Latest news with #GeorgeBurgess
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Map: Here's where the most shark attacks have happened
The Brief At least 1,660 "unprovoked" shark attacks have been reported in the U.S. since the 1800s. Florida leads the nation in the number of attacks, with far more than any other state. The International Shark Attack File has tracked shark attacks in the U.S. as far back as the early 1800s – long before the 1916 shark attacks along the New Jersey coast inspired the "Jaws" novel and movie. As cinephiles mark the 50th anniversary of "Jaws," a popular beach in Florida has been deemed the "shark bite capital of the world." In 2024, there were 47 "unprovoked" shark bites around the globe, and 28 of those happened in the U.S., according to the Florida Museum of Natural History's International Shark Attack File (ISAF). There were also 24 "provoked bites," which happen when humans try to interact with sharks. The ISAF has tracked shark attacks in the U.S. as far back as the early 1800s – long before the 1916 shark attacks along the New Jersey coast inspired the "Jaws" novel and movie. Shark expert George Burgess, former director of the Florida Program for Shark Research, described the 1916 Jersey Shore attacks as "the most unique set of shark attacks that ever have occurred" in a 2012 interview with Smithsonian Magazine. Spielberg's 1975 film, based on Peter Benchley's novel, captured that same sense of mystery and fear—and turned it into box office history. RELATED: 'Jaws' was fiction; this was the terrifying true story You can read more about the "Jaws" anniversary and the 1916 shark attacks here. By the numbers Florida has reported 942 shark attacks since 1882, far more than any other state. Julie Andersen, founder of the New York-based Shark Angels, told Fox News Digital that shark sightings and encounters have increased from coast-to-coast, but it doesn't mean there are more sharks in the ocean. The 47 unprovoked bites recorded in 2024 were far below the 10-year average of 70 shark bites a year. What they're saying "The rise in sightings is due to a mix of factors: more people in the water, better technology, shifting ocean conditions, and in some cases, successful conservation," she said. Local perspective New Smyrna Beach, located in Volusia County, Florida, "consistently tops global charts for shark encounters," Andersen said. Dig deeper Andersen said most unprovoked shark bites are considered minor injuries. "Most of these bites are minor, often from migrating small blacktip sharks mistaking toes and fingers for small bait fish. Many don't even require stitches," she explained. There was only one unprovoked shark attack death in the U.S. in 2024. It happened off the northwest coast of Oahu, Hawaii, and claimed the life of well-known surfer and lifeguard Tamayo Perry, according to USA Today. Here's a breakdown of shark attacks in the U.S. by state: Florida: 942 Hawaii: 199 California: 141 South Carolina: 120 North Carolina : 81 Texas: 49 Oregon: 29 New Jersey: 16 Georgia: 17 New York: 24 Alabama: 10 Massachusetts: 6 Virginia: 5 Louisiana: 5 Delaware: 5 Mississippi: 2 Washington: 2 Rhode Island: 2 Maine: 2 Connecticut: 1 Maryland: 2 The Source This report includes information from the International Shark Attack File, Fox News Digital, USA Today and previous LiveNow from FOX reporting. FOX's Austin Williams contributed.
Sydney Morning Herald
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
The seven friends taking Run It Straight from the schoolyard to the world
RUNIT has held two events to date, one in Melbourne's Pavilion and the other in Auckland's Trust Arena. The next event, which will be held overseas at a venue yet to be confirmed, will offer prizemoney of $200,000 for the winner, $50,000 for second place and $25,000 for third. From humble beginnings, the company now employs coaches, recruiters, doctors, marketing, public relations and event managers. 'We are a start-up company,' a RUNIT spokesperson said. 'And like most start-ups we have brought in some investors who believe in the product. The initial investment is aimed at growing our brand internationally.' Former South Sydney Rabbitohs star George Burgess and Fijian former rugby player Nemani Nadolo competed against each other in RUNIT's first event in Melbourne and are now representatives of the company. 'I think it's a great concept. I always loved that part of the game, the kickoff carries and the collision,' said Burgess on Channel 10's The Project earlier this month. 'I think there's some improvements we can definitely make, with making sure the competitors are prepared and ready to go, and they've got the right technique.' Despite its big-name backers and booming popularity, the Run It Straight craze has drawn criticism after 19-year-old Ryan Satterthwaite died attempting a tackle in a backyard in New Zealand. Concussion experts say brain injury can still occur without direct hits to the head, and medical treatment afterwards is too late. 'We have some real concerns around what is known as second impact syndrome where an impact of the brain can put it into vulnerable state, and then a short time after if they get another hit to the brain it will certainly result in death – and that's what we saw in New Zealand the weekend before,' said concussion expert Alan Pearce, a professor at Melbourne's Swinburne University. RUNIT says their competitions are carried out under strict supervision and that all their competitors are experienced. They do not encourage anyone to copy their events. 'We were devastated to learn of the tragic death of Ryan Satterthwaite … this is a tragic reminder that any contact sport like boxing, martial arts or combat-style activities should only be held in highly controlled environments, which include professional medical supervision and support,' said a RUNIT spokesperson. RUNIT says all its participants are screened for suitability before competing in different weight classes, and only tackles between the shoulders and hips are allowed. The company provides technique training and have qualified medical support on site during and after each round. UTS Sports marketing expert Dr Andy West believes RUNIT needs to maintain its social media momentum if it is to become a legitimate sport. 'There is that element of danger [in Run It Straight events], and real injury there, this sort of gladiatorial side of things that people are attracted to,' said West. 'They'll have to be able to get that balance. '[In order to] remain legitimate and keep that sort of social contagion that's going that people are interested to watch, they'll need to be keep that real level of excitement, but also that dangerous element to it.' Loading RUNIT attributes its success to the short, sharp, explosive nature of the contests, which make it perfect to share across social media such TikTok and Instagram. Their next goal is to take RUNIT to the US. 'It is new, it is exciting, it's short form, and it is daring,' the spokesperson said. 'There is a level of understanding and skill required to participate, but there's also brute strength and bravery. We believe the RUNIT Championship League has enormous potential to be the next big sports and entertainment product.'
