Donald McRae @donaldgmcrae Twitter profile

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Donald McRae

6 days

The Last Bell: Life, Death & Boxing, will be published in Feb 2025. It's my most personal book, about death in my family and the ring and how boxing consumed me again with chaotic force. Details below of some inspiring fighters and a dark, dirty business

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

8 years

Kirk Douglas is almost 100. He was 16 when Hitler rose to power. He and his wife are "chilled to the bone" by Trump

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

3 years

He can no longer talk but the mighty @Rob7Burrow , and his wife Lindsey, spoke movingly to me about life and death. Rob, who has Motor Neurone Disease, uses an eye-tracking device to communicate. He and Lindsey find much light and laughter amid the sadness

Rob Burrow: ‘I’ve had such a wonderful life. I want to make the most of the time I have left’

The Leeds Rhinos stalwart and his wife Lindsey look back at his storied career and share their heartfelt journey since he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

2 years

It was a privilege and an honour to be at the Garden tonight. An unforgettable fight between Katie Taylor & Amanda Serrano will go down in history as the night that two women elevated the battered old soul of boxing. Mere words can't do justice to them...

Katie Taylor pushed to limit in split-decision win over Amanda Serrano

Katie Taylor has retained her undisputed lightweight championship with a split-decision victory over Amanda Serrano at Madison Square Garden

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

5 years

I went to Liverpool and heard about much more than just a bittersweet cliffhanger of a title race. Something deeper is stirring in a great old football club. Thanks to Phil Scraton, @trentaa98 , @Knox_Harrington , @C_Hannan7 @TheAnfieldWrap @MetroMayorSteve

Hope and heart: emotions stirred in Liverpool at season's crescendo | Donald McRae

Twenty-nine years after their last league title, and with the Hillsborough disaster stitched into the fabric of the club, players and supporters feel a palpable mixture of yearning and pride

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

3 years

I went to Yorkshire to see @Rob7Burrow and his wife Lindsey. Rob is now a silent prisoner in his body as MND paralyses him. But with a special voice app and email we still spoke about life and death, sadness and hope in a summerhouse full of light and love

Rob Burrow: ‘It’s beautiful being cared for by the only girl you’ve ever loved’

Rob Burrow’s new book details the enduring partnership of the former Leeds Rhino and his wife, Lindsey, and their refusal to give up living life to the full despite his MND

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

1 year

James Roby is 37. He has has "probably injured every part of my body" and accepts he might suffer brain damage. But he plays rugby league with the intensity of a man rescuing his kids from "a kidnapping." He is also intelligent, ambitious and exceptional.

St Helens’ James Roby: ‘This is a hard game that puts you in dark places’

James Roby tells Donald McRae he has ‘scars everywhere’ but is ready to fight on, with the record as the most capped Saint of all time in his sights

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

2 years

I went to Milan to interview Zlatan Ibrahimovic and he was as interesting as always. He told me what it takes to play football at 40, inspiring a young Milan team, why he had to barge Azpilicueta, falling out with LeBron James and living in the moment...

Zlatan Ibrahimovic: ‘I did a stupid thing. But I will do it again, 100%’

The Milan and Sweden player talks about barging César Azpilicueta, the Premier League, and the secret of his longevity

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

6 years

Thank you Andy Cole @vancole9 who showed such honesty and grit when telling me about a brutal life since his kidney transplant. We also spoke about quietness, misconceptions, racism, adulation,Raheem Sterling, Alex Ferguson #mufc #nufc and looking for hope

Andy Cole: ‘I apologise now to everybody for being the way I’ve been’

The former Manchester United and Newcastle striker tells Donald McRae about the ‘torture’ that has followed his lifesaving transplant

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

7 years

Thanks to @MoeenAli for talking so openly before and after his hat-trick - about growing up, Islam & the world today

Moeen Ali: ‘If it wasn’t for cricket I don’t know what I’d be doing now’

The hat-trick England spinner tells Donald McRae how a junior club in Birmingham kept him off the streets and off drugs, his father’s distressing experience of racism and how his high profile helps...

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

11 months

Tomorrow Graeme Souness will swim the Channel for Isla Grist, a 14-year-old girl with EB, a terrible skin disorder which is “like someone turning a blowtorch on you." I spoke to a very different Souness...humbled, moved to tears and with a new perspective

Graeme Souness: ‘We all take things for granted. I’ll try and be a better person’

The former football enforcer and pundit is a changed man since learning of one 14-year-old girl’s harrowing torment from a genetic disorder

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

3 years

I interviewed Sir Alex Ferguson & his son, Jason, who has just made a moving film about him. We spoke about life, death and memory, pain & sectarianism at Rangers, a “magnificent” Steven Gerrard, and the early abuse & enduring glory of 27 years at Man Utd

Sir Alex Ferguson: ‘Did I think we could still beat Bayern in 1999? No chance!’

In an exclusive interview, the legendary manager and son Jason reflect on the brain haemorrhage that nearly killed him and the film they have just made, his upbringing in Scotland, the lows and highs...

