it measures the calories burned and the calories consumed. It also gives you suggestions on activities to help your goals. I am not a calorie counter, I did try test the feature, but came short on day two. But would recommend if you need help loosing weight.

 

This is honestly just a short overview-there is a LOT more with this watch. 

Overall Opinion

This watch scores a nine out of ten, I have docked a point because it sometimes disconnects which means I have to refresh to get it to sync again. But other than that I can find no fault. If you want a watch that is going to give you value for money, buy this one. At R2999 it is cheaper than all of its competition, and in our opinion offers so much value for money.





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Ann Ashworth gets the boot

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It should have been a triumphant celebration of a job well done – but instead, Comrades Marathon Race & Operations Manager Ann Ashworth has left the organisation, alleging that a smear campaign was mounted against her. We chat to Ann, and get her story about what happened “behind closed doors.” Watch the full video below.

In a social media post, she wrote: “My time at the CMA has come to an end. The Board feels that I lack the necessary leadership and race management abilities to continue to serve as the Race & Operations Manager.” In the comments on the post, responding to a question about what went on behind closed doors, she added “… my job was promised to someone else months ago. That person will resume the position after actively sabotaging me in the office and in the media.”

The Comrades Association later issued a statement confirming that Ann would no longer be in the position: “The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) regrets to announce the departure of Ann Ashworth from her role as the Comrades Marathon Race & Operations Manager with immediate effect. We wish to thank her for her contribution to a highly successful race.”

The CMA also addressed what’s come to be known as “Vanillagate” (after a board member put out a public call for more people to register as members of the association so it was no longer “all vanilla”. In its statement, association chairperson Mqondisi Ngcobo was quoted as saying that the “so-called ‘Vanillagate’ saga has no bearing on (Ann’s) departure”.

Elsewhere in the statement the CMA quoted its Constitution, stating that the board is not able to remove a member. But legendary coach Norrie Williamson, in a social media post, contradicted this, saying the constitution allows any board member to be suspended and given a hearing to answer to charges, including those of bringing the CMA into disrepute or acting against its interests.

This is the latest in a series of pressure points for the Comrades. Last year’s cut-off debacle angered many. But, by all accounts from runners and the community at large, Ann did a good job and ushered in a lot of positive changes this year. Was it perfect? No – but no race is.

So where to from here? Our advice is to get as many runners as possible to join the CMA. This is the only possible way to have a say in the future of the race, including the selection of board members.

Join the CMA Association to have your say

CMA Membership is open to individuals 18 years and older who are either active runners, active volunteers, or retired/longstanding runners/volunteers, who subscribe to the objectives of CMA and wish to participate in its activities in compliance with the CMA Constitution, vision and values.

To be eligible to vote at the 2024 AGM your membership application and membership fee of R100 must be received by no later than 30 June 2024.



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Stay Ahead of the Pack with the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3: Precision Fitness Tracking for Serious Athletes

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Unlock your athletic potential with HUAWEI’s latest powerhouse, the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3, now hitting the shelves in South Africa. This high-performance smartwatch features an ultra-thin design, a robust square-faced display, and an expansive 1.82-inch screen, perfect for tracking your training with precision and clarity.

With the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3, experience the next level in sports technology. Engineered to deliver exceptional performance, this sleek wearable offers advanced fitness tracking capabilities to monitor your workouts, health, and well-being comprehensively. Whether you’re a professional athlete or a fitness enthusiast, the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3 is your ultimate companion for every workout, every adventure, and every look.

Unmatched Display Technology

Experience unparalleled clarity with the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3, featuring the state-of-the-art HUAWEI Hybrid AMOLED technology. With a stunning resolution of 347 pixels per inch, the watch delivers a vivid and crystal-clear visual experience. The large screen, boasting a peak brightness of 1,500 nits and equipped with automatic brightness adjustment, offers a comfortable and immersive viewing experience in any lighting situation. Enhanced by an ultra-narrow bezel, the innovative hybrid rigid-flexible screen boosts the screen-to-body ratio to an impressive 77.4%, combining a large display area with a slim and stylish profile.

