Feat “Fantastic,” Says Moens

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

Feat “Fantastic,” Says Moens

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter —Copyright)

BRUSSELS, February 3

The former world 800 metres record holder, R. Moens, of Belgium, today described as “fantastic” New Zealand Peter Snell’s new world times.

“This is amazing,” said Moens. “I knew Snell was attempting to break the record and I predicted several days ago he would run about Imin 45.35ec (for 800 metres). But his time is fantastic.”

Moens said he had sent New Zealand’s new world record holder a three word cable: “Fantastic—terrific—congratulations.” Moens said: “I am ndt at all surprised by Peter Snell’s exploit." Type Of Track

Asked whether it was significant that Snell broke his record on a grass track while Moens’s record run was on cinders, Moens replied: “I don’t think that makes any difference. “I know tracks in New Zealand. They are perfect and practically as fast as our European tracks. I repeat I am most impressed by the time achieved.”

In London, early editions of the afternoon newspapers ’’splashed" Snell’s lates’ achievement.

The “Evening News” used a seven column streamer headline across its sports page: “New Zealand ace clips the half-mile and 800 metres on grass—more world records go to Snell.” The “Evening Standard” used the story on its front page under the heading: “Snell smashes two more world records.” New Style Peter Snell is the new style of modern middle distance world record-breaker according to the Melbourne “Herald's” athletics writer. “He is more compact than Herb Elliott and John Landy. each of whom stands at sfi UJin,” the writer said. Snell was sft lOin and weighed 12st 7lb. Landy and EJiott in peak condition weighed about 11 stone. “Snell is the outstanding combination of speed and staying ability. He has greater explosive speed than Landy or Elliott.” said the writer.

“Proof of this is Snell’s 51 3sec or 51.4 sec for the first quarter in todav’s recordbreaking run Elliott and Landy, at their best, would be struggling to break 52sec. ’ Landy never reached

world time as an 886yds runner. but Elliott did —he ran Imin 47.35ec in England in 1958, only l-10sec slower than Snell’s best for the 880 until today. “Snell, with his sensational mile, 880yds and 800 metres records, has proved that the modern record breaker for these marks has to be something of a long-distance sprinter, instead of a stamina and speed man,” the writer said.

No Freemen Of Auckland

"The Press" Special Service AUCKLAND, February 4. The Mayor of Auckland (Mr D M. Robinson) says tfiat his council cannot make the world-record runners, M G Halberg and P G Snell, freemen of the city This was suggested by Mr W R Vallance. of Whangarei.

Mr Robinson also said that civic receptions for athletes, including both these runners. had been poorly attended Mr Robinson said an Act of Parliament would be required if the council were to have the necessary authority to confer the city’s freedom. The council finance committee some time ago had decided not to approach Parliament.

Otago Radio

Central Otago should have much improved radio reception from the repeater station which will begin to relay broadcasts from three Dunedin N.Z.B.S. stations on February 24. Station 4YX will have a 70ft aerial until a 350 ft mast is built in about two years to improve transmissions again. On a freouency of 640 kilocycles, 4YX will operate from 6 a.m. to 11 pjn., Mondays to Saturday. and until midnight on Sundays. It will carry no commercial announcements.