SWIMMING.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 74, 9 January 1936, Page 2

SWIMMING.

NEW ZEALANDERS IN SYDNEY. t SYDNEY, Jan. 8. The New Zealanders P. Matliieson and W, J. Jarvis, competed in the sAvimming events at the Drumoyne Baths to-night. The 100 yards invitation backstroke handicap resulted: — B. Hay (6see) ... 1 P. Matliieson (scr) J. Gillett (9sec) ... ... ••• 3 Seven started. Won by four feet. Time, 70 3-ssec. * Matliieson, Avho conceded the limit man nine seconds, was last at the turn, and just failed to make up the leeivay. , The 220 yards championship of Ncav South Wales resulted : P. Hooper 1 N. Ryan ... ... ... ... 2 B. Hodgson 3 Seven started. Jarvis Aims last. Won by a touch. Time, 2min. 24sec. Jarvis got a good start, and ivas SAvimming second to Ryan after tivo laps, making 60 4-ssec for the first 100 yards. At the end of the third lap, Jarvis ivas only fourth, and appeared to he tiring, _ ivliereas Hooper, ivho comes from Lismore, ivas overtaking Ryan, and won in a thrilling finish. Officials believe the field to he the strongest to face the starter for many years, although the Avinner’s time does not compare favourably with Ryan’s record of 2min. 20jjsec. The 220 yards breast-stroke championship of New South Wales resulted : W. Green ... i A. W. Magee ... ... o K. Murray ... 3 Seven started. Won by three yards. Time, 3mi n. 9 3-sseo. LOST WEIGHT. CLAIRE DENNIS BUILDS UP. A loss of one stone in weight would probably please a girl with ideas of slimming down from lOst 71b, hut it is a serious matter for the ivorld’s breaststroko champion, Claire Dennis, who has dropped from that iveight to 9st 71b in 10 months (says an Australian Avriter). Hopeful of selection in the Australian team for the Olympic Games in Berlin next August, Miss Dennis must regain her normal Aveight during the next lew. months, or at least build up her physique sufficiently to meet the strain of the strenuous programme of training ahead. Although only 19, and holder of Olympic and Empire Games titles, Claire Dennis has engaged in strenuous competitive SAvimming for 13 years. From the 1931-32 season, Avhen she visited America as a member

of the Olympic Games team, Miss Dennis has never had a let-up, summer or Avinter. Swimming in Australian championships, a tour of New Zealand and Tasmania and a visit to England for the Empire Games followed her American trip. Her return for the Empiad meant another Australian summer, and then last winter Miss Dennis had to undergo an operation to remove a sinew from her foot. Miss Dennis was disabled for 13 weeks, including live Aveelts in bed, and Avas out of the Avator for 10 months until she began training in November. “This long spell affected by nervous system and caused my loss of weight-,” said Miss Dennis. “Inactivity made my muscles shrink, but I am not worried because I think I can put on we ight during the next few months. “If there is any secret to my success,” said Miss Dennis, “I think it is in my starting plunge. This lias been affected slightly by loss of Aveight, because I need every ounce for my three strokes under water and the gradual, but quick, shoot to break the surface. My actual swimming, hoAvever, has not been affected. Already I have broken my best time for 15'0yds, but I have been taking my training very sloAvly. “There is no point in rushing my preparation,” continued Miss Dennis. “I am quietly working up to form for the NeAV South Wales championships in January, Avhen I will SAvim in the 220yds breaststroke. “I don’t propose to diet to gam Aveight. I never have previously, and I am sure I will build up my stamina with good regular meals and proper rest. . . , “This year my training has been limited to short distances not exceeding- 150yds, and I am anxious to put on*a feiv extra pounds and start training over longer distances.