Bradley Wiggins opens up on sexual abuse by childhood cycling coach
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Bradley Wiggins first publicly revealed he was sexually abused as a child almost by accident during an interview with Alastair Campbell for Men’s Health in 2022. Wiggins had no plans to speak about what his cycling coach, Stan Knight, did to him on training camps as a teenager. But when Campbell asked, “What else were you running from?” when Wiggins walked away from the Tour de France after winning the race in 2012, Wiggins replied: “A lot of stuff. I was groomed by a coach when I was younger – I was about 13 – and I never fully accepted that.” Campbell clearly wasn’t prepared for the answer, saying: “Blimey, we’re getting it all today,” and the interview soon meandered to discussion on Eurosport commentary and Wiggins’ opinion of Boris Johnson. “He didn’t press me for detail, but it was like a weight had come off my shoulders the minute I did that,” Wiggins told BBC Radio 4 on Tuesday. “It opened a wave of press articles, particularly from the Daily Mail, and in some of them the insinuation was I was lying – ‘what a bizarre statement to make, without adding any context to it’ – which I could probably see, there was some plausibility in that. But from that moment on, I felt like I had to see it through and make sense of it all. “It wasn’t till about a year and a half on from that interview, I did another interview with The Sunday Times Magazine and that sparked other people to come forward who were also victims of this same gentleman, and that caused me to spiral even more because it was confirmation for me. I always thought I was the only one.” open image in gallery Wiggins because Britain’s first Tour de France winner when he triumphed in 2012 (Getty) Wiggins’ laid bare the abusive practices of Knight, who gave invasive massages, touched his victims in the shower under the guise of teaching good hygiene, and shared beds with the boys while staying away in hostels. Wiggins’ account encouraged four more men, all in their forties, to come forward and reveal similar experiences while under Knight’s supervision. Wiggins goes into more detail in his new book, The Chain, an account of how his troubled childhood dogged him throughout his career despite the outward success of Tour de France and Olympic glory. He writes about a hotel stay with Knight, who died in 2003, when Wiggins vomited during the night and woke up in the morning without his pyjamas. “I know somehow, be it through the food or another way, he drugged me,” he writes. Wiggins’ book also details how he wrestled with the relationship with his father, Gary, a cyclist who left when Bradley was only 18 months old and did not make contact with his son for more than a decade. He recalls how his bullying stepfather cynically filled the void in his life. Wiggins tried to reconcile with his father in his twenties but discovered a man hooked on substance abuse, and he was later killed in 2008 after an assault. He also opens up on the Jiffy-Bag scandal in which a mystery package was delivered to Team Sky during the 2011 Criterium du Dauphine. A parliamentary inquiry concluded the team “crossed an ethical line” in their exploitation of therapeutic-use exemptions (TUEs) which allowed riders to take the banned corticosteroid triamcinolone, which Wiggins used before major races at the height of his career. Wiggins claims Team Sky, led by Dave Brailsford, “chucked me under a bus” during the fallout. “I was put in a position where I had to prove a negative,” he told Radio 4. “The story that ran after that was full of innuendo, supposition, and it grew. It was a sinister act, there was a lot going on behind the scenes and continues to this day. One thing I will say on that, I think the truth will come out at some point. As time passes, and maybe very soon, the truth around that time will eventually come out.” open image in gallery Dave Brailsford, right, led Team Sky to a decade of cycling glory (Getty Images) In his book, Wiggins attributes the hardest challenges of his life – “Stan, my dad, his murder, success, fame, the package, the witch-hunt” – for allowing himself to fall into a cocaine addiction which consumed his life after cycling. He admits snorting lines off his Olympic gold medal, and smashing up his Sports Personality of the Year award in front of his children. Wiggins says he lived behind a mask of “Wiggo”, this extroverted character with sideburns and sunglasses who could do remarkable things on a bike, and who provided a blanket for the internal torment he felt. But he holds himself accountable for how his life unravelled after cycling, telling Radio 4: “I’m responsible for my own life. So it’s not something that I sit looking to blame anyone. I’m 45 years of age, and the day I won the Tour
‘We have to pull fans back together’ – Nuno has a ‘problem’ at West Ham – FBC News
source: Getty Images /BBC Website There were empty seats before West Ham took on Brentford in their London derby. And plenty during the game. And even more so as the game drew to a close. The fans who were left booed their team off after a truly miserable 2-0 defeat that could easily have been 5-0. These are toxic times at London Stadium, with some fans staying away in a protest against the running of the club. Article continues after advertisement New Hammers boss Nuno Espirito Santo – yet to win after three games – admits the players have to work hard to get the fans back onside. There was no sugar-coating this performance by the head coach with his after-match verdict Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Why Juarno Augustus missed another Springbok opportunity
Juarno Augustus has for years been earmarked to be the ideal candidate to take over the role of Duane Vermeulen as his successor. Despite this, earning a national call-up during his time at the Stormers proved to be a difficult task for the former Stormers No 8. After pulling off dominant performances for his new club Ulster, coach Rassie recently named him in the extended squad who will be on stand-by for the Autumn Nations Series. However, the 27-year-old has now suffered another setback. Ulster provided an injury update ahead of their game in Johannesburg, revealing that Augustus had sustained an arm injury during their match against the Sharks. “Juarno Augustus suffered an arm injury, and his fitness will be monitored through training this week,” the club confirmed. This is only the second time this year that he has missed out on making his international debut. Juarno Augustus misses initial call-up After having an outstanding season with the English club, Northampton Saints, the 2017 World Rugby Junior Player of the Year was rewarded by receiving a national call-up to the Springbok alignment camp in June. Despite initially joining the virtual session because of prior commitments with the club, his hopes of wearing the green and gold during the mid-year series against Italy were quickly cut short. The reason was primarily due to injury. Plagued by injuries The uncapped loose-forward would most likely have been given game time when the Boks faced the Barbarians in Cape Town. It was later reported that he had sustained an injury while playing for his former club. This left him out of contention. “It is a blow not to have Juarno with us and available as we wanted to get him involved and have a look at him,” Rassie said at the time. He added that having Juarno transition from one club to another has made the situation extra difficult. “We couldn’t bring him in ourselves for rehab, so unfortunately, he is not with us now and won’t be playing for us against the Barbarians or Italy.” If given the green light, the chance of him being called to join the team in Europe and the UK remains a possibility.
Louis Rees-Zammit back in Wales squad after two-year absence
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Louis Rees-Zammit is back in the Wales squad after a two-year absence and an attempt to make it in the NFL. The British and Irish Lions winger, who won the last of his 32 caps at the 2023 World Cup, has been named in new head coach Steve Tandy’s first squad for the upcoming Autumn Nations Series. Rees-Zammit made the switch to American Football in January 2024, joining the Kansas City Chiefs and then the Jacksonville Jaguars, but did not play a competitive game in the NFL. The 24-year-old returned to rugby by signing a season-long deal at Bristol in August – and Tandy has included him in a 39-strong squad for November Tests against Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa, despite Rees-Zammit missing the Bears’ last two games with a foot injury. “It’s been really exciting going through the whole process and realising how many good players we’ve got,” said Tandy, who left his role as Scotland defence coach – a position he had held since 2019 – to fill a vacancy created by Warren Gatland’s departure in February. “We’ve got to the decision of the selection, which we are really happy with. “There’s a really good mix of some young guys coming in, mixed with some experience as well. “But the overall feeling is really exciting and I can’t wait to get the boys into camp on Monday.” Jac