HEATS OF MEN’S 800 METRES

Press, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 26789, 22 July 1952, Page 7

HEATS OF MEN’S 800 METRES

M. L. MARSHALL FAILS TO QUALIFY

HELSINKI, July 20. M L. Marshall, of New Zealand, nearly qualified to-day for the semifinals of the 800 metres at the Olympic Games. He came fourth, only .9sec behind Wolfbrandt (Sweden), the winner of the first heat. ■. .. . . Marshall made a great finishing burst in an attempt to reach third place, but he was beaten at the tape by a Russian, time was Imin 55.35ec. Next came Webster (Great Britain), Imin 55.55ec. then Modoj, Imm 558 set then Marshall, Imin 56.25ec. Behind him was Baumgarten (Switzerland), Imin 57.1 sec. with Sanni-Thomas (Gold Coast) well behind. Marshall started on toe outside of all the runners. He was fifth round the first bend, and then moved up to third along the straight. He held this position round the second bend, and made a determined attempt to breast into second place. On the run down to the completion of the ■ first 400 metres. Modoj moved into third position and at -the bell Marshall was fourth. Over the next 100 metres. Baumgarten nasseri Marshall, who was .then fifth. P For the next 200 metres all the runners were toe to h2®|> with Wolfbrandt leading, then Webster, Modoj. Baumgarten and Marshall ifi Indian fll At the beginning of toe bend it seemed that Marshall was beaten to fifth place, but' he made a magnificent kair«t eame round very fast, and ao* moving into third olare ‘in the final burst, however. Modoj had more pace, and finished just in front of Marshall. .Marshall shook honks With Modoj and toe other runners as they walked baric °® cinders to the grass. It was a good Effort by Marshall, and he ran well.