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

2 years

I loved being in Liverpool with Paddy Pimblett @theufcbaddy & @MeatballMolly McCann as they spoke about taking over the UFC, lousy "Tory biscuits", socialism, sexuality, fighting Instagram, not looking like fighters & why "Scousers never get knocked out"

Fighting for Liverpool: Paddy the Baddy and Meatball Molly’s UFC takeover

As UFC returns to London, Paddy Pimblett and Molly McCann talk wrong-un Tory biscuits, Chattin’ Pony and why there is no one like them in the game

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

1 year

Earlier this year Frank Warren rightly said that Derek Chisora should retire. "He shouldn’t be allowed anywhere near the ring, let alone in there with Tyson Fury.” Tomorrow their depressing third fight will happen and it's a symbol of boxing's sorry state

Tyson Fury and Derek Chisora bang forlorn drum for disturbing rematch

Tyson Fury and Derek Chisora’s trilogy fight is a bleak affair which says much about the abject state of boxing today

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

6 years

Thanks to @SpecialKBrook for doing what fighters do best – opening up with raw honesty. He talks about hitting the worst low of his life, fighting Golovkin & Spence, suffering two broken eye sockets, not quitting & how he beat depression to fight again

Kell Brook: ‘I hit rock bottom – I was a lost soul, the lowest I’ve ever been’

The boxer had only ever tasted victory before a bruising pair of defeats and injuries left him questioning himself. He tells Donald McRae how he has bounced back and will return to the ring next week

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

4 years

I am pretty sure @AndyLeeBoxing is the best pundit in Britain and Ireland

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

3 years

Billy Joe Saunders arrived in Texas full of his usual boasts. Last night he left a packed arena in an ambulance. A brutal uppercut from Canelo Álvarez took him to that lonely place boxing reserves for those who have had all the big talk beaten out of them.

Canelo Álvarez stops Billy Joe Saunders to unify titles before vast crowd in Texas

Canelo Álvarez added another title belt in the super middleweight division, handing Billy Joe Saunders his first loss on Saturday night at AT&T Stadium

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

2 years

Thanks @Max33Verstappen as he took me back to that nerve-shredding last lap which won him the world title, while his leg was cramping and he was racing Lewis Hamilton.We spoke about the highs & lows of a brutal season and why he feels he deserved the title

Max Verstappen: ‘Is my title tarnished? Not at all. I really deserved it’ | Donald McRae

The Formula One world champion reflects on the final-lap drama in Abu Dhabi that secured him a first world title at the expense of his fierce rival Lewis Hamilton

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

4 years

Thanks @leehendrie77 for talking to me. I have done many hundreds of interviews over the years and this one stands out.Lee spoke about his mental health. It was gripping, distressing, fearful, hopeful and, above all, so human. We also laughed about my hair

Lee Hendrie: 'My wife went through an awful lot. She's seen me on life-support machines'

The one-time England midfielder has had a tough time of it since he left Aston Villa in 2007 but playing in ITV’s Harry’s Heroes and recent work as a pundit have given him renewed hope

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

3 years

I enjoyed talking to @Gezzyprice , the new world champion of darts, about his shyness, hiding away at the back of the room when he was a rugby player, how it feels to have risen to World No1 so fast, how he nearly the quit the game & texts from Phil Taylor

Gerwyn Price: 'I care what people think but I'm out there to do a job'

The engaging new darts world champion belies his fist-pumping image as the pantomime villain of the oche, telling Donald McRae: ‘There’s going to be a big target on my back but I can’t wait to rise...

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

6 years

Jaylen Brown, aka @FCHWPO of the Boston Celtics, is the most intelligent young athlete I've interviewed in years. He talks here about race in America, Trump, @Kaepernick7 , education, the loss of his best friend, the Celtics, London, Arsenal & @ThierryHenry

Jaylen Brown: 'Sport is a mechanism of control in America'

As the Boston Celtics star prepares to play in London, he talks to Donald McRae about race, the NBA and the death of his best friend

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

4 years

My dad, Ian McRae, died in the early hours of yesterday morning. Amid the sadness I think more of how lucky I was to have had him for so long. He did great work in South Africa and he taught me so much about life, people, politics and sport with such a light & compassionate touch

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

2 years

I always feel privileged to cover boxing from ringside. Tonight I'm the back row of a box in a different dimension to the ring. It's strange we ended up here but I am in good company with @seaningle @riathalsam @OllieHolt22 @TrisDixon @MattCBoxingNews Binoculars will be handy...

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

3 years

I interviewed @DillianWhyte twice because this is a story like no other. Born in a hurricane, starving as a boy, becoming a father himself at the age of 13, being shot and stabbed and then, last August, knocked out by Povetkin. They fight again tonight. .

Dillian Whyte: 'I was born in a storm. Adversity is the story of my life'

The boxer tells Donald McRae about his journey to the ring, from almost starving to death in Jamaica to becoming a father at 13

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

3 years

Thanks @anton_ferdinand for his first interview since making his BBC documentary on racism. The interview was moving. Sometimes it was harrowing. It was always powerful. We spoke about racism, silence, his mum, online abuse, John Terry and speaking out...

