DECISION ON SKI-ING TEAM FOR OLYMPICS SHORTLY

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29016, 3 October 1959, Page 5

DECISION ON SKI-ING TEAM FOR OLYMPICS SHORTLY

'T'HIS month the New Zealand Olympic and British Empire Games Association will make its decision on whether New Zealand is to be represented by a ski-ing team at the 1960 winter Olympics at Squaw Valley. Although high hopes are held in ski-ing circles, the problems of fully justifying a team of six skiers is well known, and it may be that a much

smaller team will be sent if the association finally approves of New Zealand representation.

New Zealand’s position in international ski-ing is obvious. This country cannot hope to take top placings at Squaw Valley, and the chances of coming anywhere near the times of the top Europeans and Americans is remote. The women’s team would undoubtedly make a bold showing,

and should surprise overseas officials. Ski-ing officials believe it is important that New Zealand should be represented at Squaw Valley, if for nothing more than the experience that would be gained. New Zealand has to be prepared to obtain more international competition. they say, and competition at Squaw Valley might lead to better international placings in the future. Experience Whatever doubts may be held as to New Zealand’s standing in international ski-ing, it is certain that the teams which the New Zealand Ski Association selectors have nominated are difficult to fault. They have chosen a men’s team which combines the experience of two hardened racers who have competed overseas before and a younger skier, and the women's team contains probably the finest three women skiers this country has produced. On international standards, the three women are rated well above the New Zealand men, and it is from them that the most satisfactory results can be expected Patricia Prain, Cecilia Womersley. and Paddy Hall are capable of establishing thcmpelves in international class, for none of them were much inferior to Miss Christine Davy, the Australian women’s champion, when they skied in the inter-Dominion contest at Mount Ruapehu last year Miss Davy was at that stage ranked tenth in the world, and the New Zealand women were only slightly slower in some of the events It is probable that of the three women, Cecilia Womersley. at 16 years of age. will gain the most benefit. With a temperament ideally suited to racing ski-ing and plenty of determination. Olympic competition would develop her still further. Men The three men nominated are W F. Hunt—four times New Zealand champion; R. S. A. Chaffey,

the New Zealand champion in 1958; and J. Willis, who is the most promising of a large band of younger men. One could not imagine a better

captain for the team than Hunt, for the strategy and energy which marks his ski-ing is exemplary. Hunt has the ability to plan his line through a course with utmost thoroughness, so ensuring the minimum risk of hitting an unexpected bump in the race itself. Chaffey is an equally daring personality, but his will to win sometimes outweighs his physical capabilities He lacks the consistency of Hunt, sometimes sacrificing his chances for a dynamic burst of power ski-ing which results in a fall At his best. Chaffey has no peer in downhill running in this country

Good Record

John Willis has not had a good season this year, but has the best record of the younger men who are making claims to top honours in this country. Experience at Squaw Valley would also stand him in good stead. The decision now rests with the Olympic association whether these persons will represent New Zealand. The ski association selectors have done a difficult job well, and they have placed their faith in persons well qualified to represent this country