The latest in SI‘s “Where Are They Now?” series covers longtime staffer Smith, arguably one of the finest profilers the journalism world has ever known. His portraits of Mike Tyson, Andre Agassi, and other icons cut through the insularity of sports fandom to become the stuff of magazine legend. Now, Joseph Bien-Kahn heads to South […]
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Roll With It
Ian Mackay was paralyzed 14 years ago in a bike accident, leaving the active 26-year-old with the physical abilities of an infant. Today, he’s traversing hundreds of miles in an Invacare TDX SP2. For Sports Illustrated, Joseph Bien-Kahn tells Mackay’s inspiring story and offers an account of his latest challenge: breaking a world record for […]
How the Only All-Black Team in College Swimming Became the Sport’s Hottest Ticket
“In a sport plagued by issues of representation, Howard University coach Nic Askew isn’t just building a strong program; he’s building something bigger.”
The Top 5 Longreads of the Week
This week, our editors recommend stories by Michael Wilson, Joseph Bien-Kahn, Jason Anthony, AC Shelton, and Tom Breihan.
The Next Cultural Battle: States Take Aim at Trans Athletes
Starting July 1, 2021, the Mississippi Fairness Act — signed into law by Governor Tate Reeves — will ban trans women and girls throughout Mississippi from playing school sports on women’s and girls teams.
The Top 5 Longreads of the Week
This week, we’re sharing stories from Lauren Smiley, Reid Forgrave, Susan Casey, Michael Rosenberg, and Lucy Jones.
Finding Answers about Life and Love in the Mountain Death Zone
“There’s no reflective surfaces when you’re climbing. You’re just who you are.”
Longreads Best of 2020: Sports and Games
With leagues across the world undergoing cancellations for much of the year, 2020 has been an interesting one in the world of sports. Here are some stories that resonated with us.
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.
An Audience of Athletes: The Rise and Fall of Feminist Sports
Billie Jean King once tried to find a sustainable business model for feminist sports coverage. Then women’s fitness tried to revive the swimsuit model.