A man has been charged with stalking WNBA star Caitlin Clark after allegedly making a series of threatening posts online. The affidavit supporting the charges details how Clark expressed significant concern for her safety following these messages, stating that she’s altered her public appearances and routines out of fear. This highlights a critical aspect of stalking: it’s not just about explicit threats, but the pervasive fear and the need to drastically change one’s life to maintain safety. The constant worry about where to go, when to go, and how to present oneself – losing the freedom to simply be oneself – is a devastating consequence.… Continue reading
The tragic news of a 15-year-old high school cross country star collapsing and passing away while on a run has left me deeply saddened. As someone who lost a loved one suddenly, I can empathize with the immense pain and heartache that the parents of this young athlete are enduring. It is a devastating reality that something as seemingly healthy as running can lead to such a tragic outcome.
Instances like this serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictability and fragility of life. The stories shared by others who have experienced similar losses highlight the fact that often these incidents are a result of undiagnosed conditions that manifest suddenly and tragically.… Continue reading
The tragic news of the death of an athlete during the 2024 CrossFit Games has left the entire community reeling. Lazar Dukic’s passing has highlighted a multitude of issues surrounding athlete safety and the negligence of event organizers and officials. As someone with experience in open water swimming, I cannot fathom how such a catastrophic event was allowed to occur at a prestigious event like the CrossFit Games.
The lack of proper safety measures, such as adequate presence of lifeguards and rescue boats, is deeply concerning. It is baffling that in a competition of this scale, there were not enough precautions taken to ensure the well-being of all athletes.… Continue reading
I am absolutely appalled by the recent news of Belgium withdrawing from the mixed relay triathlon at the Olympics after an athlete who swam in the Seine River fell ill. The fact that the Seine River was tested at 985 CFU/100 mL just days before the event is outrageous. The water guidelines are in place for a reason, and it is unfathomable that officials would allow athletes to swim in water that clearly does not meet the safety standards. It is incredibly irresponsible and negligent on the part of the organizers.
The health and safety of the athletes should always be the utmost priority, and in this case, it was blatantly disregarded.… Continue reading
As a former swimmer myself, the recent news of a woman accusing her former Olympic swim coach of sexually abusing her as a teenager hits close to home. The sad truth is that this is far from uncommon in the world of competitive sports. It’s sickening to see how individuals like Larry Nassar and Joe Bernal, who produce Olympic medalists, are allowed to get away with such heinous acts simply because they bring in medals and money.
I remember a local coach in my area who tried to recruit me for his club. Despite not joining his team, I later discovered that he dated and eventually married a teenage swimmer from his club.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker