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Jacob Whitehead

@jacobwhitehead.bsky.social

5.5K followers 250 following 310 posts

✍️ Reporter for @theathleticfc.bsky.social. Investigations with a bit of cycling and #NUFC. Read books, climb hills, make soup. 📚🏔️🥣

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Jacob Whitehead @jacobwhitehead.bsky.social · Nov 16

Kenya produces the world's best runners — but their female athletes face a femicide crisis.

Since 2021, four elite women have been killed by their partners. Many others face violence.

Travelled to Iten — these athletes' stories deserve to be heard.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/591...

Jacob Whitehead @jacobwhitehead.bsky.social · 4d

Of course it was Tadej Pogacar. Dominance reprised, Evenepoel second again, another long-distance attack.

But genuine excitement about 19-year-old Paul Seixas' bronze medal — this is a rider who will be in these podium pictures for some time to come.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/669...

Tadej Pogacar launches 75km solo attack to win European Championships road race

Pogacar is now the reigning champion at the Tour de France, the Worlds, and the European Championships

www.nytimes.com

Jacob Whitehead @jacobwhitehead.bsky.social · 10d

Luke Donald became captain somewhat by accident, and then that was the last thing left to chance.

Piece on the small edges which gave Europe their two point Ryder Cup victory — including VR headsets, Dodo, and beautiful smelling hair.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/667...

How Europe won the Ryder Cup with $47 shampoo, Federer’s video and Moneyball

Revealing the little details that made for an historic triumph for the visitors at Bethpage

www.nytimes.com

Reposted by Jacob Whitehead

Jacob Whitehead @jacobwhitehead.bsky.social · 12d

Billy Guyton and Shane Christie were Super Rugby players — and best mates. Both lost their lives to suicide after suffering head injuries.

Spoke to their families about the answers that exist, and whether they're being introduced quickly enough.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/666...

Shane Christie, Billy Guyton and the brain injuries behind two rugby deaths

They were best friends, who took their own lives, after the same career, within three years of each other and their families have questions

www.nytimes.com

Reposted by Jacob Whitehead

The Athletic @theathletic.com · 12d

Shane Christie and Billy Guyton were two ‘free spirits’, two talented rugby players who lived, played and, ultimately, died the same way.

Each suffered brain injuries playing a sport they loved.

Their friends and families believe rugby's authorities failed them.

@jacobwhitehead.bsky.social

Shane Christie, Billy Guyton and the brain injuries behind two rugby deaths

They were best friends, who took their own lives, after the same career, within three years of each other and their families have questions

theathletic.com

Jacob Whitehead @jacobwhitehead.bsky.social · 11d

Tadej Pogacar is world champion again - he is the first man to win both the Tour de France and rainbow jersey in successive years.

Some brutal, attritional racing in Rwanda. Full analysis here:

www.nytimes.com/athletic/667...

Road Cycling World Championships: Pogacar solos to another rainbow jersey, but was Evenepoel unlucky?

The Athletic reviews a memorable week of racing in the Rwandan capital Kigali

www.nytimes.com

Reposted by Jacob Whitehead

Steve Madeley @stevemadeley78.bsky.social · 12d

A year ago today, Mark Townsend went to watch West Brom at Hillsborough and did not come home. Tomorrow, his relatives will be back in Sheffield for the start of an inquest that they hope will lead to answers. #WBA @theathleticfc.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/666...

Jacob Whitehead @jacobwhitehead.bsky.social · 12d

Their families are speaking out to give the next generation more support:

“Shane screamed at the top of his lungs about what was happening. Nothing changed. How many lives is it going to take before they listen? They should have listened after Billy.”

www.nytimes.com/athletic/666...

Shane Christie, Billy Guyton and the brain injuries behind two rugby deaths

They were best friends, who took their own lives, after the same career, within three years of each other and their families have questions

www.nytimes.com

Jacob Whitehead @jacobwhitehead.bsky.social · 12d

Billy Guyton and Shane Christie were Super Rugby players — and best mates. Both lost their lives to suicide after suffering head injuries.

Spoke to their families about the answers that exist, and whether they're being introduced quickly enough.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/666...

Shane Christie, Billy Guyton and the brain injuries behind two rugby deaths

They were best friends, who took their own lives, after the same career, within three years of each other and their families have questions

www.nytimes.com

Jacob Whitehead @jacobwhitehead.bsky.social · 13d

One year ago today, Muriel Furrer died at the World Championships, having not been found for 90 minutes.

