On this day in 2004, a Canadian runner by the name of Ed Whitlock became the first person over the age of 70 to complete a marathon in under three hours.

He ran a time of 2:54:48 at the Toronto Marathon.

In 2016, at the age of 85, he ran a marathon in under four hours.

Think about that for two seconds. I’m sitting at my computer with my jaw on the floor.

🏀 The NBL’s Adelaide 36ers have terminated the contract of NBA veteran Montrezl Harrell, who is serving a provisional ban after testing positive for a prohibited substance while playing in China. With no timeline on his case, the club said it had no choice but to release him to finalise its roster ahead of the NBL26 season. Meanwhile, Melbourne United stamped themselves as early title favourites, staying unbeaten with a dominant 103–83 Throwdown win over South East Melbourne, led by Milton Doyle’s 18 points.

🏉 Hawthorn pulled off a gutsy comeback in the AFLW, overturning a 16-point deficit to beat Geelong by seven points at GMHBA Stadium. Kristy Stratton’s final-term set shot put the Hawks in front, while Aine McDonagh bounced back from early misses to kick two crucial second-half goals. Eliza West and Lucy Wales starred around the contest as Hawthorn posted their highest score of the season, ending Geelong’s three-match winning streak with a 42-35 victory.

⚽ Chichester City forward and former Arsenal player Billy Vigar has died at the age of 21 after sustaining a brain injury during a league match last weekend. The game was abandoned after just 13 minutes when Vigar was injured, and though he was placed in an induced coma and underwent surgery, he died on Thursday. Tributes have poured in, with Arsenal remembering him as “fiercely determined” and his club describing him as deeply loved within the game.

Grand finale season can’t afford to be taken out by a cold

Whether you’re playing, coaching, or cheering from the sidelines, staying well is non-negotiable. The Blackmores Immune Rapi-Melt is packed with nutrients like vitamin C, zinc and selenium to support immune system health – no pills, no water, just a quick citrus-flavoured melt that fits into your day. 

Take it in the car, on the field, or during your warm-up. It’s a simple way to help your immune system stay ready when it matters most.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. 

Talking points: The NRL Preliminary Finals are here. The winners of this weekend’s matches will get a ticket to the big dance next weekend. The Sharks have produced an impressive run into this final; they are on a five-match win streak and downed the minor-premiership-winning Canberra Raiders last week. The Storm bring plenty of finals experience, having finished runners-up last year and last winning the premiership in 2020. They will also have the home-ground advantage at AAMI Park, where they have won their past four finals matches. All eyes will be on Storm playmaker Jahrome Hughes, who returns tonight after a couple of weeks sidelined by injury. The other preliminary final will be played between the Brisbane Broncos and Penrith Panthers in Brisbane on Sunday at 4:30pm. 

How to watch: The match begins at 6:30pm tonight. You can watch both preliminary finals on Channel 9, Foxtel, or Kayo. 

Talking points: Since 2000, these two teams have played in six AFL Grand Finals. Now they both appear in their seventh and meet each other in the season decider for the first time. The Cats are on an eight-match win streak and go in as favourites after dismantling the Lions in a qualifying final three weeks ago. That being said, the Lions are the reigning premiers and have shown an uncanny ability to bounce back from defeat. Here’s the stat that puts history on the Lions' side: in the five times since 2000 that the same two teams have played each other in the qualifying final and the grand final, the loser of the qualifying final has gone on to win the grand final four times. 

How to watch: The match begins at 2:30pm tomorrow. You can watch it on Channel 7, Kayo or Foxtel.

Talking points: The Wallabies have not beaten the All Blacks at Eden Park since 1986. In fact, the last team to beat New Zealand at their infamous fortress was France in 1994. Of the 51 matches since, the All Blacks have drawn twice and won 49 times. The Wallabies will be hoping to capitalise on the fact that New Zealand suffered their heaviest Test defeat in history last week at the hands of the Springboks, but many pundits are predicting the All Blacks will bounce back with more fire in their bellies than ever. This isn’t the only significant rugby union match happening over the weekend. On Sunday at 1:00am (AEST), England and Canada will face off in the women’s Rugby World Cup final at Twickenham. Organisers are expecting a record crowd of around 80,000 people.

How to watch: The match begins at 3:05pm tomorrow. You can watch international rugby union on Stan Sport. 

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