Morgan returns and skippers the side having missed the summer tour to Japan to play for the Lions in Australia. Dewi Lake led the side in the Far East when Wales won the second game to draw the series 1-1, ending a run of 18 successive Test defeats. Tandy said: “Jac was captain for the Six Nations and then Dewi did a brilliant job on the summer tour when Jac was with the Lions. “I think we’ve got a couple of really good young leaders coming through, but I feel Jac, he’s just an amazing player, an amazing human being. “I feel he’s going to go from strength to strength as a captain for our nation and also been underpinned by some young leaders like Dewi and Daf Jenkins.” Saracens prop Rhys Carre returns following confirmation by the Professional Rugby Board that he is eligible for Wales selection, despite being five caps short of the 25 required for those playing for clubs outside Wales. Carre would become available for the other home nations in 2026 because it will have been three years since he previously played for Wales. Second rows Adam Beard and Dafydd Jenkins return having missed the two-Test series in Japan due to being given a break and elective surgery respectively. Five uncapped players – forwards Brodie Coughlan, Danny Southworth, James Fender and Morgan Morse and Bath centre Louie Hennessey – feature. Scarlets back-rower Josh Macleod and Blues lock forward Teddy Williams, who both started the summer victory over Japan, were ruled out by injury, as were Exeter flanker Christ Tshiunza and Cardiff pair James Botham and Mason Grady. Racing 92 lock forward Will Rowlands has announced his retirement from international rugby, having won 41 caps. Forwards: Keiron Assiratti, Adam Beard, Liam Belcher, Rhys Carre, Ben Carter, Brodie Coghlan, Christian Coleman, Rhys Davies, Taulupe Faletau, James Fender, Archie Griffin, Dafydd Jenkins, Dewi Lake, Alex Mann, Jac Morgan (c), Morgan Morse, Taine Plumtree, Nicky Smith, Danny Southworth, Gareth Thomas, Freddie Thomas, Aaron Wainwright. Backs: Josh Adams, Jacob Beetham, Rio Dyer, Dan Edwards, Jarrod Evans, Kieran Hardy, Joe Hawkins, Louie Hennessey, Max Llewellyn, Reuben Morgan-Williams, Blair Murray, Louis Rees-Zammit, Tom Rogers, Ben Thomas, Nick Tompkins, Tomos Williams.
Netball Fiji mourns passing of former Pearls captain and coach – FBC News
[ Source: netballaust/ instagram ] Netball Fiji has paid tribute to one of its most iconic figures Unaisi Rokoura following her tragic passing in a drowning incident over the weekend. Fondly known as Una, she was among Fiji’s most accomplished and respected athletes, having first represented the Fiji Pearls at just 17 years old. Over the years, she became a pillar of Fijian sport, known for her leadership, humility and deep love for the game. Article continues after advertisement Netball Fiji President RubyAnn Sorovaki reflectes on Una’s remarkable contribution to sport saying they are heartbroken by this tragic loss. “Una was not only a remarkable athlete and coach but also a mentor and friend to many. Many of us will now be reminiscing and sharing the different journeys and experiences we shared with this great friend and sportsperson. Her legacy in Fijian and Pacific sport will live on through the many players and colleagues she influenced.” Rokoura’s international career was nothing short of remarkable—she represented Fiji in six Pacific Games, two Commonwealth Games and two Netball World Championships, while also captaining the Pearls from 1997 to 2006. Beyond netball, her athletic talent extended across multiple sports, including hockey, rugby 15s, basketball and beach volleyball, cementing her place as one of Fiji’s greatest all-round athletes. Netball Fiji extends its deepest condolences to her father Tomu Rokoura, her brother Aseri, sister-in-law Lusi, her nieces and nephews and the wider sporting community. Sorovaki adds her impact—both on and off the court—will be remembered with immense respect and gratitude. Her contribution to netball extended well beyond her playing career where she held numerous leadership and development roles, including: • Fiji Netball Association o 2009–2013: Fiji Pearls Head Coach o 2017–2022: Country Coordinator, NetGO Fiji o 2022–2024: Fiji Pearls Head Coach • Netball PNG o 2015–2017: Head Coach, PNG Pepes o Consultant Coach, PNG U21 Team • University of the South Pacific o 2007–2014: Fitness Instructor at the USP Gym Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Radio DJ reveals chaos behind Pirates’ Congo loss