Has safety improved? The number of stakeholders makes improvements slow — but in fresh news, teams are discussing an independent parcours regulator.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/666...

A year on from Muriel Furrer’s death, is cycling’s attitude to safety shifting?

A sport that witnesses death too often needs change. There is no shortage of ideas but right now there is a lack of consensus

www.nytimes.com

Jacob Whitehead @jacobwhitehead.bsky.social · 15d

Juan Ayuso joins Lidl-Trek after his acrimonious departure from UAE Team Emirates.

Lidl-Trek have their GC contender, Ayuso has sole leadership — but questions still remain on both sides.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/666...

Juan Ayuso joins Lidl-Trek after early UAE Team Emirates exit

Ayuso, 23, is considered one of the peloton’s best young climbing prospects but endured a turbulent season at UAE.

www.nytimes.com

Jacob Whitehead @jacobwhitehead.bsky.social · 18d

Dominant TT performance from Remco Evenepoel. Back? Or had he never left? Either way, overtaking Pogacar after being overtaken by Vingegaard at the TdF was a powerful moment.

So pleased for Marlen Reusser to taste a global gold as well.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/664...

Remco Evenepoel, Marlen Reusser claim time trial titles at World Road Championships

Vine and Van Wilder came second and third in the men's event, with Van der Breggen and Vollering second and third in the women's.

www.nytimes.com

Jacob Whitehead @jacobwhitehead.bsky.social · 29d

Ben Proud seems naive at best, misled at worst. Further reporting here about the 'greatest (medical) specialists' employed by the Enhanced Games.

But make no mistake — this is not just dangerous for Proud, but for governing bodies & sport at large.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/661...

Ben Proud’s doping defection is dangerous for him and for sport

The British swimmer's decision shows that 'clean sport' can no longer dismiss the threat posed by the Enhanced Games

www.nytimes.com

Jacob Whitehead @jacobwhitehead.bsky.social · Sep 9

One week of the Vuelta remaining — a race I did not think would be alive at this point. Joao Almeida has raced Jonas Vingegaard brilliantly.

Takeaways from the last seven days here: including Pidcock's podium bid, thoughts on UAE's dominance, and 🐶🐶🐶.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/661...

Vuelta a Espana week two: More protests, more UAE victories, and a closer battle for the red jersey than expected?

Jonas Vingegaard remains in the lead as the race enters its final week – but Joao Almeida is pushing him all the way

www.nytimes.com

Jacob Whitehead @jacobwhitehead.bsky.social · Sep 9

The number of local players in the Premier League is getting smaller. In 1995, there were 6.5 per squad. In 2010, it was 3.7. Now, it's just 2.7.

PSR-enforced sales? Definitely a factor — but academy competition for 14-16 year olds is driving this fall.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/658...

How many local players each Premier League team has – and why they’re on the decline

If fans feel a special sense of pride when local players make their debuts, is something being lost?

www.nytimes.com

Jacob Whitehead @jacobwhitehead.bsky.social · Sep 5

Unbelievable strength from Joao Almedia to win atop the Angliru.

A career-best performance to lead through the belly of the beast and still outsprint Jonas Vingegaard to the line.

Elsewhere, Tom Pidcock's Vuelta podium dream still looks to be on...

www.nytimes.com/athletic/660...

Joao Almeida beats Jonas Vingegaard on Vuelta a Espana queen stage

Stage 13 contained the Alto de l'Angliru climb and was billed as one of the most decisive stages of the Vuelta.

www.nytimes.com

Reposted by Jacob Whitehead

Pod on the Tyne @podonthetyne.bsky.social · Sep 3

It's the anniversary of Sir Bobby's appointment as #NUFC manager and a huge day for @sbrfoundation.bsky.social as they announce a revolutionary facility.

Please support his wonderful legacy by sponsoring "Sir Bobby's Team" in the Great North Run on Sunday...

www.justgiving.com/page/sir-bob...

Sir Bobby's Team 2025

Help Jack Ryan raise money to support Newcastle Hospitals Charity

www.justgiving.com

Jacob Whitehead @jacobwhitehead.bsky.social · Sep 3

Vuelta stage in Bilbao cut short due to scale of pro-Palestine protests. GC times taken with three kilometres remaining, with no stage winner.

Denies Pidcock possible victory after late attack.

