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BBC News
11 hours ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Run It Straight: The Australians trying to turn a backyard tackle into a global sport
"Defender ready?" calls the host.A thumbs up and moments later, two burly men - with no protective gear - run full speed at each other before they clash, the unmistakable sound of flesh and bone crowd erupts into a collective roar, some cheering, others is the moment they've been waiting for - and it's exactly this adrenaline-fuelled energy that organisers of the Run It Championship League are banking on to help bring what they call the "world's fiercest, new collision sport" to global is a supercharged version of a one-on-one tackle game which originated in the backyards and school playgrounds of Australia and New Zealand - namely in Pacific Islander person carrying a ball must "run it straight" at the defender, who is also sprinting towards them: they are not allowed to duck, hurdle or sidestep the of the game have recently gone viral, and the founders of the Run It league have capitalised on the surge of interest - they say they've gained millions of views online, won over thousands of fans, attracted big name sponsors, and even inspired rival held jousts in Melbourne and Auckland, and on Saturday another will take place in a Dubai arena, the winner taking away prize money of A$200,000 (£98,000). Next on their agenda, is an expansion to the UK and the groundswell of support for the league is increasingly being rivalled by critical voices. Medical experts and sporting figures are worried about the physical and mental health impacts of the game. The game has been copied in a wider social media craze which is accused of already claiming one life."It's like shaking a baby," says Peter Satterthwaite, whose teenage nephew died after copying the game at a party. From the schoolyard to the world stage The objective of the game is simple: be the person who "dominates" the contact, as deemed by a panel of three of the league's seven co-founders, Brandon Taua'a and Stephen Hancock, tell the BBC they have fond memories of playing the game as teenagers in Melbourne."I used to 'run it straight' at Brandon all the time," Hancock says, joking that the pair would usually try to avoid hitting each other straight be none of that this weekend, when the eight finalists compete for that giant cash prize in United Arab insists Run It is a "game of skill" - "[It's] all about the footwork" - but there's no denying the violent nature of it.A quick scroll of the league's social media accounts shows dozens of quick-burst videos, all honing in on the explosive action of two men other videos circulating from the events, several competitors are knocked out and require immediate medical acknowledges the sport comes with risks, but the league has safety protocols to minimise are screened, undergoing medical assessments – such as blood tests and a physical exam – and they must also send a recent video of themselves playing a sport that features tackling. Medical staff are also on the sidelines of the events."There's an element of danger with surfing, with boxing and many other sports as well," Taua'a Champ Betham - who won NZ$20,000 earlier this month at the competition in Auckland and is gunning for the title in Dubai on Saturday – the element of danger is but a secondary consideration."This is a massive blessing to a whole heap of us to pretty much try and win 20K or whatever for a couple hours' work," he told Radio New Zealand at the time."We got to pay off some debts and stock up the fridges and the cupboards, food for our little ones, especially with the economy and stuff like that here in New Zealand. Nothing's cheap these days." The money involved, for a league which has only been around for six months, is impressive. Along with the prize fund, competitors' travel and accommodation expenses are being paid. A 1,600-seat arena has been booked. The league has a slick social media account, a PR representative, and a bunch of promoters - including antipodean sports initial financial backers have been described only as "a group of local investors who believe in the product", but bigger names are emerging: days before the Dubai event, the league announced it had secured a major sponsor in online gambling platform banned in key markets like Australia and the are also ongoing talks with potential US investors, including a contact linked to American podcaster and UFC heavyweight Joe Rogan, which Taua'a says "will definitely help" the league build a presence in the will need big backers to match their ambitions for the contest, which they argue is more than just a fleeting social media trend."This could actually eventuate into a sport that could sit [in a class] with MMA and boxing," Hancock says. 'An innocuous crash' But as Taua'a and Hancock focus on the competition's future ambitions, more and more voices are questioning its safety."They might as well set up smoking as a legitimate sport," says neuroscientist Alan to the BBC from the New Zealand city of Palmerston North, Peter Satterthwaite is unequivocal."It's not a sport," he says. It's "a dangerous activity" designed purely "to hurt the guy in front of you".His 19-year-old nephew Ryan was celebrating a 21st birthday with friends at a local park when they decided to try the game they'd seen all over their social media did two tackles. Neither he or his friend fell down or clashed heads. But as he walked away, he told his mates he didn't feel well, his uncle recounts."