Sportsman’s Notebook ACTOR PLANS TO TAKE UP PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28765, 10 December 1958, Page 7

Sportsman’s Notebook ACTOR PLANS TO TAKE UP PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING

It has often been said that acting and wrestling go together; but it is unusual to find an actor who is a wrestler. Karl Lukk, at present appearing in ‘‘Nude with Violin,” is ar. actor, but he is a wrestler as well. When the show finishes next week Lukk will go to Melbourne, and then to Sydney, where he will begin his career as a professional wrestler. Lukk is ideally built for wrestling. He stands 6ft 2in and weighs 16st 71b. Six years ago he had practically no interest in wrestling or any sport where strength and size were required. He was the same height then as now, but his weight was only 11 stone. Because he was too self-con-scious to appear on the beach or to mix with other people he decided to take a course in body building. He was disappointed with his first year’s progress, but he persevered and gradually built his weight to 17st 101 b, his heaviest. He ate prodigious fneals in those years and drank six pints of milk a day. ‘‘lt cost a lot of money,” he said, “at least 30s a day.” Lukk, who was born in Estonia, broke into show business when he and a friend answered an advertisement for two well-built young men for minor parts in “Kismet,” which was due to start in Australia. Both were successful out of 70 applicants, and they stayed with the show for 15 months. Lukk later had a part in the “Bartered Bride” for six weeks. Unlike many wrestlers, Lukk is well proportioned, and has taken part in many physique contests. Two years ago he won the “Mr Melbourne” contest and was highly placed in “Mr Victoria.” His part in “Nude with Violin” is far from strenuous, and Lukk spends much of his time in keeping fit. He eats normal meals now. but has to continue his body exercises to keep his weight up. Once he eases up he loses weight immediately. # jje 3s Soccer Coach For N.Z.? A coaching position in New Zealand is being sought by- t the

head trainer-coach of England’s professional first division Everton Soccer Club, Mr Harry Wright. He has written to the former English international, Ken Armstrong, director of New Zealand coaching, asking for details of any coaching jobs available in the Dominion. He holds the English Football Association’s full coaching certificate and diploma in physiotherapy. He wishes to bring his wife with him to settle in New Zealand. Since 1955 he has trained three England B and three England under 23 sides for international matches against Scotland. Wales and Germany. He was also trainer-coach on the association’s tour of the West Indies in 1956. * ❖ # Auckland Polo Ground The Auckland Polo Club has bought a 41-acre property at Clevedon, and by the end of 1959 it will be fully commissioned as the permanent headquarters of the club. About 25 acres lie on a river flat, and in such good condition that little levelling will be required to bring it into firstclass condition for polo. Some of the remaining acreage is absorbed by a hillside on which extremely tall manuka forms an ideal shelter belt. As soon as possible the club intends to erect a pavilion on the ground. The property will provide two full-sized fields and two natural grandstands. sje * * Roller Cycling Wellington’s top-line racing track and road cyclists are benefiting from the extra training they are receiving in roller racing at club nights conducted by the Poneke Amateur Cycling Club. Originally designed for indoor training or exhibitions, rollers are now part of the racing programme for cyclists all over the world. Roller pedalling provides scope for reducing weight and for extra training if it is too wet to ride on roads. The competition in Wellington is most enthusiastic. The rollers, which flow easily at moderate pedalling rates, require cycles to be equipped with exceptionally high gearing.