Israel-Premier Tech under increasing pressure to withdraw.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/659...

Vuelta a Espana stage 11 cut short due to pro-Palestine protest

"Everyone has the right to protest whatever they want, but putting us in danger is not the way forward," British rider Tom Pidcock said.

www.nytimes.com

Reposted by Jacob Whitehead

Jack Pitt-Brooke @jackpittbrooke.bsky.social · Sep 2

New @theathleticfc.bsky.social pod

Top 10 moments of the transfer window !

@aakinwo.bsky.social @jacobwhitehead.bsky.social Tim Spiers and me

pod.fo/e/32379a

The Athletic FC Podcast: The 10 biggest moments of the transfer window

This has been a transfer window for the ages.There’s been sulks, sagas and over £3billion spent by Premier League clubs. Ayo Akinwolere is joined by the transfer guru himself, David Ornstein, to...

Jacob Whitehead @jacobwhitehead.bsky.social · Sep 2

"I had this thing to give to people. But also they bring me so much. And at the end it’s what sport is about, no? To give and to receive."

Great interview with Pauline Ferrand-Prevot on winning, weight, and everything between from Jess Hopkins on @theathletic.com:

www.nytimes.com/athletic/658...

Pauline Ferrand-Prevot on winning the Tour de France Femmes, weight loss, and descending tips from Tom Pidcock

The 2025 Tour de France Femmes winner speaks to The Athletic about a momentous year on the bike

www.nytimes.com

Jacob Whitehead @jacobwhitehead.bsky.social · Sep 1

Well called!

www.nytimes.com/athletic/659...

Juan Ayuso set to leave UAE Team Emirates after parties agree to early contract termination

The Spaniard will remain with his current team until the end of the 2025 season

www.nytimes.com

Jacob Whitehead @jacobwhitehead.bsky.social · Sep 1

Alexander Isak is an #LFC player. The £125m deal will be a British transfer record.

Went deep on his childhood, his rise, calls from Ronaldo, his ‘sneakiness’ - and the last occasion when he refused to play…

www.nytimes.com/athletic/654...

Understanding Liverpool’s record-signing Alexander Isak – ‘He was always looking for an opportunity’

This is Alexander Isak, now the most expensive Premier League signing ever: a unique personality, intense but also laid-back and introverted

www.nytimes.com

Jacob Whitehead @jacobwhitehead.bsky.social · Sep 1

Nine days down, and as the Vuelta a Espana enters the verdant greenery of the Asturias, Jonas Vingegaard can be quietly satisfied with his first long week of work.

Reflections on the race so far: Torstein Træen, Pidcock's podium bid, and Ayuso's enigma.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/658...

Vuelta a Espana week one: Vingegaard revitalized, Ayuso’s inconsistency, and can Pidcock finish on the podium?

Jacob Whitehead wraps up an intriguing opening week at the 2025 Tour of Spain and looks ahead to the next two

www.nytimes.com

Jacob Whitehead @jacobwhitehead.bsky.social · Aug 28

Chris Froome airlifted to hospital after serious crash in training. Condition stable, but set to undergo surgery this afternoon after breaking multiple ribs and a lumbar vertebrae.

May mark the end of the 40-year-old's career.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/658...

Chris Froome: Four-time Tour de France winner airlifted to hospital after training crash

The 40-year-old is set to undergo surgery on Thursday afternoon after suffering a major crash in training.

www.nytimes.com

Jacob Whitehead @jacobwhitehead.bsky.social · Aug 28

Ten days until the Great North Run — I'm so proud to be running it again for @sbrfoundation.bsky.social as part of Bobby's Team, a crack team of journalists and friends.

Massively grateful for any support — a charity which does so much for so many of us.

www.justgiving.com/page/sir-bob...

Sir Bobby's Team 2025

Help Jack Ryan raise money to support Newcastle Hospitals Charity

www.justgiving.com

Jacob Whitehead @jacobwhitehead.bsky.social · Aug 22

La Vuelta. The most overlooked of cycling’s Grand Tours, but in recent years, often its most dramatic.

Thoughts on Vingegaard, Red Bull, and the Angliru:

www.nytimes.com/athletic/656...

Vuelta a Espana 2025 preview: Riders to watch, key stages and more

Home to unpredictable and aggressive racing and steep climbs, The Vuelta has a unique place in the cycling calendar

www.nytimes.com