Anton Ferdinand: 'I have kicked myself for years for not speaking out'

Former defender discusses the pain of the John Terry incident, the abuse his mother suffered and his BBC documentary on racism

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

1 year

It was a treat to interview @lucyjward_ but sobering to hear about her ordeal at Leeds, after doing so much for the club, as well as the abuse she suffers as an excellent co-commentator. She's great & loves analysing football. We need more people like her

Lucy Ward: ‘I loved Leeds … now I look at the club through different eyes’

Commentator talks to Donald McRae about fighting a sex discrimination case against her former club and tackling online trolls

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

6 years

Michael Dunlop is one of the hardest interviews I've ever done. He thinks the whole idea of an interview is "bullshit". But what a racer & what a life after the death of his father Robert & uncle Joey. Thanks to @sdbikephoto & @iom_tt . The TT begins today

Michael Dunlop: ‘Once you’re on a bike you’ve got freedom’

Michael Dunlop has won 15 races on the deadly TT roads and remains determined to do it his way, he tells Donald McRae

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

9 months

Thanks @BukayoSaka87 for our interview about breaking records, trying to match the resilience of Messi & Ronaldo, the intensity of Arteta, trying to get better, Declan Rice, Arsenal chasing the league title and his "glorious purpose" on and off the pitch

Bukayo Saka: ‘Nothing worth having is easy. It’s about how much you want it’

The Arsenal forward talks to Donald McRae about a club record he is about to break, a Ballon d’Or dream and the community work that keeps him grounded

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

7 days

I've been working on a book about boxing for the past five years. It's called The Last Bell: Life, Death & Boxing and will be published on 13 Feb 2025. Two weeks later another book I've been working on comes out. It's a different subject but it also means a lot...news to follow

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

2 years

The legacy of this tawdry week in British boxing is more than mere embarrassment and humiliation. It reeks of greed & stupidity, incompetence & danger. After such a debased charade, in which the ghosts of the past have been hard to shake, we need change.

Benn v Eubank chaos leaves a legacy of greed, stupidity and danger | Donald McRae

This week has been more than a mere embarrassment and humiliation for British boxing. Things have to change

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

4 years

No other feature I've written this year touched me like this one. Thank you @AlexDanson15 and her remarkable sister Claire for talking so openly to me. Claire is paralysed now but she and Alex talk with such hope and love that anything feels possible.

Claire and Alex Danson: ‘We were told she might not survive. The family were very scared’

A year after Alex Danson suffered a freak injury on holiday, her sister was paralysed in a crash. The athlete sisters tell their story

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

4 years

My wonderful dad, Ian McRae, died of Covid-19 in the end. His funeral is in Johannesburg this afternoon. The ongoing crisis means I can't fly back but I will join the funeral remotely as we say goodbye and celebrate ‘Mr Electricity’. I wrote this for him

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

2 years

When I wrote Dark Trade, James Toney and his mother Sherry would send boxes of cakes and pies to "sustain" me. This morning, 26 years since that book was published, a familiar package arrived from Sherry. It was packed with her baked delicacies and four bags of James Toney coffee

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

2 years

This was yet another terrible, embarrassing day for British boxing. After his positive drug test, and the promoters' shameless attempts to overcome the Board of Control's ruling that the fight is "prohibited" Conor Benn's bout against Eubank Jr is a sham.

Hearn refuses to give up fight after Benn v Eubank thrown into chaos by doping positive

Boxing was thrown into a fresh crisis on Wednesday when Eddie Hearn refused to accept a ruling that Saturday night’s fight in London between Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr should be ‘prohibited’

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

3 years

At the end of our second interview I felt briefly overwhelmed but then I remembered what sustains @Rob7Burrow and his wife Lindsey. They have been together since they were 15. “There’s something beautiful,” Rob says, “about being cared for by the only girl you’ve ever loved.”

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

4 years

Thanks @willcarling for one of the most interesting interviews I've done. This changed the stereotype as Will spoke about the loneliness of childhood and captaining England at 22. We also spoke about Jonah Lomu, rugby's current problems & lockdown videos

Will Carling: 'I didn't open the curtains for a year, I was so battered'

The former England captain tells Donald McRae of his struggles when his career ended, his loneliness as a young child and how he is now good friends with Brian Moore

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

1 year

I interviewed the great @Ons_Jabeur at 2am on a rainy morning. She brought the sunshine and spoke about happiness, fame, being World No2, starring on Netflix, overcoming prejudice, the sacrifices made by female players and representing Arab & African women

Ons Jabeur: ‘I want to create bigger things, to help others from my region’

Tunisia’s history-making star is on a mission in Melbourne but remains grounded: ‘I like to smile and laugh with everyone’

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

3 years

In a brute of a year imagine what life has been like for @Rob7Burrow , in the grip of motor neurone disease. The great Kevin Sinfield told me he imagined this cruel life and, for his friend and former team-mate, he ran 7 marathons in 7 days and raised £2.5m

Kevin Sinfield: 'To see Rob on the finishing line made it so special'

Former Leeds captain on his seven marathons in seven days and watching friend and ex-teammate Rob Burrow cope with MND

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

5 years

This is my favourite interview, so far, of 2019. Trainer Manny Robles on how Andy Ruiz shocked the world & Anthony Joshua, the struggles he & Ruiz endured, being a Mexican immigrant, tactics, tears, Trump, the rematch & the hope offered by a chubby fighter

Manny Robles: ‘We shocked the world. Andy Ruiz’s story is a lesson in hope’ | Donald McRae

The Mexican-born trainer tells Donald McRae of his struggle as an illegal immigrant in the US, his respect for Anthony Joshua – and keeping his boxer in line for the heavyweight rematch

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

10 months

It was great to interview Lena Oberdorf in Germany as she spoke about shrugging off discrimination, standing up to sportswashing, her love of tackling, sexuality, drinking vodka, the World Cup & being one of the very best women's footballers in the world

Germany’s Lena Oberdorf: ‘Parents shouted: don’t get run over by a girl’

Midfield dynamo tells Donald McRae about captaining boys’ teams growing up and why an improving German side have the spirit to win the World Cup

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

6 years

Thanks @MarkFosterSwim for talking to me and having the courage to come out in public in our interview.

