Untitled

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 170, 19 July 1924, Page 4 (Supplement)

Finland produces some groat athletes. Willie Ritola, competing in Olympic trials at Helsingfoiv, has established v world's record for 10,000 metres, covering the distance in 30m 3.js. This information is of great interest, owing to the near approach of the Olympic fiames. Paavo Xurmi, of Finland, a fellow-countryman of Ritola, held the previous world's record of 30m 40 1-os, which he established on June 22, 1921. The two Finns should have the distance races to themselves at Paris, for 'both are world-beaters. Ritola, until quite recently a member of the Finnish-American Athletic Club, New York, has just returned to his native land, and will represent Finland at the Olympic meeting. In addition to winning several national championships of U.S.A. at distance running during 1923, he has created several American and world records.