[Ryan] was coherent for a bit, then he lay down and his eyes just rolled back in his head." Friends rushed him to hospital where doctors had to "cut a sizable chunk out of his skull" to alleviate pressure caused by brain swelling, Satterthwaite says."I saw him on the ventilator, his chest going up and down as he was breathing, and it was like 'Get up! Open your eyes'."On Monday evening, just a day after he was playing with his mates, Ryan's life support was turned off in a hospital room filled with loved ones."It was just an innocuous clash," Ryan's uncle says, "and it just shows you how fragile life is and how fragile your brain is."Run It understands the dangers of contact sports and takes safety seriously. Weeks after Ryan's death, the league posted a video saying the game is "not for the backyard, not for the street"."Do not try this at home," they Satterthwaite doubts that warning will have much impact."I don't think there's a sport in the world that people don't do at the beach, or in their backyard, or at the park."It's not just the physical impacts that worry Shenei Panaia. As a Samoan growing up in Australia, she would often see schoolkids playing the game as a bit of fun. But the mental health worker fears it reinforces "a version of masculinity where silence is strength, and violence is proof of pride"."It sends a dangerous message to young men that their worth is based on how much pain they can take. That if you're not tough, you don't belong."And the league's attempt to turn this into a lucrative spectator sport contradicts the values of many in the Pacific Islander community, Penaia says."We are taught to look out for one another... and to make decisions that serve more than just ourselves." 'Blood in the air' Their concerns are echoed by a pack of concussion experts and sporting more than a decade, the world of high-impact sports has been introducing safety measures as the research into brain injuries bodies including Rugby Australia, New Zealand Rugby have warned people not to take part, with the New Zealand Prime Minister also weighing in, saying it's a "dumb thing to do".Neuroscientist Pearce argues Run It magnifies "the most violent aspects of our established sport", while the safety protocols do little to minimise any risk. Blood tests and physical exams cannot predict a brain injury, and catastrophic damage can occur even without a direct hit to the head. "I can't see how running at 25km an hour straight at each other without stopping is safe," he tells the BBC. "It's as simple as that."There's the risk of immediate concussion, Dr Pearce says, delayed onset brain injuries like Ryan Satterthwaite's, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) - a degenerative disease caused by repetitive head trauma. They can lead to cognitive impairments, movement disorders, dementia, depression."[They're] basically using the collision as the entertainment value, which is, in effect, commercialising concussion," he a spokesperson for the league - who argues it is "not about masculinity" but "strength and skill" - say organisers have no intention of slowing down, and aren't too worried about their says what happens at their competitions is "not too much different" to what you see on televised rugby matches, and – with their protocols – it is far safer than many of the games played in backyards the world over."It's quite new for viewers and it might take some time for them to get used to seeing what we've put together."
Forbes
2 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
Erectile Dysfunction Is Rising, And It's More Than Just Blood Flow
Extra strong pills for sale at an adult sex shop in Soho, central London, United Kingdom. Photo by ... More Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is no longer merely a symptom of aging but a physiologic and psychological signal that something more profound in the system is out of sync. And clinicians are sounding the alarm: ED is one of the earliest warning signs of cardiometabolic dysfunction, hormonal imbalance and emotional strain. More than half of men over 40 will experience some degree of ED, and younger men are increasingly reporting symptoms, too. Yet silence persists. Industry surveys show that only about half of men experiencing ED speak to a doctor, and even fewer discuss it with their partners. Despite its prevalence, however, stigma and misinformation continue to prevent early intervention. Medical experts across disciplines now treat ED not as a standalone urological issue but as a red flag for a broader health dysfunction. The condition is progressively linked to cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, hormone imbalances and chronic stress. But as public awareness grows, more men are being encouraged to shift their view of ED from a source of taboo to a clinical signpost pointing toward deeper recalibration. At its core, ED reflects impaired blood flow, a vascular issue often rooted in endothelial dysfunction. Erections rely on the bioavailability of nitric oxide and the ability of blood vessels to dilate efficiently. When that vascular responsiveness is compromised, often by conditions like hypertension, insulin resistance, smoking or chronic inflammation, erectile function suffers. Recent studies confirm what clinicians have long suspected: ED frequently precedes overt cardiovascular disease by several years. It can function as a quiet biomarker for subclinical atherosclerosis and systemic inflammation, a literal early warning from the circulatory system. Testosterone levels also play a pivotal role. Low testosterone can disrupt libido, increase abdominal fat, dampen nitric oxide production and impact mood, all of which contribute to diminished erectile function. Additionally, micronutrient deficiencies and sedentary lifestyles exacerbate the body's ability to maintain healthy vascular tone, sexual response and beyond. The emotional and neurological dimensions of ED are equally paramount to understanding its complex, often multifaceted root cause entirely. Chronic psychological stress activates the body's stress-response system, elevating cortisol levels that interfere with testosterone production and dampen sexual desire. In parallel, persistent activation of the sympathetic nervous system blunts the parasympathetic response required for arousal. Research now links high perceived stress and lack of sleep with significantly higher rates of psychogenic ED, particularly in men under 40. Still, cognitive and behavioral interventions have been shown to improve erectile outcomes