Elegant Design & Lightweight Comfort

The HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3 is a masterpiece of modern design, featuring a sleek, square shape with a three-dimensional arc surface that enhances its sophisticated look. The striking colour contrast in the crown adds a touch of elegance, making this smartwatch a fashion-forward accessory for any style. With its ultra-thin 9.9mm body and feather-light weight of just 26g, the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3 is designed to be both a statement piece and a comfortable companion for your daily activities. Whether dressed up or down, this smartwatch is the perfect addition to any outfit, embodying a blend of fashion and function for the style-conscious individual.

Advanced Health Monitoring Features

The HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3 goes beyond aesthetics with its comprehensive range of health monitoring features designed to enhance your well-being. Introducing the latest in sleep technology, the HUAWEI TruSleep™ 4.0. This advanced sleep tracker offers science-based insights into your sleep patterns, providing comprehensive and accurate data to help improve your sleep quality. With personalised interpretations and suggestions, the WATCH FIT 3 turns every night’s rest into a step towards better health.

Equipped with the upgraded HUAWEI TruSeen™ 5.5 health monitoring system, the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3 ensures precise heart rate readings and efficient analysis of both your workout performance and daily health metrics. This feature allows for more accurate monitoring, helping you stay on top of your fitness and wellness goals with ease.

For women, the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3 offers an integrated Menstrual Cycle Management system. This feature provides a comprehensive and user-friendly care system, making information about menstrual cycles easily accessible and simple to manage. It’s designed to help track and predict menstrual cycles, offering support and personalised care right on your wrist.

  • Exceptional Battery Life and Quick Charging – Despite its multitude of advanced features and large, impressive display, the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3 doesn’t compromise on battery life. Enjoy up to 10 days of use on a single charge, with typical usage lasting around 7 days. Plus, with the watch’s fast-charging capabilities, a quick 10-minute charge can power a full day’s use, ensuring you’re always ready to go.
  • A New Era in Smartwatches – The HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3 combines cutting-edge technology, elegant design, and comprehensive health monitoring features to redefine the smartwatch experience. This wearable is designed to revolutionise how we interact with technology and manage our health, making it easier than ever to lead a healthier, more connected lifestyle.
  • Experience Precision in Every Performance with the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3 – Step up your game with a smartwatch designed for those who take fitness seriously—and want to do it in style. The HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3 combines state-of-the-art technology with robust fitness tracking to keep you ahead of the curve. This watch doesn’t just track your progress—it enhances your workout wardrobe. Get ready to push your limits and achieve your best.

The HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3 is available now. Get yours today for just R2999. EXCLUSIVE to Modern Athlete get a 15% discount using the coupon code ATHLETE15 at checkout! Buy now click https://bit.ly/44IBl8Z to buy now!

From PhD to Paris: Mhlongo juggles medals, marriage & more in pursuit of Paralympic gold

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Mpumelelo Mhlongo is a busy man. When he’s not working his day job as a structured finance consultant at Investec, he’s busy with his PhD in chemical engineering, or spending time with his new wife. Incredibly, in the hours in between, the 30-year-old is training to compete at his third Paralympic Games. By Karien Jonckheere

Come this weekend, however, Mhlongo will be heading to Sun City in the North West for the SA Sports Awards where he’s once again been nominated in the category of Sportsman of the Year with a Disability. He’s up against wheelchair tennis player Donald Ramphadi and golfer David Watts.

“We are extremely proud of our nomination for the SA Sports Awards. Being a nominee at the country’s biggest event that celebrates sporting excellence is always a welcomed treasure,” said Mhlongo of the accolade.

“We have been nominated before but never won it. South Africa is the land of sporting excellence so being nominated has been beyond our wildest imagination.”

Mhlongo, who was born with amniotic band syndrome which affected both his hands and feet, is the current world record holder in the T44 category in the 100m, 200m and the long jump and in 2023 he claimed 100m gold at the World Para Athletics Championships in Paris.

“Winning a World Championship gold medal in the year I got married is definitely a lovely number three highlight in my life for that year, even though it was my greatest sporting achievement to date,” he admitted.

“We were blessed to have many things work in our favour and will cherish that day with all those who worked tirelessly to get me to the World Championships that year.”

Now the plan is to return to Paris to claim more gold, with the Paralympics taking place from 28 August to 8 September.

“The training and preparations for Paris have been filled with beautiful moments to reflect and a big reminder of how we often overlook our health, in pursuit of other goals or dreams,” he explained.

“We have had a few injuries and niggles that have set us back in our plan but probably had the most fun out of any other Paralympic preparation which has been the most unexpected and blessed outcome of the whole process.

