Swedish Runners Not Likely To Tour America

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 309, 30 December 1944, Page 6 (Supplement)

Swedish Runners Not Likely To Tour America

GUNDER THE WONDER" Haegg, Swedish distance runner and holder of the world mile record of 4.4 3-5, until his "shadow" and fellow countryman, Arne Andersson, lowered the time to 4.2 3-5 and later to 4.1 3-5, will have to remain at home to sell shirts and ties and other mercery instead of touring the United States with Andersson.

Gunder has always been known to us as a fireman, but he recently signed a contract to work for a Malmoe (Sweden) store owner, Mr. Stora Orfen, in the haberdashery department.

Guilder's new employer has apparently been lenient in the matter of leave of absence when important track meets have been staged, but he drew the leave line when Swedish track officials wanted Gunder to go to America with Andersson early next year. Even a plea from America that the proposed Haegg-Andersson trip was to be a war bond-selling tour could not change Mr. Stora Orfen's mind that Gunder should stay in the store for a change and sell some shirts, socks, ties and other mercery.

And from an American point of view the ■ prospect of having a Swedish runner in the States in 1345 becomes more complicated because, although Gunder and Arne are great rivals on the track, they are great friends, and neither wants to make an American tour without the other.