by reducing performance anxiety and promoting nervous system balance. Meanwhile, digital behaviors, particularly habitual pornography consumption, can also be a source of impact on arousal pathways. Regular solo porn use may desensitize dopamine receptors and condition the brain toward artificial stimulation, which can dull responsiveness in real-life intimacy. For some men, this contributes to delayed arousal, a disconnect in partnered sex and increasing sexual dissatisfaction. Pharmacological factors add another layer. Antidepressants, especially SSRIs, are known to contribute to sexual side effects in a large percentage of users, including reduced libido and difficulty achieving orgasm. Navigating these effects often requires an integrative approach, blending psychosexual therapy, medication review and lifestyle interventions. While PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil and tadalafil remain first-line interventions, today's most effective ED treatment protocols go far more in-depth. Leading clinicians are combining pharmacologic tools with root-cause strategies, starting with metabolic health, hormone balance, nervous system regulation and muscular integrity. Structured lifestyle changes are among the most impactful. Mediterranean-style nutrition, weight loss, improved glycemic control and physical activity have been shown to restore erectile function in the majority of men with mild to moderate ED. These interventions not only enhance sexual health but also reduce cardiovascular risk and improve mental clarity. Pelvic floor physical therapy is also acquiring clinical relevance, especially for men with postural imbalances, chronic pelvic tension or post-surgical complications. Strengthening pelvic musculature directly supports erection maintenance and ejaculatory control. In cases of clinically low testosterone, hormone replacement therapy may be introduced with careful monitoring for potential risks. When used appropriately, testosterone therapy can improve energy, mood, libido and sexual function. Moreover, some functional medicine protocols also include micronutrient optimization, mitochondrial support (CoQ10 and NAD+ precursors) and targeted vascular support via L-citrulline, beetroot extract or nitric oxide boosters. These therapies strive to restore endothelial function from the inside out. The long-term risks associated with untreated ED are substantial. The condition is strongly related to early-stage diabetes, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, and coronary artery disease, among others. In fact, ED often surfaces years before more serious cardiac events, offering an opportunity for early intervention that could extend both the quality and duration of life. Sleep disorders are particularly relevant. Obstructive sleep apnea, common in men with ED, contributes to intermittent hypoxia, which impairs endothelial health and suppresses testosterone. Men who address their sleep disorders often see similar improvements in sexual function and energy levels alike. Beyond the physical implications, ED also impacts relational and emotional well-being. The shame and mysteriousness surrounding the condition often lead to isolation, decreased self-esteem and avoidance of intimacy. By normalizing the conversation, clinicians and partners can help men move from denial to diagnosis and from symptom management to systemic healing. ED is no longer a mysterious or isolated condition. It is a window into the body's overall health, often the first manifestation that metabolic, cardiovascular, hormonal or emotional systems are under strain. Hence, treating ED means going far beyond the prescription pad to investigate upstream imbalances, restore physiological integrity and support the nervous system from within. Because when men listen and react, they gain agency, insight, and, frequently, a longer, healthier and more fulfilling life.
South China Morning Post
16-05-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Remain vigilant after Covid reminds us it has never gone away
Just as the devastating Covid-19 outbreak seemed like a distant memory, the Hong Kong public has been rudely reminded that the killer virus has never really gone away. The disturbing headline of positive samples hitting a one-year high, along with 30 deaths in the past four weeks, calls for greater vigilance, especially from those who are weak and vulnerable. The Centre for Health Protection issued an alert after the proportion of respiratory samples testing positive rose from 6.2 per cent to 13.7 per cent in the four weeks since early April. Positive samples from sewage tests and patients at clinics and public hospitals have also increased. Thankfully, there are suggestions the coronavirus that once wreaked havoc in the city has become much milder. With most people having either been vaccinated or infected, or both, during the five main waves of the virus between 2020 and 2023, medical experts believe the general public needs not rush for booster shots. That is not to say Covid-19 infection is now so mild that it can be ignored. While the number of severe cases and deaths did not follow the increasing trajectory of positive samples, there were 30 deaths among 81 severe adult cases in the weeks concerned. Epidemiological investigations found that 83 per cent of the severe cases involved patients aged 65 or older, with more than 90 per cent having pre-existing health conditions. Earlier, a 17-month-old girl and a 13-year-old girl also became seriously ill. Meanwhile, some first-time Covid patients have also reportedly suffered from strong flu symptoms. There may be no cause for panic at this stage, but health officials have warned that Covid cases could continue to remain high in the coming weeks. It would do well to stay alert, particularly those who are vulnerable such as young children, the elderly and chronically ill. It is estimated that of those aged 65 or above, some 75 per cent living in homes for the elderly and 90 per cent living in the community are yet to receive a booster.