Mark Foster: ‘I tiptoed around in the shadows for so long, but now is the time to come out’

In his first interview confirming he is gay the former swimmer tells Donald McRae that he has spent years not being his true self and how he feels that probably had a negative impact on his career in...

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

5 years

I've spent a big chunk of the past two months working on this feature. Ireland's calling: a journey to the heart of a rugby powerhouse. Thanks to the twelve key figures in Irish rugby who gave me so much interview time. Pix by the brilliant @TomJenkinspix

Ireland's calling: a journey to the heart of a rugby powerhouse | Donald McRae

Ireland are favourites for the Six Nations and are serious contenders for the World Cup this year, showing a spirit that transcends national boundaries. How have they done it?

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

7 years

In his moment of vindication @StGeorgeGroves remembers to think of Eduard Gutnecht. 'A cruel sport' says George, a special world champion

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

6 years

It was a treat to interview @NevilleSouthall - and hear the voices of @TheJessaJones @SexWorkHive @DrugslineUK @DiversityRM & @SJMcDonn . Thanks to everyone for their help. Sex workers, mental health, LGBT, drug awareness, suicide bereavement & football

Neville Southall: ‘I’ve got a bit of flak because I stick up for sex workers’ | Donald McRae

The former Wales and Everton goalkeeper talks to Donald McRae about sex workers, transgender issues, Theresa May, skeletons, the agony of Loris Karius and why he really dislikes Piers Morgan

www.theguardian.com

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@donaldgmcrae

8 months

Conor Benn talks of "redemption." Eddie Hearn says he's "back where he belongs."But a hastily arranged return in Orlando changes nothing. The situation is the same since I wrote this in April. Benn has not been cleared of his two positive drug test results

Eddie Hearn, Conor Benn and the poison at the heart of British boxing

Promoter’s determination to press ahead with Middle East bout is inexcusable. Surely boxing has become a mockery if Benn plans to fight again without fully clearing his name?

www.theguardian.com

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@donaldgmcrae

3 years

Thanks @JHenderson for talking about the impact 2020 had on all of us as he moves into a new year which completes a decade at Liverpool. We spoke about the dark days and doubts, Covid, his dad beating cancer, Liverpool and wanting to play for a long time

Jordan Henderson: 'I was in a very dark place. It made me a lot stronger' | Donald McRae

Liverpool’s captain talks to Donald McRae about turning round his career at Anfield, how 2020 has changed him and his use of a sports psychiatrist

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

6 years

I interviewed Kenny Dalglish about Hillsborough, his family, Liverpool, Celtic, Heysel, Blackburn, the new film about his life and career...and why he could not pay attention to his own feelings of grief and loss

Kenny Dalglish: ‘As long as we’re living we won’t have closure on Hillsborough’

In a wide-ranging interview to coincide with the launch of a film about his life, Kenny Dalglish opens up to Donald McRae about the tragedies of Hillsborough and Heysel but also the joys of football...

www.theguardian.com

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@donaldgmcrae

4 years

Thanks to Andy Cole, @vancole9 , for again talking to me with moving honesty. He spoke about his daily struggle following his kidney transplant which has become so much harder in isolation. Andy also spoke about not giving up & his new kidney research fund

Andy Cole: ‘I don’t know how I’ve done it. Some days are a total blur’ | Donald McRae

Former Manchester United striker on living in lockdown, how lots of transplant patients ‘hate themselves’, and the value of support

www.theguardian.com

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@donaldgmcrae

6 years

It felt like the old days interviewing Steven Gerrard yesterday. We spoke about the seriousness of football, not laughing, Liverpool, his encouraging start as Rangers manager, not acting, what he learnt from Jürgen Klopp & being in charge of a team in blue

Steven Gerrard: ‘If I text, call or see him, Jürgen’s always got time for me’

The Rangers manager talks to Donald McRae about why his club is like Liverpool, his craving for pressure and what he thinks now about turning down Chelsea

www.theguardian.com

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@donaldgmcrae

2 years

I am in Las Vegas and Gennady Golovkin does not look like a man heading to his retirement party this Saturday. Like all majestic fighters railing against the fading light, he carries the conviction he has one last unforgettable performance left inside him

‘Who is he to finish anybody’s career?’: Golovkin takes aim at Álvarez

The 40-year-old veteran tells Donald McRae he has no plans to retire as he prepares to take on his great rival for the third time

www.theguardian.com

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@donaldgmcrae

6 years

This is one of the most emotional interviews I've done in a long time. Thank you @DaleEvans_912 for talking about retiring from boxing, his tragic fight with Mike Towell, his close bond with Mike's family and life as a fighter. I felt uplifted in the end.