“Our target is a Paralympic gold medal but we hope to do it in a way that unlocks the potential we never saw coming.”

But first there’s a trip to take to Sun City where the awards ceremony takes place on Sunday, 5 May.

Mhlongo is loathe to describe himself as a representative or role model for athletes with a disability, however.

“To be honest, I do not believe I represent sports people with a disability nor would I consider myself a role model,” he explained. “My approach has always been, us striving to be better versions of ourselves such that we can be a valuable addition in our community. How that is perceived, is a manifestation of how others then reflect their bias on us.”

 

Type 1 Diabetes doesn’t hold Jono le Roux back!

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As the starting gun fires at 9 am on Friday, April 26th, at the Sani Pass Pub in Lesotho, Jono le Roux, a formidable trail runner and a person living with diabetes, will embark on the challenge of the Ultra-Trail Drakensberg 100 Miler. This isn’t Jono’s first time at the event; last year he finished in 5th place overall in just over 33hrs. However, this year’s race poses new obstacles with significant changes to the route, promising a fresh test of endurance and determination.

Jono’s journey into trail running began in 2015, but it was his diagnosis with type 1 diabetes in 2017 that ignited a deeper commitment to health and fitness. Despite the challenges posed by his condition, Jono has not only embraced ultra-running but has excelled in it. Reflecting on his journey, Jono shares, “Running has provided me with not just a healthier and stronger body but mentally it has also given me so many life lessons. It’s more than just a sport for me, it’s my way of life.”

Managing type 1 diabetes while undertaking endurance sports like ultra-running requires meticulous attention to glucose levels, pacing, and nutrition. Previously, Jono would have had to frequently stop during the race, and check his glucose levels by using the fingerstick method, costing him both time and additional energies, now with advancements in technology this process has been made much easier with the FreeStyle Libre Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) system, a device which enables him to monitor his glucose levels in real-time, empowering him to make informed decisions throughout his races.

“My goal for this year’s race is to embrace it fully and soak up all the good vibes,” says Jono. “I’ve grown as a runner since last year, both in experience and maturity. While I aim to complete the race in 27 hours, my ultimate aspiration is to maintain a sustainable running journey, inspiring others along the way.”

Jono’s story is not just about personal triumph; it’s a testament to the advancements in diabetes care and technology. “With great improvements in diabetes care, from insulin upgrades to management systems and incredible tech like continuous glucose monitors, people living with type 1 diabetes can live more freely and, dare I say, ‘normally,'” he expresses gratefully.

As Jono laces up his shoes and prepares to tackle the challenging terrain of the Ultra-Trail Drakensberg, he embodies resilience, determination, and the spirit of overcoming adversity. His journey is an inspiration to all, showcasing that with passion, perseverance, and the right support, anything is possible.

SA champs wraps up with four new automatic qualifiers for Paris Olympics

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The SA Athletics Championships came to an end in Pietermaritzburg on Sunday with four athletes having added their names to the list of automatic qualifiers for the Olympic Games later this year. They were Zeney Geldenhuys and Rogail Joseph in the 400m hurdles, Benjamin Richardson in the 200m and Lythe Pillay in the 400m, while Zakithi Nene achieved his second qualifying time over 400m at these championships.

The final day’s action saw Marione Fourie claiming a fourth straight national title in the 100m hurdles, winning in a time of 13.01 seconds with Kayla van der Bergh second in 13.40 and former SA record holder Taylon Bieldt third in 13.46.

Fourie admitted afterwards: “Before the race, my brain didn’t want to get the steps in before the first hurdle so I was a little bit stressed but the time wasn’t too bad for my second race [of the season].”

Eight-time champion in the 110m hurdles Antonio Alkana withdrew from the final after overstretching his calf muscle in the warm-up. In his absence, SW Nel claimed his first ever title in 13.73 seconds, so emulating his father and coach, Wimpie, who won the SA title twice, in 1992 and 1993.

“It feels amazing. I didn’t expect it at all. All the hard work is paying off so I’m glad. I have a good coach who I trust so I’m very happy at the moment,” said Nel junior afterwards.

As for being coached by his dad, he joked: “It’s a bit of a pain in the butt because he says: ‘My time was faster,’ or ‘I did it twice.’ So I have to win it two times more and beat his time so I’m almost on his level.”

