Duncan Mackay
@duncanmackay.bsky.social
Editor of the Zeus Files. Founder insidethegames and insideworldfootball. Winner UK Sports Journalist of the Year and UK Internet Sports Journalist of the Year Published author. Subscribe to Zeus Files at https://duncanmackayveritas.substack.com/
#VictorConte, architect of one of the biggest doping stories in sport, has died at 75. The self-taught pharmacist ended up a millionaire thanks to the range of nutritional supplements he continued to sell even after being sent to prison. Latest #ZeusFiles at open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
November 4, 2025 at 8:21 AM
#VictorConte, architect of one of the biggest doping stories in sport, has died at 75. The self-taught pharmacist ended up a millionaire thanks to the range of nutritional supplements he continued to sell even after being sent to prison. Latest #ZeusFiles at open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
Thank you to everyone who sent me messages for my 60th birthday. I spent it in the middle of the Pacific Ocean aboard the Anthem of the Seas on a cruise from Honolulu to Sydney with the lovely Sarah Bowron. Arrived in Australia today for a short visit before heading home.
October 30, 2025 at 11:35 PM
Thank you to everyone who sent me messages for my 60th birthday. I spent it in the middle of the Pacific Ocean aboard the Anthem of the Seas on a cruise from Honolulu to Sydney with the lovely Sarah Bowron. Arrived in Australia today for a short visit before heading home.
Whatever action Israel's taking in Gaza, the International Olympic Committee won't ban them from the Olympics at Milan Cortina 2026 or @la28games.bsky.social as they haven't broken the Olympic Charter. More in this *free* to read edition of the Zeus Files at open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
September 23, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Whatever action Israel's taking in Gaza, the International Olympic Committee won't ban them from the Olympics at Milan Cortina 2026 or @la28games.bsky.social as they haven't broken the Olympic Charter. More in this *free* to read edition of the Zeus Files at open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
Boxing legend #GennadyGolovkin is favourite to succeed
Boris van der Vorst as #WorldBoxing President after he decided not to seek a second term. The IOC have lost confidence in him and there are questions over a marketing deal. *Exclusive* story in the #ZeusFiles open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
Boris van der Vorst as #WorldBoxing President after he decided not to seek a second term. The IOC have lost confidence in him and there are questions over a marketing deal. *Exclusive* story in the #ZeusFiles open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
September 19, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Boxing legend #GennadyGolovkin is favourite to succeed
Boris van der Vorst as #WorldBoxing President after he decided not to seek a second term. The IOC have lost confidence in him and there are questions over a marketing deal. *Exclusive* story in the #ZeusFiles open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
Boris van der Vorst as #WorldBoxing President after he decided not to seek a second term. The IOC have lost confidence in him and there are questions over a marketing deal. *Exclusive* story in the #ZeusFiles open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
Kenyan runner Sabastian Sawe is funding his own drugs testing programme with the Athletics Integrity Unit before the @berlinmarathon.bsky.social to prove he's clean. Last time anyone tried that was Lance Armstrong before his 2009 comeback. The latest #ZeusFiles at open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
September 15, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Kenyan runner Sabastian Sawe is funding his own drugs testing programme with the Athletics Integrity Unit before the @berlinmarathon.bsky.social to prove he's clean. Last time anyone tried that was Lance Armstrong before his 2009 comeback. The latest #ZeusFiles at open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
Memories of the 1991 World Athletics Champs, last time they were held in Tokyo. I was 25 and they were first championships I covered. Memories of "Carl Lewis and Sergey Bubka in the red vest of the Soviet Union for last time *Free to read* in the #ZeusFiles at open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
September 13, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Memories of the 1991 World Athletics Champs, last time they were held in Tokyo. I was 25 and they were first championships I covered. Memories of "Carl Lewis and Sergey Bubka in the red vest of the Soviet Union for last time *Free to read* in the #ZeusFiles at open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
The #WorldAthleticsChamps start tomorrow and female competitors must have taken a SRY test. It's been a contentious subject in athletics for decades and this is latest attempt by @worldathletics.org to find a solution. Special big read in the #ZeusFiles at open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
September 12, 2025 at 2:12 PM
The #WorldAthleticsChamps start tomorrow and female competitors must have taken a SRY test. It's been a contentious subject in athletics for decades and this is latest attempt by @worldathletics.org to find a solution. Special big read in the #ZeusFiles at open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
The departure of Thomas Bach as International Olympic Committee President has led to a less confrontational style of dealing with #Olympics partners under Kirsty Coventry, which is a welcome change for the World Olympians Association. Latest news in #ZeusFiles at open.substack.com/pub/duncanma....
