AW – Athletics Weekly Magazine

The May issue of AW magazine (out on May 1) celebrates the life and times of Steve Prefontaine, 50 years on from his untimely death. Our special commemorative edition looks at the American distance runner’s brief but eventful career that created a legendary front-running figure who is still revered today. Euan Crumley speaks to those who knew “Pre” best to paint a portrait of the man and also gain an understanding of why his influence continues to be so keenly felt.

Meanwhile, the recent Australian Athletics Championships helped to underline how much talent is currently on the rise Down Under. Teenage sprinter Gout Gout has been the one to grab most of the headlines but, as three-time Olympian and commentator Tamysn Manou points out, there are a wide range of emerging young athletes coming through to complement the established stars already on the circuit.

May is also a huge month for the combined eventers who are targeting the world-renowned Hypomeeting in Gotzis which celebrates its 50th edition in 2025. Every year, this small Austrian town plays host to the very best decathletes and heptathletes on the planet and has been the proving ground for many of the finest sportsmen and women in history. Gabriella Pieraccini investigates what makes it so special.

As well as the established events on the calendar, two new additions have been in evidence in recent weeks. Grand Slam Track’s inaugural meeting took place in Kingston and sprint hurdler Danielle Williams provides an athlete’s perspective on it all. 1500m man Neil Gourley also shares his experiences of the meeting and talks through a hectic year that brought silver at the World Indoor Championships.

The European Running Championships saw its first staging, too, and AW columnist Verity Ockenden writes about how the event acted as a timely reminder as to why athletes put themselves to such stern tests.