American Runners Arrive

Press, Volume CI, Issue 30007, 17 December 1962, Page 14

American Runners Arrive

(N.Z. Press Association)

AUCKLAND, Dec. 16. D. Burleson, possibly the finest of America’s “new wave” of mile runners, said today he is not sure whether he will be running the vital last leg for Oregon University against New Zealand on Wednesday night. The Oregon team, which holds the world record for 4 x 1 mile of 16min B.9sec, arrived today for the sponsored meeting. They will then travel south for three other meetings.

Burleson, who won three out of four mile races when he was last in New Zealand, said the team did not know in what order they would be running. “I don’t consider myself the best runner in the squad,’’ said Burleson. ‘‘Not at present anyway. “Keith Forman, I think, will definitely run faster than he did when we set tihe record (4min 2.3 sec) and perhaps faster than his best time since (3min 58.3 sec). “I don't think we’ll know until very close to the race what order our coach, Mr Bowerman, will decide. It could even change during the race. We’ve got to be pretty shrewd about this—it is going to be a tight race.”

Burleson spoke of his high regard for P. G. Snell, the world record-holder.

“I’ve run against both H. J. Elliott and Snell,” said Burleson. “There’s no question in my mind who’s the best—Snell. He’s stronger and he’s faster. “There's no doubt in my mind that Snell is the greatest middle distance runner the world has seen. “I'd say this, too—l honestly consider Murray Halberg the greatest athlete I have ever come across. He’s got some marvellous performances and times, a really great record.” The other members of the quartet are A. San Romani, whose father defeated Jack Lovelock in the last race that Lovelock ran. and V. Reeve.