The Age
10-06-2025
- Sport
- The Age
The seven friends taking Run It Straight from the schoolyard to the world
RUNIT has held two events to date, one in Melbourne's Pavilion and the other in Auckland's Trust Arena. The next event, which will be held overseas at a venue yet to be confirmed, will offer prizemoney of $200,000 for the winner, $50,000 for second place and $25,000 for third. From humble beginnings, the company now employs coaches, recruiters, doctors, marketing, public relations and event managers. 'We are a start-up company,' a RUNIT spokesperson said. 'And like most start-ups we have brought in some investors who believe in the product. The initial investment is aimed at growing our brand internationally.' Former South Sydney Rabbitohs star George Burgess and Fijian former rugby player Nemani Nadolo competed against each other in RUNIT's first event in Melbourne and are now representatives of the company. 'I think it's a great concept. I always loved that part of the game, the kickoff carries and the collision,' said Burgess on Channel 10's The Project earlier this month. 'I think there's some improvements we can definitely make, with making sure the competitors are prepared and ready to go, and they've got the right technique.' Despite its big-name backers and booming popularity, the Run It Straight craze has drawn criticism after 19-year-old Ryan Satterthwaite died attempting a tackle in a backyard in New Zealand. Concussion experts say brain injury can still occur without direct hits to the head, and medical treatment afterwards is too late. 'We have some real concerns around what is known as second impact syndrome where an impact of the brain can put it into vulnerable state, and then a short time after if they get another hit to the brain it will certainly result in death – and that's what we saw in New Zealand the weekend before,' said concussion expert Alan Pearce, a professor at Melbourne's Swinburne University. RUNIT says their competitions are carried out under strict supervision and that all their competitors are experienced. They do not encourage anyone to copy their events. 'We were devastated to learn of the tragic death of Ryan Satterthwaite … this is a tragic reminder that any contact sport like boxing, martial arts or combat-style activities should only be held in highly controlled environments, which include professional medical supervision and support,' said a RUNIT spokesperson. RUNIT says all its participants are screened for suitability before competing in different weight classes, and only tackles between the shoulders and hips are allowed. The company provides technique training and have qualified medical support on site during and after each round. UTS Sports marketing expert Dr Andy West believes RUNIT needs to maintain its social media momentum if it is to become a legitimate sport. 'There is that element of danger [in Run It Straight events], and real injury there, this sort of gladiatorial side of things that people are attracted to,' said West. 'They'll have to be able to get that balance. '[In order to] remain legitimate and keep that sort of social contagion that's going that people are interested to watch, they'll need to be keep that real level of excitement, but also that dangerous element to it.' Loading RUNIT attributes its success to the short, sharp, explosive nature of the contests, which make it perfect to share across social media such TikTok and Instagram. Their next goal is to take RUNIT to the US. 'It is new, it is exciting, it's short form, and it is daring,' the spokesperson said. 'There is a level of understanding and skill required to participate, but there's also brute strength and bravery. We believe the RUNIT Championship League has enormous potential to be the next big sports and entertainment product.'
