Swimming Selectors' Error: Boy Mistaken For A Girl

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29384, 10 December 1960, Page 12

Swimming Selectors ' Error: Boy Mistaken For A Girl

(New Zealand Press Association;

AUCKLAND, December 9 Because the national selectors had mistaken him for a girl, the 14-year-old Auckland junior breaststroke record-holder, G. Ruzio-Saban, will not be taking part in the New Zealand swimming trials at Wellington. The trials are being held to help in the selection of a team to travel to Queensland. The North Shore Club, to which Ruzio-Saban belongs, was informed today by the New Zea- ” land Amateur Swimming Association that he would not be required to attend the trials, as the selectors, when they approved his nomination from the Auckland centre ’bought he was a girl "T> is inconceivable that the national selectors should be confused as to whether Ruzio-Saban was a boy or a girl.” said Mr F. Hay coach of the swimmer and a past-president of the New Zear. land Coaches’ Association Mr Hay said that as RuzioSaban hd competed in provincial championships in the North and South Islands with honours, had swum in the national championships last year. and. last season, cut 20 seconds off the Auckland 100 yards junior breaststroke record, there was hardly any excuse for the selectors not being familiar with the swimmer’s sex Mr Hay was also critical of the

New Zealand association’s policy in holding trials so early in the season The president of the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association (Mr A. J Donaldson) had no comment to make last night when Mr Hay’s criticisms were expressed to him.