AMERICAN ATHLETES.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 18, 22 January 1926, Page 7

AMERICAN ATHLETES.

SCHOLZ AND HAHN. TO-MORROWS CARNIVAL. When a runner reaches the rate of speed that lie is universally acknowledged to be the fastest man over 100 yards in the world, he is regarded as something in the na-ture of a freak. Even we in our own little New Zealand have produced some remarkable athletes, but the only world's champion pedestrian we have been able to claim was George Smith, who raced over hurdles, and after proving himself in a class by himself in the Dominion went to England where he defeated the best of England and America. To-morrow nt the Domain, Aueklanders will have the opportunity of Witnessing in action an even faster runner than Smith. This is Jackson V. Scholz, the American runner who has attained greater speed than any other man who ever wore pumps. Paddock, Abrahams. Porrit, are men who have in the past year or so made history between the tapes, but Scholz has eclipsed their beat performances, and to-day is recognised as the champion of champions. With Scholz touring New Zealand, is another great runner from the States, in Lloyd Hahn. He is a middle distance runner, and to show his quality it need only mentioned that a dozen times he has run a mile in less than 4.20, and on two occasions lias covered the distance in a tick under 4.13, and can clam to have beaten the wonderful Xurmi's times over more than one distance. The Americans are tourinu New Zealand under engagement to the New Zealand A.A.A., and to-morrow will compete in handicap events at the carnival arranged by the Auckland centre. Scholz will contest the 100 yards and 220 yards, and the heats in which he competes will take the form of a special invitation heat, the winner, besides qualifying for the final, earning a special trophy. Hahn is engaged in the quarter, half, and one mile handicaps, and will contest two of the events. In addition to the visitors from overseas, all the best of Auckland's runners are competing, and as they are a decidedly smart lot, the Americans will have to be right at the top of their form if they are to win. The cycle races have attracted good fields and included in tlio riders engaged is E. J. Elakeway, who has been very successful in Christchurch. The first event is to start at 2.15 p.m., and given fine weather the sports should attract a big attendance as there are no counter attractions.