Urged from a very young age to excel, Olympic cycling medalist Kelly Catlin committed suicide at age 23. ‘“I suspect a large part of why I am the way I am — both ‘good’ and ‘bad’ — is our childhood environment,” she wrote. “We are triplets. And we are, none of us, truly functional. … […]
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Longreads Best of 2019: Sports Writing
We asked writers and editors to choose some of their favorite stories of the year in various categories. Here is the best in sports writing.
Choosing Amputation Over Pain
Swimmer Morgan Stickney opted to amputate her leg below the knee to get off of opioids and get back in the pool after a seemingly innocuous foot injury and the ensuing complications left her in pain.
The Geography Closest In
In her new book, Miranda Ward explores the unique place of almost-motherhood — an uncertain landscape characterized by waiting, wanting, hoping, and not-knowing.
The Top 5 Longreads of the Week
This week, we’re sharing stories from Connie Bruck, San Francisco Chronicle Staff, Justin Heckert, Kent Babb, and Rob Harvilla.
The Bicycle Thief
He was an Olympic hopeful in track cycling. Then he was a bank robber, more prolific than Dillinger, with a bright orange getaway bike. And then he was a prisoner, caught by his distinctive wheels.
All the Obstacles in a Mother’s Way
Everyone has something to say about this mother’s body, career, and parental choices.
Living to Tell About It
Struggling with trauma, sexual objectification, and self-harm, the teenage T Kira Madden found salvation in her close relationships with other young women.
Powerful On the Beam or Off
Aly Raisman is a six-time Olympic medalist. She’s a survivor of abuse at the hands of Larry Nassar. And now, she’s an activist.

