ATHLETICS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 206, 13 June 1936, Page 2

ATHLETICS.

ABOUT LOVELOCK. FIT TO REPRESENT NEW ZEALAND. The prospect of J. E. Lovelock being available to represent New Zealand at the forthcoming Olympic Games is being discussed in some quarters. He set a World’s record for the mile of 4.7 3-5 in 1933. After brilliantly de—feating \V. Bonthron and G. Cunningham in. America; he was toward the close of last season under a, cloud, being twice beaten by the Englishman, S. C. \Vooderson, and some doubt was expressed whether »his knee, which was apparently showing signs of strain, following an operation for the removal of the cartilege the year before, would stand up to it this summer.‘

But it would appear at the moment that there is little doubt on that score. Lovelock recently wont the final of the feather-weight boxing division for St. Mary’s Hospital in the inter—hospital championships, which would seem to indicate that his knee has fully recovered, since boxing would subject it to strain equally as great as running. Whether he will reproduce his fine form of two: seasons ago is pl'dblleniap tical, but the. New Zealander should be capable of finishing in the first three in the 1600 metres at Berlin, with the very definite prospect of being the first product of this country to win an Olympic track title. He has also been nominated for the. 5000 metres, but if he is showing the necessary dash at the shorter distance it is safe to. say that he will not attempt the lionger race.