September 10, 2025 at 2:49 PM
The departure of Thomas Bach as International Olympic Committee President has led to a less confrontational style of dealing with #Olympics partners under Kirsty Coventry, which is a welcome change for the World Olympians Association. Latest news in #ZeusFiles at open.substack.com/pub/duncanma....
Another day, another gender row in #boxing. But this time, it's Boris van der Vorst, President of World Boxing, who is being blamed for causing it with even the French Government condemning him. Full story in the #ZeusFiles at
open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
September 5, 2025 at 7:31 AM
Another day, another gender row in #boxing. But this time, it's Boris van der Vorst, President of World Boxing, who is being blamed for causing it with even the French Government condemning him. Full story in the #ZeusFiles at
open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
Build up to the start of the World #Boxing Championships has been ruined by more gender rows involving #ImaneKhelif and #LinYuting that should have been dealt with by the IOC during the #Olympics at Paris2024 following warnings from the IBA
open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
September 4, 2025 at 7:30 AM
Build up to the start of the World #Boxing Championships has been ruined by more gender rows involving #ImaneKhelif and #LinYuting that should have been dealt with by the IOC during the #Olympics at Paris2024 following warnings from the IBA
open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
Swiss-Ski President accepts offer from ex-rival Johan Eliasch to become the first chief executive of FIS, FIFA President Gianni Infantino continues to dance to tune of @donaldjtrump-maga.bsky.social, another sports sex scandal and Saudi's winter desert dream melts open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
August 25, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Swiss-Ski President accepts offer from ex-rival Johan Eliasch to become the first chief executive of FIS, FIFA President Gianni Infantino continues to dance to tune of @donaldjtrump-maga.bsky.social, another sports sex scandal and Saudi's winter desert dream melts open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
A decision to allow naming rights for venues at @la28games.bsky.social is a significant historical shift for the IOC, who have previously fiercely protected a “clean policy” when it comes to advertising in arenas at the Olympics. Full analysis in the Zeus Files open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
August 18, 2025 at 11:21 AM
A decision to allow naming rights for venues at @la28games.bsky.social is a significant historical shift for the IOC, who have previously fiercely protected a “clean policy” when it comes to advertising in arenas at the Olympics. Full analysis in the Zeus Files open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
#Netball would boost gender equity and provide a cash bonus at @brisbane2032.bsky.social, it's claimed. Doubts continue over some venues for the Olympics and news of changes at the Australian Olympic Committee. Special #Brisbane2032 edition of the #ZeusFiles open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
August 15, 2025 at 8:12 AM
#Netball would boost gender equity and provide a cash bonus at @brisbane2032.bsky.social, it's claimed. Doubts continue over some venues for the Olympics and news of changes at the Australian Olympic Committee. Special #Brisbane2032 edition of the #ZeusFiles open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
A document designed to ruin India's 2036 Olympics bid is being circulated within the IOC, just as the country is set to take a major step forward with its major events strategy and be awarded the 2030 #CommonwealthGames. Full *exclusive* story in the #ZeusFiles open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
August 13, 2025 at 5:37 PM
A document designed to ruin India's 2036 Olympics bid is being circulated within the IOC, just as the country is set to take a major step forward with its major events strategy and be awarded the 2030 #CommonwealthGames. Full *exclusive* story in the #ZeusFiles open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
The @la28games.bsky.social chairman Casey Wasserman faced criticism following his performance in the White House when US President @donaldjtrump-maga.bsky.social set up an Olympics task force. Analysis in the latest Zeus Files at open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
August 8, 2025 at 8:46 AM
The @la28games.bsky.social chairman Casey Wasserman faced criticism following his performance in the White House when US President @donaldjtrump-maga.bsky.social set up an Olympics task force. Analysis in the latest Zeus Files at open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
Announcement of a new chief executive at the authority tasked with delivering the venues for the #Olympics and #Paralympics at @brisbane2032.bsky.social and a row over what iconography should be used to promote the Games. The latest news from the #ZeusFiles at open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
July 30, 2025 at 9:20 AM
Announcement of a new chief executive at the authority tasked with delivering the venues for the #Olympics and #Paralympics at @brisbane2032.bsky.social and a row over what iconography should be used to promote the Games. The latest news from the #ZeusFiles at open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
When it made its Olympics debut 25 years ago, triathlon was seen as the new young hip kid on the block. Now, participation numbers are falling and @worldtriathlon.bsky.social and its new President is embroiled in a corruption scandal. More in the Zeus Files at