Boxer Dale Evans: ‘Sometimes I break into tears. It will stay with me forever’

Dale Evans recalls of the tragic outcome to his fight with Mike Towell and tells Donald McRae why he can no longer fight on

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@donaldgmcrae

6 years

There are ordinary interviewees, and there is @TerminatorMagee . I went to Belfast to see Eamonn Magee. He unlocked the door in his dressing gown at 11am and cracked open a beer. We were away - despite him being attacked hours before. 'A beautiful wee life'

Eamonn Magee: ‘My father convinced the IRA to give me one bullet’

Eamonn Magee, whose life has been scarred by violent sectarianism, tragedy and alcoholism, tells Donald McRae he would not change a thing

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@donaldgmcrae

6 years

Jürgen Klopp: " The EU is not perfect but it was the best idea we had. History has always shown that when we stay together we can sort out problems. When we split then we start fighting. There was not one time in history where division creates success. Brexit still makes no sense

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@donaldgmcrae

5 years

I spent a day in Bucharest with @Simona_Halep the world No1 tennis player. She was fascinating to interview about the physical ordeal, the psychological pressures, overcoming shyness and learning to relax & open up after her first grand slam win https://

Simona Halep: ‘My dream was to be the best. I did everything for tennis’

The world No 1 tells Donald McRae that winning her first grand slam finally lifted the pressure on her shoulders and allowed her to relax as a person

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@donaldgmcrae

2 years

I've just interviewed Tyson Fury. He was very open but when it came to Daniel Kinahan he said he wouldn't talk about someone else's business. He insisted he is "just a boxer". We know he is so much more and his real views would be helpful. Full story to follow

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@donaldgmcrae

4 years

Thanks @KellyCates for talking openly about a week where Marcus Rashford & football were such clear winners over the politicians. We also spoke about racism, women in football, Conservative MPs on Twitter and why the lessons of Hillsborough never leave her

Kelly Cates: 'When the players took a knee it was breathtaking'

The Sky Sports presenter tells Donald McRae about the Premier League’s return, her anger at the government’s attitude towards football and teachers, and the trauma of Hillsborough

www.theguardian.com

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@donaldgmcrae

6 years

A calm and measured Joey Barton opens up about the psychology of management, starting at Fleetwood Town, why he fell into betting, beating depression, American sport, Jürgen Klopp, Steven Gerrard, José Mourinho & the Epicurean position on Gareth Southgate.

Joey Barton: ‘I’ve been through many scrapes … my chaotic career will help me as a manager’ |...

Joey Barton tells Donald McRae that his controversial past and philosophy degree will help him in his new role as manager of League One Fleetwood Town

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

5 years

Thanks @FTiafoe for sharing his incredible story. From a family of West African immigrants, living in an office in a tennis centre, to teaching himself the game and becoming a Grand Slam quarter-finalist. It's like a movie for the man I now call 'King'...

Frances Tiafoe: ‘I want to use my story to inspire others, you can’t make it up’ | Donald McRae

Frances Tiafoe used to sleep at the tennis centre where his father was janitor, now the son of immigrants from Sierra Leone tells Donald McRae how he feels at taking on the great names in the sport

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

1 year

Boxing is a dirty old business but it still can produce fights as magnificent as last night's epic contest between Artur Beterbiev and Anthony Yarde. I was at Wembley and it will live long in the memory – and belong forever to both extraordinary fighters.

Brilliant Artur Beterbiev stops brave Anthony Yarde in thrilling title fight

Britain’s Anthony Yarde was stopped in the eighth round by the still-unbeaten world light-heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

5 years

I went to Milwaukee to interview Malcolm Brogdon who plays for the NBA's most exciting team. He is also one of the brightest sportsmen I have ever met. We spoke about race in America, Trump, Africa, the great @Giannis_An34 and being called The President.

Malcolm Brogdon: 'People think if you’re black you can’t be both educated and a sportsman'

The guard has helped his team to the best record in the NBA. He talks to Donald McRae about race, Giannis Antetokounmpo and his drive to fight poverty

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

1 year

I was so sorry to hear about the death of Gianluca Vialli. I interviewed him in the midst of Covid, in 2020, and he was intelligent, kind, compassionate and honest, too, when talking about cancer and death and how we should live our lives from that day on

Gianluca Vialli: ‘Now I realise that whenever I want to cry, I cry’

The former Chelsea and Italy forward talks openly about cancer, overcoming adversity and the future

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

2 years

I was impressed by Joseph Parker and Derek Chisora. A much better fight than expected. Chisora is beyond brave even if I worry about the punishment he takes. Parker was so much sharper tonight and much improved. But @AndyLeeBoxing is the real star. What a trainer he has become.

