ATHLETIC CHAMPIONS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 164, 17 August 1914, Page 2

ATHLETIC CHAMPIONS.

APPLEGARTH'S GREAT FURLONG. For the first time in the history of the English Amateur Athletic Association, it was found -necessary to break up the 'championship meeting of 1914 into two sections, so numerous were the entries. This year New Zealanders took more than usual interest in the nfeeting—which was held at Stamford Bridge last month—for C. S. Thomas, of Christchurch, was amongst the competitors in the half-mile. But Thomas found the company too "hot" for him. The heats of the "half-mile were run on the first day, in wet weather. Thomas ran in the third heat,' and secured third place to A. G. Hill, of the Polytechnic Club, and G. Mikler, of Hungary. Hill's time was lmin 58 4-osec. Thomas ran inside the standard time, 2min lsec. To English athletes, the principal event of the first day was the four miles championship, -which was won* by the holder, G. W. Hutson, of the Surrey A.C., in 19min 41 l-ssec. MAGNIFICENT RUNNING.

. On the second day the weather was splendid, and the tracks were fast. The day was notable for splendid performances by W. E. Applegarth, thef amous Polytechnic sprinter, sHomer : Baker, half-mile champion of the United States, and G. W. Hutson. "Veteran," of the London "Sportsman," writes: — '' The outstanding feature of this year's championships was the magnificent running of W. B. Applegarth. Last year, by virtue of his double success in the 100 yds and 220 yds, including a then British record of 21 3-ssec for the latter distance, he was declared the rightful holder of the Harvey Gold Memorial Cup as the best champion of the-year. But what shall bo said of Applegarth and the Harvey Gold Cup in this year's championship? He won the 100 yds in lOsec,, plays a prominent part in the relay race, which his club;'the Polytechnic W\On in fresh British record time,.- and equals the world's record in the furlong championship by doing 21 l-ssec. This latter performance is without doubt the very best thus far known for 220 yds, for Applegarth had to run round two bends, whereas B. J. Wefers, of New York, E. C. Craig, of Philadelphia, and D. F. Lippincott, of Cambridge, Mass., who have also done 21 l-ssec, ran their races on straightaway tracks. Mr .1. E. Sullivaih, president 'of the American A.A.U., alluded to that fact in his excellent speech at the dinner held ; in honour of the champions. In Mr Sullivan's view, and bearing in mind the different conditions which prevailed, Applegarth's performance put the achievements of Wefers, Craig, and Lippincott in the shade."

HUTSON'S MILE. The mile race provided Hutson with his first success over the distance, and he is the first man since Alfred Shrubb's time to win the one mile and four miles championships at one meeting. Shrubb, however, gained his victories in one day, whereas Hutson spread his over two days. The finish of the mile, for which there were thirty starters, provided a great race. Mikler, the Hungarian, was leading when the straight was nearcd, with Ives (Queen 's Park) and McPhee (West of Scotland. A.C., Hutson and S. Wood (Salford Harriers) in that order. "On the bend," says the report, "Mcl'hee passed Ives and went after Mikler. He got to the last-named, but Hutson in the straight came with a great dash of pace, followed by S. Wood. The last-named finished well, but he was, at that, five yards behind Hutson and a half a yard ahead of McPhee, who ran a good race. The time, 4min 22sec (61 l-osec, 2min lOsec, 3min 20see for the quarters) was quite good. Everything considered, Hutson lias greatly improved as a mile runner, and he should do still better than this. At the same time S. Wood is knoi-kiiig at the door."

THE HALF-MILE. Now for the half-mile, which was won by Baker. "A. G. Hill, of the Polytechnic Harriers, was quietly fancied for this event, but once it cam'e to racing down the straight the long, telling stride of the visitor carried him home first in the record time for the championship of lmin 54. 2-ssec. The