OLYMPIC FLAME.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 171, 21 July 1936, Page 7

OLYMPIC FLAME.

IGNITED AT ATHENS. Spirit of Golden Age of Greece Recaptured. JOURNEY TO BERLIN STARTS. United Tress Association.—Copyright. (Received 11 a.m.) ATHENS, July 20. Something of the spirit of the golden age in Greek culture was recaptured at dawn to-day when the concentrated rays of the sun ignited, at Olympia, a torch to be borne by relays across Europe to Berlin, signalising the opening of the Olympic Games. Twelve maidens, attired in the traditional athlete's short shirt, carried the flame, from which the first runner lighted a torch and sped to the magnificent Pentclicon marble stadium and lighted the eternal flame at the altar in front of the Averoft' statue in the presence of King George. Arriving at Athens, the torch-bearer kindled a fire at a special altar at the Acropolis, where Royal Guards bore flags of the 52 competing nations. Thence the bearer went to Delphi, the home of the ancient oracle, and crossed the frontier at Koula. As each torch burns only 10 minutes, and the flame must not be allowed to die, a car laden with spare torches and runners accompanies each relay. The runners will traverse six countries, and the Olympic flame will reach Berlin Stadium for the official opening of the Games on August 1. ASTOUNDING TIMES. SWIMMERS IN TRAINING. (Received 2 p.m.) LONDON, July 20. The "Daily Mail" sports gossip writer at the Olympic Games, reports that an ex-Olympic diving champion is at present coaching German Olympic swimmers, who have been "clocking" the Japanese during training. He reports some astounding times that they have achieved, notably 200 metres breaststroke in 2m 41.25, compared with the Olympic record of 2m 44.95; the 100 metres backstroke in 1.8.25, equalling the record; the 1500 metres free-style in 10m 30s; and the 800 metres team race in 8111 oOs, compared with the Olympic record of Sin 55.45. BROADSIDING. ENGLAND BEATS AUSTRALIA. (Received 2 p.m.) LONDON, July 20. A crowd of 30,000, at Wimbledon, saw England beat Australia, by f>B points to 47, ill the fourth speedway Test.