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

6 years

Thanks @NevilleSouthall for talking about sex workers, mental health, skeletons, transgender issues, the agony of Loris Karius, the hounding of Raheem Sterling, why Piers Morgan is “a massive cock”, annoying Vladimir Putin & uniting disenfranchised people

Neville Southall: ‘I’ve got a bit of flak because I stick up for sex workers’ | Donald McRae

The former Wales and Everton goalkeeper talks to Donald McRae about sex workers, transgender issues, Theresa May, skeletons, the agony of Loris Karius and why he really dislikes Piers Morgan

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

2 years

This week the biggest boxing story of the year broke when the US Treasury announced sanctions against Daniel Kinahan. Yet at the Fury-Whyte presser, in the muted & fawning world of Zoom, it was as if this story had never happened. Embarrassing is the word

Tyson Fury pre-fight Zoom conference ducks questions over Daniel Kinahan

The subject of the US Treasury’s sanctioning of Tyson Fury’s advisor Daniel Kinahan was entirely avoided during a pre-fight conference call

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

5 years

I interviewed Stuart Lancaster, a very good coach and a very decent man, in Dublin. We spoke about his success, as an Englishman, with Leinster, the pain of being sacked, the death of his father and why he can't decide if he will watch England play Ireland

Stuart Lancaster: ‘I haven’t decided if I’ll go to watch England play Ireland’

The Leinster coach talks to Donald McRae about the bruising aftermath of his 2015 England sacking, finding fulfilment in Dublin and the pain of his father’s recent death

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

5 years

I spent an amazing day in Cork with @lisafallonsport - the only female coach of a men's professional football team in Ireland. Lisa spoke about her challenges and the breakthroughs she has achieved both at @CorkCityFC and as an analyst for Northern Ireland

Cork City’s Lisa Fallon: ‘The lads don’t make exceptions. I’m just a football coach’

The only female coach working in men’s professional football in Ireland tells Donald McRae about her extraordinary career, keeping cool in the face of sexism and her battle for acceptance

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

4 years

I interviewed Marco van Basten who won a third Ballon D’Or in 1992. Two years later his ankle was so damaged he would crawl to the toilet at night. We spoke about that "really dark time", acceptance, coaching & his complicated friendship with Johan Cruyff

Marco van Basten: ‘It was a very big fall and a really dark time’

Marco van Basten tells Donald McRae how he played on until, aged 28, he could stand the pain from his damaged ankle no more. ‘I went from football’s highest level down to the lowest level of personal...

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

6 years

Today marks the last game in which Arsenal will be managed by Arsène Wenger. The end of an era is poignant but the uncertainty is thrilling. Thanks to @arseblog & @AAllenSport for sharing their memories and gut-feel over the choice of a new Arsenal manager

Life down an Arsène Wenger YouTube rabbit hole at three in the morning

As the Arsenal manager takes his leave, writers for Arseblog tell Donald McRae, a fellow Gooner, about what it feels like to be losing such a key part of their lives after 22 years

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

5 years

I've spent the last three years working with Eddie Jones on his autobiography. It has been surprising and, beyond the rugby rollercoaster, there is one hell of a back story from WWII internment camps to World Cup finals, elation and a stroke, pain & glory

‘Preparation is everything’: the real Eddie Jones’s hard road to Japan

In helping England’s coach, Eddie Jones, write his autobiography Donald McRae has gained a unique, unfettered insight into the tough, uncompromising Australian

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

5 years

I've enjoyed reading some fine tributes to Nicola Adams, who retired yesterday. I like and admire Nicola but it's wrong to call her 'the' pioneer of women's boxing in this country. @JaneCouchMBE suffered terribly because she had the courage to be the first

Jane Couch: ‘I wish I hadn’t been the first in boxing ... I’m damaged’

Britain’s pioneering former fighter and five-time world champion, who won a landmark case for women in 1998, tells Donald McRae she is rediscovering her lust for life after a torrid time in the sport

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

5 months

A few years ago @Leon_edwardsmma did practise interviews because he couldn't express his emotions after poverty in Kingston, loneliness in Birmingham, the murder of his dad & gang life. He then changed his life with a stunning KO. Listen & look at him now

UFC’s Leon Edwards: ‘In Jamaica killing seemed normal. We were used to death all around us’

Fighter opens up on his tough upbringing, escaping gang life and his stunning defeat of Kamaru Usman to become world champion

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

5 years

This has been a seriously good fight. Lomachenko has won but so much credit must go to Luke Campbell. It has been striking that, on the back of his trunks, Luke has the name of Danika in honour of Shane McGuigan's sister & Barry's daughter. A night of real respect, grit and skill

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

2 years

The old accusation that Dmitry Bivol is boring looks more absurd with each passing fight. He is clinical, precise, ice-cold and immensely skilled. Bivol is just so special...and a very decent man too.

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

6 years

Thanks to @sjsidwell for talking so openly in our interview about the pain of retirement, his anticipation of a new life and how professional footballers can lose touch with reality. Steve has held onto the right values & will do well as a coach or on TV.

Steve Sidwell: ‘I wanted the tears to happen. Then I was done as a player’

The much-travelled midfielder reflects on his career as a Premier League player and on the tough decision to call it a day earlier this year

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

10 months

Thinking of Sinéad O’Connor, who was like no-one else, and so I read again this amazing interview @shattenstone did with her a few years ago. What a read, what a life, as dark and troubled as it sometimes was for the mighty Sinéad

Sinéad O’Connor: ‘I’ll always be a bit crazy, but that’s OK’

After a life marked by abuse, fame, scandal and struggle, the Irish singer-songwriter says she never lost faith

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

4 years

It meant a lot to read this obituary about my great old dad, in The New York Times. Ian McRae, Who Brought Electricity to Black South Africa, Dies at 90

Ian McRae, Who Brought Electricity to Black South Africa, Dies at 90 (Published 2020)

As head of the state-owned utility, he defied apartheid laws by laying the groundwork for providing power to the nonwhite townships and by hiring Black people. He died of the novel coronavirus.

www.nytimes.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

4 years

He came out to 'Crazy' by Patsy Cline, while sitting on a gold throne. Tyson Fury then proceeded to box with stone-cold clarity. Amazing...from the depths of suicidal depression. Kudos to Deontay Wilder's courage. Huge credit to SugarHill Steward and, especially, @AndyLeeBoxing .

