SNELL AND HALBERG

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29744, 10 February 1962, Page 12

SNELL AND HALBERG

Quick Visit To U.S. (N 2 Pres* Assoctotion) AUCKLAND, February 9. P. G. Snell left tonight for the United States with the task of defending his great reputation while running for the first time on board track. “I have never seen a board track before.” said Snell today. “I’m interested to see how I run.” In addition to the strange surface, which requires very small spikes, Snell will be faced by an indoor track of about half the size of an outdoor track. The tight corners could hamper his long, heavy stride.

M. G. Halberg. however, will have no such worries -n the two-mile event. On his last visit to the United States he found his short step and light build admirably suited to small board tracks. After a five-hour break <n Honolulu, the athletes are due to arrive in Los Angeles at 9.30 p.m. a day before the meeting. Their coach, Mr A. L. Lydiard, who is accompanying them, is to have discussions on the distance of Snell’s event. Snell had agreed to a 1000-yard race, but the organisers hope to change it to a mile. They will return immediately to arrive back m Auckland on Tuesday night. Both will compete in the Auckland championships on the following Saturday, Snell in the 880 yards and Halberg in the three miles.