Orlando Pirates face a massive uphill battle this weekend after a shocking 3-0 defeat to Saint-Eloi Lupopo in the first leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary qualifiers. The Soweto giants will need a stunning 4-0 victory at home to stay alive in Africa’s top club competition. HOW ORLANDO PIRATES WERE TREATED IN CONGO While fans and pundits have been appalled at the Sea Robbers for the heavy loss, one insider insists there was far more to the story. Metro FM DJ and Bucs fan Tbo Touch has revealed some of the extreme conditions the team faced in Lubumbashi. “I did enough research, my team told me they were warned in the locker rooms that landmines were on the field,” Tbo Touch said on The Touchdown show. “How are you going to play knowing that at any given time you might set it off? Everybody is going around saying Orlando Pirates lost 3-0. Do research.” PLAYING ON EMPTY STOMACHS The struggles didn’t stop once the players left the pitch. According to Touch, the team’s preparations were disrupted from the moment they arrived at the hotel. “First of all, when they got to the hotel, they did not even have their regular breakfast. They did not have their regular breakfast. The nutritionist warned them. Told them guys we will have to go play hungry.” To make matters worse, the steaming weather conditions on the green grass added another layer of difficulty for the visitors. “And secondly, the weather was horrendous [hot conditions]. They should have called off that game the same way they cancelled the Cape Town Marathon,” Touch added. Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates take on Polokwane City in the Betway Premiership on Wednesday, before the return leg against Saint-Eloi Lupopo on Saturday. Both games will be played at the Orlando Stadium. Also read: Moeneeb Josephs on Congo trip: Fighting in the tunnel
Edinburgh captain Magnus Bradbury wins Scotland recall for autumn internationals
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Edinburgh captain Magnus Bradbury has been recalled to the Scotland squad for the upcoming autumn internationals more than three years after his last cap. The 30-year-old back-rower, who made the most recent of his 19 appearances for his country on the 2022 summer tour, is joined in Gregor Townsend’s 45-man pool by his fellow Edinburgh forwards Liam McConnell and Harri Morris, who are both included for the first time. Senior players Zander Fagerson, Jack Dempsey and Rory Darge have all been selected despite injury issues restricting their involvement with Glasgow this season. Prop Fagerson has not played for club or country since early April while back-rower Dempsey has been sidelined since the Six Nations match against Wales in early March. It remains to be seen how much involvement they will be able to have in next month’s Tests against USA, New Zealand, Argentina and Tonga. Captain Sione Tuipulotu is back in the squad for the first time since last autumn after missing the Six Nations through injury and then being involved with the British and Irish Lions over the summer. Uncappped Montpellier back-rower Alexander Masibaka has retained his place after going on the summer tour of the South Pacific.
SASCOC responds to Netball SA president’s shock allegations
The South African Sports Confederation, Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SASCOC) has strongly denied allegations made by Netball South Africa President Cecilia Molokwane, who claimed the organisation was involved in her suspension from World Netball. Molokwane, speaking during a media briefing, suggested that SASCOC, in collaboration with individuals within Netball South Africa, had orchestrated a campaign to tarnish her reputation – a claim SASCOC now categorically refutes. ‘Does not interfere’ In an official statement, SASCOC said it “respects the autonomy of international sporting bodies” and “does not interfere in their disciplinary processes.” The body confirmed it had not received any formal complaint or evidence from Molokwane to support her claims. “Public allegations made without substantiation risk undermining the integrity of our sporting institutions,” the statement read, adding that issues of this nature should be handled through appropriate and formal channels. ‘Transparency’ Cecilia Molokwane was recently suspended by World Netball under circumstances yet to be fully disclosed. She maintains her innocence and has hinted at internal politics playing a role in the sanction. SASCOC concluded its response by reaffirming its commitment to transparency, accountability, and fair governance in sport. There has been no official comment yet from World Netball regarding Molokwane’s allegations or the specific reasons for her suspension.