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

2 years

Thanks @chris_kammy for talking so openly about apraxia, which affects his speech, getting better, 24 years of @SoccerSaturday with @JeffStelling and his courage in withstanding racism in his past. Some of his memories, while upsetting, are deeply moving

Chris Kamara: ‘People say ‘Unbelievable, Jeff!’ every day but I don’t mind. I’m a people person’

As he leaves Soccer Saturday after 24 years and deals with a debilitating speech disorder, the garrulous broadcaster’s reflections on a long career in football reveal his more serious side

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

8 months

It was special to interview @RassieRugby Erasmus as he spoke about his fear of embarrassment, controversy, his dad, why transformation mattered more than the World Cup, that video, beating the All Blacks, Ireland & his excellent book with @davidosullie

Rassie Erasmus: ‘Winning the World Cup is nice – but the most beautiful thing is what we have...

South Africa’s director of rugby tells Donald McRae that transforming the sport in his country was a greater achievement than World Cup success

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

4 years

It was fascinating to interview @OTooleGary about all he did to help expose the sex abuse which blighted Irish swimming. Gary is a key witness in "Where Is George Gibney?" a brilliant podcast by @Younghorgan . Gary & Mark have done riveting, important work.

Gary O’Toole: 'There are people like George Gibney in every sphere of society' | Donald McRae

The Irish Olympic swimmer turned surgeon has played a central role in a 28-year fight to bring his former coach to justice

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

6 years

It was a treat to interview @StGeorgeGroves . We talked about his fight against Chris Eubank Jr & why Eubank Sr & Jr remind him of The Office. He also discussed the fact that all three of them have caused terrible damage to their opponents with raw honesty

George Groves: ‘I don’t want to be damaged, but I haven’t earned enough yet’

George Groves cannot wait to take on Chris Eubank Jr – and his famous father – next week, yet behind the bravado all three men know the trauma of seriously hurting an opponent

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

4 years

Thanks @NevilleSouthall for showing me again why he is the most original, compassionate and politicised former footballer. Apart from shredding Boris Johnson's handling of the pandemic, he defends trans people & sex workers. He'll soon become a counsellor.

Neville Southall: 'You don’t expect loose cannons to take over your own country'

Former Everton keeper takes aim at Boris Johnson and JK Rowling and reveals how helping marginalised groups in society leaves little time to himself

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

7 years

Not many people will be happy with Gatlin beating Bolt. But this is Gatlin's version of his story just after his ban

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

2 years

Thanks @Claressashields for such a powerful interview before she fights Savannah Marshall. She talks about overcoming rape, poverty, deprivation and stuttering. Claressa now talks with fluidity and fire. She is just what boxing needs after the recent chaos

Claressa Shields: ‘You gotta be great to survive all I did – Savannah Marshall is gonna be shocked’

Three-belt world middleweight champion fought back from a tortured childhood and tells Donald McRae of her hopes to avenge the only loss of her career

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

5 years

There are few interviewees who can match @jimmywhite147 when it comes to rollicking stories and moving insights. It was a treat to interview the Whirlwind about snooker, life, drugs, Alex Higgins, Ronnie O’Sullivan, good news and his desire to keep playing

Jimmy White: ‘I'd have died if I’d beaten Higgins and won the world title in 1982’

Jimmy White, 25 years on from the last of his six snooker world final defeats, tells Donald McRae about some interesting nights out with Alex Higgins

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

4 years

In our interview Arsène Wenger spoke about the "vile lies" when he first arrived in London, why “every defeat is still a scar on my heart”, the Invincibles, the pain of leaving Arsenal, Özil, Kroenke, Cagigao, Yorkshire pudding and being able to milk a cow

Arsène Wenger: 'A sense of anger, humiliation, hate … every defeat is still a scar on my heart' |...

The former Arsenal manager talks to Donald McRae about his 22 years in charge of the club, how hurt he was by malicious rumours when he first arrived and how he has managed to move on from his life’s...

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

3 years

Thanks @PaulMerse for talking with such raw honesty about his gambling disorder. There were tears, haunting memories, courage & hope. We also spoke about his book, how testing it can be being dyslexic on Soccer Saturday & his vision on the football pitch

Paul Merson: ‘Gambling is a horrible addiction. Your career passes you by’

The former Arsenal and England player Paul Merson talks about his ‘worst addiction’, as detailed in his often harrowing new book, Hooked

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

1 year

The joy as Jermall Charlo celebrates with Regis Prograis...what a privilege it is to be here

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

7 years

Thank you @Sarah_Taylor30 A raw, moving, inspiring & honest interview about all she overcame to win the World Cup

Sarah Taylor: ’I didn’t know my purpose. Was I a cricketer? Or someone else?

