A DIFFERENT VIEW.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLV, Issue 10168, 24 July 1924, Page 5

A DIFFERENT VIEW.

THE OLYMPIC GAMES.

COMPETITORS FRIENDLY.

PROGRAMME OVERLOADED,

(Per Press Association—Copyright.) LONDON, July 22,

Sportsmen who attended the Olympic Games take a less serious view of matters than that expressed by /‘The Times” and other newspaper criticism. It is unofficially learned that the Olympic Council does not subscribe to the idea that the Games are dead. It is pointed out that any _ unpleasantness was due to the excitable Latin temperament rather than to calculated animosity. It is admitted that French crowds do not display the impartiality usu-ally-associated with English sporting crowds, but their demonstrations of partisanship perhaps demonstrated national comradeship more than international antipathy. There certainly was not any lack of friendliness among the competitors' themselves.

Members of the athletic executive who have arrived in London, generally disapprove the idea of Britishers not participating in future Olympic Games. They are of opinion that as the English-speaking people taught the Continent sports, they should continue to teach them sportsmanship. Mr H. M. Abrahams, Olympic 100 metres champion, interviewed, said there were bound to be disputes when 45 nations were competing. He suggested that the Olympic programme needs pruning. Far too many sports have been added to' the classic list. With fewer competitors and a more restricted range, participants would he able to get, together and cement international friendships.

THE OFFICIAL VIEW‘“SUPERB SPORTING SPIRIT.”' PARIS, July 22. Baron de Coubertin, president or the International Olympic Committee, replying to “The J imes” criticisms, said, if they are to be discouraged by an isolated case of lack of discipline by the inevitable black sheep, it will be better to cancel the Amsterdam (1928) and Los Angeles (1932) Games forthwith. . , ~ He considered that superb sporting spirit was shown at Paris, and his colleagues agreed with that view.