AMERICAN SUCCESS IN SPORT

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26516, 3 September 1951, Page 10

AMERICAN SUCCESS IN SPORT

PROFESSIONAL APPROACH A MAIN REASON

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON. September 1. The professional approach of Americans to sport was one of the main reasons for their success at the Olympic Games, said Professor J. Judd, professor of physical education at Springfield College, Massachusetts, on his arrival by air from Sidney yesterday. First-class Olympic material was not lacking in Australia or New Zealand, said Professor Judd, who is himself an Australian, but both countries lacked the teachers, the equipment, and the general facilities for developing that material. The Americans were always experimenting and improving the science of sporting activities. They spent a great deal of time studying fundamentals, and many colleges had coaches devoted solely to the teaching of one sport, such as swimming, football, or gymnastics. Physical education was compulsory 4n American schools. Instruction in health subjects, with emphasis on the formation of health habits, was having a great effect on the health of the American nation, said Professor Judd. Children were given medical examinations in the schools. In one State parents were requested to be present during the examination because they could learn at first hand if their children needed any treatment. Parents were expected to pav for treatment. If they were too poor to pay the children were still given the necessary attention, however, concluded Professor Judd.