Sarah Taylor, England’s World Cup-winning batsman and wicketkeeper, has struggled with depression and anxiety, making her achievements on the cricket field all the more remarkable

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

5 years

Listening to @AndyLeeBoxing last night as he assessed Crawford-Khan, and the rest of the card, was a reminder that he has one of the sharpest brains in boxing. It was a treat to hear his insights as well as the more raw revelations of what it takes to be a fighter. A star pundit.

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

3 years

Last night @AndyLeeBoxing spoke with such sense and clarity about the need to change the culture of boxing. He said MMA fighters tap out every week & no-one sees them as cowards. Compare the detailed medical assessment of Daniel Dubois' eye with wild, uninformed talk of quitting.

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

7 years

I interviewed Harry Findlay, the gambler, about making & losing over £20m, horses, dogs, depression & Ray Winstone

Professional punter Harry Findlay: ‘I didn’t have the train fare to see my mum’ | Donald McRae

‘Harry the Dog’ tells Donald McRae about losing a £2.5m bet in 2007, coming back from depression and why, ‘with all disrespect’, Ray Winstone should be ashamed of himself

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

6 years

Thanks @JamesWade180 and his wife Samantha for talking so openly and honestly about bipolar, ADHD, autism and the daily challenges they both face - as well as his positive impact on people far beyond darts

James Wade: ‘You need to be different to chase something hard when everyone is laughing at you’

James Wade is one of the top players in darts. As he launches his latest tilt at the world championship he tells Donald McRae about his daily battle with the demons in his head

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

2 years

10 years ago @finn_russell was a stonemason & playing for Falkirk. He is now one of rugby's most gifted playmakers. We also spoke about Paris, a friendship with Marcus Smith, not wanting to play for Eddie Jones, healing a rift with Gregor Townsend & the 6N

Finn Russell: ‘If I play at Gleneagles I can say: oh, I did work on that house’

Scotland’s fly-half Finn Russell on his journey from teenage stonemason to kicking off the Six Nations campaign against England on Saturday

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

3 years

I loved interviewing @adam_peaty . So dominant an Olympic champion, so interesting a man. Apart from swimming the 20 fastest times ever in the 100m breaststroke, he talks about racism, doping, being the son of a bricklayer & the father of a mixed race baby

Adam Peaty: ‘It’s a fight in the pool. That’s when I feel I’m a god’

The fastest 100m breaststroke swimmer in history and Olympic favourite on his anger with dopers, his aims in Tokyo and becoming a father

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

3 years

This is one of my favourite interviews as I talk to the mighty @SonnyBWilliams . Sonny Bill overcome low self-esteem, a drinking problem and a wayward life to win two World Cups, rugby titles and much else. He has now, through Islam and boxing, found peace.

Sonny Bill Williams: ‘I always say a better man makes a better athlete’ | Donald McRae

A star in rugby union and league, and now a professional boxer, the New Zealander reveals his inner torments and what drives him on

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

1 year

Artur Beterbiev is now in my all-time top five of tough interviews. I tried to ask him about his mysterious aura, his knockouts, Ramzan Kadyrov & more. Beterbeiv looked unsurprised after another early interview stoppage. His life of mystery remains intact

‘Do I like interviews? No’: fighting for words with the evasive Artur Beterbiev

The Russian fighter, who faces Anthony Yarde on Saturday, prefers to keep his life a mystery and is a master at saying nothing

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

8 months

Thanks @DannyCipriani87 for an interview where, moving beyond the gossip and past mistakes, he talks intelligently about the conservatism and lack of imagination in English rugby and wider society. There is real insight, humility and growth for Danny here

Danny Cipriani: ‘I wasn’t a maverick. I was a decision maker’

Former England international talks to Donald McRae about conservatism stifling rugby union, grappling with grief and rediscovering his sense of self

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

11 months

Thanks @marcmarquez93 for such an open interview. Márquez is a six-time MotoGP world champion who is used to winning. But the last few years have been affected by horrific crashes, surgery and bike problems. He addressed the real difficulties honestly

Marc Márquez: ‘Always attack, never defend: this is my killer mentality’

The six-times MotoGP champion tells Donald McRae about his fearlessness on track and how his injury made him feel like an ‘animal inside a jail’

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

2 years

Thanks @ConorNigel Benn for talking so openly about his past life. There were tears but, also, honesty and courage as we went back to a dark place. Conor Benn also spoke about Saturday's "50-50" fight against Chris Eubank Jr and why he believes he can win

Conor Benn: ‘I understand Dad and I don’t blame him for his mistakes’ | Donald McRae

Prior to his fight against Chris Eubank Jr, Benn reflects on childhood trauma and his changing relationship with his father

www.theguardian.com

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Donald McRae

@donaldgmcrae

11 months

Graeme Souness is moved to tears as he tells me why he is swimming the Channel for Isla Grist, a 14-year-old girl with EB – a terrible skin disorder which is “like someone turning a blowtorch on you." This was a very different Souness...humbled and moving.

Graeme Souness: ‘We all take things for granted. I’ll try and be a better person’

The former football enforcer and pundit is a changed man since learning of one 14-year-old girl’s harrowing torment from a genetic disorder

www.theguardian.com

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