Fijian Warriors set for Australian Country clash – FBC News
[ Source: Fiji Rugby / Facebook ] The Shop N Save Fijian Warriors have assembled in Nadi ahead of their much-anticipated clash against the touring Australian Country side this Thursday at King Charles Park. The visitors, made up of regional Australian players including farmers and tradesmen, have spent the past two weeks in Fiji preparing for the fixture, with warm-up matches against the Army Rugby team and a combined Malolo side sharpening their form. The tour falls under the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports Program — part of the Vuvale Partnership — which aims to strengthen athlete development between the two nations. Article continues after advertisement Guiding the Warriors is head coach Cohen Politini, who recently led Nadi to the 2025 Skipper Cup quarter-finals. His young squad, largely made up of players under 23, includes standout talents from the Vodafone Vanua Cup such as Sevuloni Tawake (Navosa), Amani Tukana (Taveuni) and Savenaca Durusolo (Kadavu). They will be supported by an experienced coaching and management team featuring Ilai Derenalagi, Aca Ratuva, Tikiko Nauma, Kausheel Prasad and Senirusi Seruvakula. Politini says the match means more than just rugby, as the Warriors dedicate Thursday’s game to the fight against breast cancer, with all gate proceeds going to the Fiji Cancer Society. “We will be playing for mothers, aunts and grandmothers who have battled through breast cancer.” Fans are being urged to show up in numbers with kick-off set at 2pm at King Charles Park. You can watch the LIVE action on FBC TV. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
American chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky dies aged 29
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more American chess grandmaster and commentator Daniel Naroditsky died on Monday, aged 29. The Charlotte Chess Club in North Carolina, where Naroditsky taught, announced his death on social media. “The Naroditsky family shares the sad news of Daniel’s unexpected passing,” the club said. “Daniel was a talented chess player, educator, and beloved member of the chess community. We ask for privacy as the family grieves.” The cause of the death was not immediately known. “Let us remember Daniel for his passion and love for the game of chess,” the Naroditsky family said in a post on X, “and for the joy and inspiration he brought to us all every day.” Naroditsky was born in 1995 in North Carolina, the son of Jewish immigrants from Ukraine and Azerbaijan. Growing up in San Mateo County, California, he was a child chess prodigy who quickly rose to become a World Chess Champion at the age of 18, and a grandmaster in 2013. One of the most recognisable chess figures in the US, he consistently ranked within the top 200 worldwide at traditional chess and maintained a top 25 ranking throughout his adult career at fast-paced blitz chess. open image in gallery Daniel Naroditsky (Charlotte Chess Center) Most recently, he won the US National Blitz Championship in August with a perfect score. “Daniel enjoyed everything about chess, whether it was playing, studying or learning about the history of the game. He was a voracious reader of chess literature,” the US national team coach, John Donaldson, said. Naroditsky was also a popular chess commentator and an online educator, who regularly streamed games on platforms like Twitch and YouTube, gaining a huge following due to his humorous personality and entertaining style. The grandmaster published two books on chess, becoming one of the youngest published chess authors ever. open image in gallery Daniel Naroditsky (AP) He summed up his views on sport and life in 2022: “At the end of the game, both the king and the pawn go into the same box.” “He loved streaming, and he loved trying to be educational. The chess world is very grateful,” Hikaru Nakamura, fellow American grandmaster, said in his livestream on Monday. open image in gallery Daniel Naroditsky (Charlotte Chess Center) Top chess players from around the world took to social media to express their shock and sadness at Naroditsky’s passing, with many praising him as a skilled player and a gifted educator. “I still can’t believe it and don’t want to believe it,” Dutch grandmaster Benjamin Bok said on X. “It was always a privilege to play, train, and commentate with Danya, but above all, to call him my friend.” Armenian grandmaster Levon Grigori Aronian said: “It’s heartbreaking. I knew Danya quite well and I can say he was always a good friend and a nice guy.”