“Snell Will Go Faster”

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29739, 5 February 1962, Page 14

“Snell Will Go Faster”

“I expected records today, but not quite so fast,” said Mr A. L. Lydiard, who has been closely associated in the training of P. G. Snell, who broke the world records for both the 800 metres and 880 yards at Lancaster Park on Saturday.

“I am most elated at the result It is very gratifying After aU it has taken ” ' r years of hard work and slogging to get into this class” Asked if he thought Snell could go faster Mr Lydiard said; "What do you think after watching him run the race by himself today? It stands to reason tha - if someone breathes down his neck he will go f_ster ’’ Mr Lydiard said ne thought Snell would be better at the mile by Tokyo "He has only been in top class for two years and it is only natural that he can't do everything at once He still has a lot of half-miles ahead of him yet” It was gratifying for him to see Snell keep in hard training to reach the top Mr Lydiard said It was a disappointment for coaches to have potential world-beaters give up while on the -way up This was the case with one runner in his care who gave up after four years Canterbury's internationally • known coach. Mr V Bnedis. who trains Mrs V I Young and Miss M A M Chamberlain, said he considered Snelj's half-mile time much better than his world mile record. "He is nice to watch and he has the guts to go and go If someone can be found to go with him he will stride out still more and more ”

J Dupree, who was Snell s closest challenger in the half.

mile, said that Snell was just too good. "I went as fast as I could but I could not get near him.” J. Bork. who was third, said that the fast pace should have suited him as he has a time of 46 9sec for the 400 metres

“I ran as fast as I could, but it seemed I had an offday Yesterday was my big day," Bork said He was referring to a 13lb salmon he had caught at the Rakaia gorge on Friday

Snell’s record - breaking runs on Saturday had been predicted by the doubleOlympic champion. M Whitfield, winner of the 800 metres at the 1948 and 1952 Olympics After seeing Snell in action at Rome. Whitfield had told B Robinson, who ran against Snell on Saturday, that Snell would eventually do Imin 44sec for •he 800 metres.

P.M.’s Message

IN2 Press Association) WELLINGTON, February 4 The Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) today sent the following telegram to P G Snell:

"Your record • shattering half-mile run a tremendous thrill New Zealand joins with pride in world acclaim for your magnificent effort May I express for all heartiest congratulations and hope for further exciting achievements.”