Daily Mail
28-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
British youths warned not to take part in trend after Kiwi teenager is killed in controversial game - but UK stars 'support it'
British teenagers have been warned not to take part in a dangerous trend that has led to the tragic death of a New Zealand teenager. The rugby-style tackling game has become popular online in recent months but with deadly consequences. In the game, two players charge head first towards each other over a 20-metre 'battlefield' without any protective equipment or kit. It has become a social media sensation, with organisers touting it as 'the world's fiercest new combat sport'. The aim of the game involves one player trying to tackle and take a rugby ball that their opponent is holding. The rules of the controversial game state: 'Victory belongs tot he one who dominates the collision', but for some players, it has resulted in their premature death. On Monday night a 19-year-old Kiwi man died after suffering a serious head injury in a game inspired by the controversial 'Run It Straight' trend. Ryan Satterthwaite from northern New Zealand passed away on after taking part in the full-contact collision game on Sunday afternoon. Ryan Satterthwaite, 19, (pictured) from New Zealand died after suffering a serious head injury in a game inspired by the controversial 'Run It Straight' trend Manawatū Police Inspector Ross Grantham confirmed the young man was playing an impromptu tackle game with friends when the injury occurred. He was taken to hospital by his friends, but could not be saved. The game has been championed by former England rugby player George Burgess, 33 who won £9,500 after competing in a tournament in Australia, according to The Mirror. Burgess who played his last game in the NRL for St George Illawarra three years ago and won 15 caps for England between 2013 and 2018, squared off against giant former winger, Nadolo, who stands at a towering 195cm and weighs approximately 136kg. Nadolo, who was born in Fiji, was capped 30 times for his home country, scoring a whopping 206 points and was renowned for his physicality. Neuroscientist Dr Helen Murray has called the game unacceptably risky. 'There is clearly a high risk of head injury in this event. There's no attempt to reduce head acceleration, so I do not support it,' she told the NZ Herald. Professor Patria Hume, an expert in sports science and injury prevention, said the sport is 'a step backwards'. 'This is a reckless and dangerous spectacle,' she said. 'The science is clear – repeated head impacts increase risk of long-term brain damage.' Run It Straight's founder, Christian Lesa, said community support remains strong despite backlash and stated the game should only be played under strict conditions. Sports star Burgess defended the concept, calling it a safe simulation of past combat. Event spokesperson Billy Coffey said organised competitions involve waivers, pre- and post-medicals, and on-site ambulances. He claimed it gives former athletes a chance to 'get off the couch' and reconnect with their competitive spirit.
Otago Daily Times
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Runit craze should be nabbed in its infancy
Dumber than the film Dumb and Dumber, the 'Runit' craze is crass and brainless. It's the new 'sport' where two people run at each other to 'dominate' the collision. On every level, it's stupid. No wonder there's been an outcry as it reached these shores this week. No wonder neurologists are appalled. It does not require much in the way of brains to know this activity is wrong. Runit started recently in Melbourne, endeavouring to ape the collision impacts of rugby, rugby league and American Football. It describes itself as the world's fiercest new combat sport. Unsurprisingly, participants are sometimes knocked out, although Runit feebly claims that's a possible side effect and not a feature, unlike other combat sports. Runit also touts the vetting of participants, the presence of doctors and strict rules. Legitimate sports have been recognising the dangers of repeated head knocks, head injuries and CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy). Various protocols, stand downs, and rule changes have been introduced. Yet, this raw, crude pastime surges in popularity, attracting many millions of online views. This week, Runit hosted competitions in Auckland, attracting big names, and rival organisations had plans. Run it Straight 24's two events in South Auckland were cancelled after it failed to secure a venue. A clip from one of its Australian challenges is dumbfounding in its horror. A big crowd, including scores of children, cheered as a contestant was knocked out. He twitched on the ground in an apparent fit. Up the Guts NZ was entering the fray using a Jonah Lomu image in its advertising. Sickeningly, it claims the event will raise mental health and suicide awareness. Instead, it's more likely to cause long-term mental distress, given the connection between repeated head knocks and rapid head acceleration and CTE. CTE is linked with dementia and mental health deterioration. Its event today was also cancelled, the organiser citing the backlash to Runit. Up the Guts has under-18s, light heavyweight and super heavyweight divisions. What could go wrong? Let's injure teenagers as well. The presence of prominent sportsmen is deeply disappointing. Runit matched former English rugby league star George Burgess against rugby's Nemani Nadolo, a former Crusader. Sporting stars in New Zealand and Australia are associating with Runit. It reflects poorly on them. After preliminaries this week, the NZ finals in June boast a $200,000 first prize. The Runit league will later move to the United States, Saudi Arabia and Britain. New Zealand Rugby has condemned it, and rugby league should do likewise. Players and ex-players should be discouraged from any role in supporting events. Brutal MMA (mixed martial arts) and boxing already feature in the sporting world. Both, like Runit, appeal viscerally to basic instincts. All three are invitations to brain damage. The rise of another harmful combat sport is distressing. Runit and its counterparts have been labelled dumb. That hits the mark. ★★★ On to a genuine sport and more on the "misuse" of words. A "despairing cricket tragic" in an email let loose a bouncer (bumper in older parlance) on "nab" as used by ODT sports journalists and others for "take", as in "he came on to bowl and nabbed Smith's wicket". "Nab only means to catch a thief or to make a theft. "Why can't they simply use 'take/took' or use precise language such as 'bowled' or 'had Smith stumped' or 'had Smith caught in the gully'?" From the Collins Dictionary, the first two meanings, "to arrest" and "to catch (someone) in wrongdoing", agree. The third, "to seize suddenly; snatch", perhaps provides a little wriggle room. The dictionary's list of examples includes two from football, goals being nabbed rather than scored. This is another example of words changing meaning and language losing precision. Nab has swung a long way from its 16th to 17th century use as thieves' slang. civis@