Speaking about Alkana withdrawing from the final, Nel added: “I was a bit disappointed. If he had run, I think I would have run a better time but I’m happy with the position.”

Also thrilled was his proud dad: “Words can’t describe it. It’s a very humbling feeling,” he beamed.

Meanwhile, after her second place in the 5000m earlier in the competition, Prudence Sekgodiso comfortably defended her 1500m title, pulling away from the pack just before the bell, and cruising to victory in a time of 4:13.09. Charne Swart was second in 4:16.89 and Carina Viljoen third in 4:19.29.

“The race was something else. I have a calf problem, I felt it in the 5k and I wanted to come out in the 5k but I thought – let me just finish it – but the 1500 is my event so I had to show who I am and chase for that gold medal and that’s what I did. It was nice,” she said.

“I regret running that 5k to be honest. Honestly, that was my last,” added Sekgodiso who has set her sights on breaking the SA 1500m record.

Jerry Motsau had a tougher fight on his hands to claim the men’s 1500m title 10 years after winning his first. He fended off his challengers in the final 200m finishing in 3:38.82 with Nkosinathi Sibiya second in 3:39.02 and Niel van der Merwe third in 3:39.78.

“It was a bit of a challenge but if you’re strong in your head, you pull through. I told myself I mustn’t give up, I should run through the tape, so that’s what I did,” he said.

In the field events, Kyle Blignaut defended his shot put title with a best throw of 20.36m, while Mire Reinstorf took women’s pole vault gold with a clearance of 4.15m.

 

Young gun Benjamin outshines Wayde van Niekerk on sizzling day at SA champs

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Benjamin Richardson produced the largest upset of the SA Athletics Championships so far by outgunning Wayde van Niekerk to win the 200m title in a steamy Pietermaritzburg on Saturday. By Karien Jonckheere, Picture Cecilia van Bers

Van Niekerk chose to focus his efforts on the 200m event in Maritzburg rather than the 400m, in which he won Olympic gold in 2016 in world record time. But Richardson produced a speedy 20.16-second performance to outshine the veteran and take the title while also securing an Olympic qualifying mark. Van Niekerk settled for silver in 20.31.

“I could have [gone faster] but I’m more happy about the moment and the fact that I did my qualifier,” said a thrilled Richardson. “I was happy in the moment with what I did because it took so much effort and I’m just happy right now.”

As for beating Van Niekerk, the 20-year-old said he remembered the exact date he raced against him for the first time back in 2021.

“It shows that through time, things can change and three years later, I’m now first and so now I’m happy and I’m grateful for everything that’s happened – the trials and tribulations.”

Meanwhile, Lythe Pillay surprised even himself on his way to the 400m title in a new personal best time of 44.31 seconds, with Zakithi Nene also achieving his second Olympic qualifying time in the event, taking silver in 44.80.

“We’re still on cloud nine, or rather on cloud 44 right now, but I’m grateful and blessed,” said an amazed Pillay afterwards.

“Being in a very competitive lineup like that, even with Wayde [van Niekerk] not being present, I knew it was going to be a tough race. I was just here to execute and do what I had to do today.

“The plan was just to go, so from the gun have a good reaction, stay controlled, not spilling energy unnecessarily, sticking to my normal tactics, sticking to my normal strength… and everything clicked today,” added the 21-year-old who will be hoping everything also clicks tomorrow when he is writing an accounting exam.

It was a busy day for Shirley Nekhubui who doubled up in the 200 and 400m, successfully securing both titles on the same day.

Nekhubui claimed the 200m victory in 23.28 and followed that up by edging out defending champion Miranda Coetzee for the 400m title as well, winning in a time of 51.77 seconds.

Nekhubui said afterwards she is till hoping to qualify for the Paris Olympic Games in the 400m and will be aiming to do that in Europe in the coming weeks.

Glenrose Xaba completed a double of her own. She overcame the steamy KZN conditions to add the 10,000m title to the 5000m gold she won on Thursday.

In a race that saw several athletes either collapsing or dropping out, Xaba held on to win in a time of 32:56.29 for her seventh national 10,000m title.

Adriaan Wildschutt took the men’s 5000m title in a time of 13:30.38 to make it a double for the family with his brother Nadeel having claimed the 10,000m title on Thursday.

The SA Athletics Championships conclude tomorrow.