open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
July 23, 2025 at 11:44 AM
When it made its Olympics debut 25 years ago, triathlon was seen as the new young hip kid on the block. Now, participation numbers are falling and @worldtriathlon.bsky.social and its new President is embroiled in a corruption scandal. More in the Zeus Files at
open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
Preparations are in full swing for the #Olympics at #LA28 with the publication of the event schedule. But there could be problem for the organisers of the Le Tour de France, as well as athletics and swimming swapping places. All in this edition of the Zeus Files at open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
July 18, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Preparations are in full swing for the #Olympics at #LA28 with the publication of the event schedule. But there could be problem for the organisers of the Le Tour de France, as well as athletics and swimming swapping places. All in this edition of the Zeus Files at open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
It was 50 years ago the IOC banned Rhodesia due to its policy of segregated sport based on race. Who would have believed that one day the Olympics Movement would be led by a President from a country now called Zimbabwe? A long read in the Zeus Files *FREE TO READ*
open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
July 15, 2025 at 11:20 AM
It was 50 years ago the IOC banned Rhodesia due to its policy of segregated sport based on race. Who would have believed that one day the Olympics Movement would be led by a President from a country now called Zimbabwe? A long read in the Zeus Files *FREE TO READ*
open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
Exclusive news of a major departure at #SportAccord as an event once the most important annual date on the #Olympics calendar battles for its future. More details in the #ZeusFiles at open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
July 11, 2025 at 10:35 AM
Exclusive news of a major departure at #SportAccord as an event once the most important annual date on the #Olympics calendar battles for its future. More details in the #ZeusFiles at open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
Governance problems at the Indian Olympic Association, a chronic doping problem and underperformance at the #Olympics. There is plenty of reasons why the IOC wouldn't want to award the 2036 Olympics to #India. But there are big riches on offer. New #ZeusFiles at open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
July 8, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Governance problems at the Indian Olympic Association, a chronic doping problem and underperformance at the #Olympics. There is plenty of reasons why the IOC wouldn't want to award the 2036 Olympics to #India. But there are big riches on offer. New #ZeusFiles at open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
Many feared that new International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry would be a puppet of predecessor Thomas Bach. But early signs are that she's prepared to reshape the Olympic Movement in her own form. Analysis of Coventry's first week iat the #ZeusFiles open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
July 1, 2025 at 10:50 AM
Many feared that new International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry would be a puppet of predecessor Thomas Bach. But early signs are that she's prepared to reshape the Olympic Movement in her own form. Analysis of Coventry's first week iat the #ZeusFiles open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
As Kirsty Coventry takes up her position as the first female President of the IOC, the #ZeusFiles can exclusively reveal the International Weightlifting Federation plans to cut the number of places available to women on its Board to accommodate more male candidates open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
June 26, 2025 at 2:16 PM
As Kirsty Coventry takes up her position as the first female President of the IOC, the #ZeusFiles can exclusively reveal the International Weightlifting Federation plans to cut the number of places available to women on its Board to accommodate more male candidates open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
Chipmaker #Intel has become the latest company to drop out of the IOC's flagship worldwide sponsorship programme. It means that five sponsors from the time of last year’s #Olympics at #Paris2024 have left the programme. @dodo938.bsky.social has the exclusive story open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
June 18, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Chipmaker #Intel has become the latest company to drop out of the IOC's flagship worldwide sponsorship programme. It means that five sponsors from the time of last year’s #Olympics at #Paris2024 have left the programme. @dodo938.bsky.social has the exclusive story open.substack.com/pub/duncanma...
Looking for a #FathersDay present? How about my book, "They came from a Land Down Under: The birth of the Socceroos and how they qualified for the 1974 FIFA World Cup finals"? It tells how Australia qualified for the #WorldCup for the first time when only 16 teams took part. Order at bit.ly/45MztPb
June 9, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Looking for a #FathersDay present? How about my book, "They came from a Land Down Under: The birth of the Socceroos and how they qualified for the 1974 FIFA World Cup finals"? It tells how Australia qualified for the #WorldCup for the first time when only 16 teams took part. Order at bit.ly/45MztPb