Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian
Donald McRae

Creator

Donald McRae

Jane Starfield in January 1982 mourns the death of Neil Aggett.

History stalks the torturers who drove Neil Aggett to suicide

The case against Neil Aggett’s interrogator could set an important precedent for restorative justice.

Too close to call, says McGrath

Legendary fast bowler Glenn McGrath feels the late appointment of Darren Lehmann could kick-start a change in fortunes for Australia.

How the Klopp keeps on ticking

The Borussia Dortmund manager talks hunting, shooting and hugging before the Champions League final at Wembley against Bayern Munich.

Usain Bolt has retained his Olympic title in the second fastest time on record.

Usain Bolt is ready to strike again

Usain Bolt tells Donald McRae about his rivals for the crown, the horror of false starts and how he planned to make history in London.

Stephen Roche is still haunted by the allegation that he used a synthetic blood booster near the fading end of his career.

Cycling legend left bruised by years in saddle

It is 25 years since Stephen Roche’s triple win, but accusations of doping still haunt him, reports Donald McRae.

Wimbledon winner: A moment of triumph — and tears — for Petra Kvitova last year.

Kvitova’s crying game

The reigning queen of Wimbledon describes the emotions of her long journey to a place in history.

Money talks in the ring of hard knocks

Boxing is a breeze when you’ve had a life as tough as unbeaten boxing champ Floyd Mayweather Junior.

Battle for top spot begins

Why shouldn’t England aspire to be the world’s No 1, asks England coach Andy Flower as his team begin their Test series against the top-ranked Indians

‘Blade Runner’ aims for Olympics

‘Blade Runner’ aims for Olympics

Having felled the ruling that his ‘legs’ give him an unfair advantage, Oscar Pistorius is going for gold.

A Serge to the finish for ‘Le Secateur’

A Serge to the finish for ‘Le Secateur’

"You’re going to make me cry now," Serge Betsen says with a crumpled smile as his battered rugby player’s face creases.

Ben Johnson’s tell-all track to recovery

Ben Johnson’s tell-all track to recovery

Twenty-nine years ago, in late September 1981, the most infamous story of corruption in world sport began.

‘I live in Europe but I sleep in Africa’

‘I live in Europe but I sleep in Africa’

Cameroon captain Samuel Eto’o has travelled a long and tough road to achieve his dream of playing in a World Cup in Africa.

Hashim Amla: Wisdom beyond his years

Donald McRae tracks Hashim Amla’s meteoric rise to the top of the international game.

‘It’s time for new heroes’

‘I’ve believed for a long time now that South Africa are going to win the World Cup,” Jake White says with quiet but utter certainty in his hotel room in Paris. Days away from…

Schalk Burger: 100% pure beef

”You can feel the anticipation and the tension growing because the serious stuff starts this week. Whether you’re a rugby player in South Africa or England, we’re in World Cup…

Carolina Kluft feels the pressure

Carolina Kluft takes a deep breath as she begins to explain what it is like to be the greatest female athlete of her generation, to be unbeaten for five years and still feel,…

Beckham not going into semi-retirement, says LA Galaxy

”We may be Americans but we’re not stupid,” Alexi Lalas says wryly as, in his role as president of LA Galaxy, he leans back in his boardroom and strokes the smooth and gleaming…

White Lightning strikes again

”I’m ecstatic and I can hardly wait for Saturday morning when I touch down at Heathrow,” Allan Donald says with typical fervour as he anticipates becoming a highly paid…

Ernie Els: ‘I’m not so easy’

Ernie Els, one of the world’s great golfers and a sportsman supposedly as relaxed as he is gifted, looks suitably devoid of stress in his baggy shorts and cool sandals. He cracks…

Making Pele and Edson better friends

Inside the walking, talking, living icon called Pele, a 65-year-old man named Edson still breathes and smiles and calls out ”Hello!” Sauntering down the corridor of a hushed…