Rift Between Coach, Athlete Has Healed

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30580, 24 October 1964, Page 12

Rift Between Coach, Athlete Has Healed

[From

NORMAN HARRIS.

9 *New Zealand Herald” Reporter]

TOKYO, October 24. Winning both the 800 and 1500 metres represented a perfect performance by P. G. Snell requiring a perfect preparation during the preceding months. And, indeed, this is what there had been.

One factor which had a great bearing in this was his reassociation with Mr A. L. Lydiard.

It may be a risky observation, but I feel that the technical instruction of Mr Lydiard, useful and excellent as it was, was secondary to the psychological benefit of renewed friendship and respect.

The rift started to heal during the South African tour which the two made in March. Previous to this, Snell admits, the prospects of doing well at Tokyo had seemed faint —because he could rouse no enthusiasm for training and running generally. At the very time when the incentive of the Tokyo Games was starting to take effect, and the time had come to start the preparation, the rift started to heal. EASED HIS MIND

Initially, the benefit to Snell was that it eased his mind, for he is a sensitive man. His training might have been little discussed but there was a relaxed and friendly spirit between the two men. Furthermore, the other runners of the camp were again training with him and encouraging him. Harmony continued until at last, at Tokyo, Mr Lydiard was once again acting as Snell’s coach. It was a gradual process, and not something that would ever have suddenly demanded or warranted an announcement. Snell was asked after his two victories to tell of what Mr Lydiard's influence had been. He seemed reluctant to delve into a topic which could cause embarrassment. But when it was put to him that Mr Lydiard had been a friend and guide rather than a trainer, Snell replied instantly: “Oh no. I have been saying to him of a morning—‘Well, Arthur, what should I do today?’ ” DIFFERENT MEN Coaching seems to have been on a different basis to that of instruction and acceptance. There has been discussion between the two and common consent—advice sought and adviee considered. It has been much better like this, with two men of such vastly different temperament. It is a happy story, but it Is also an important one. Snell’s perfect preparation depended vitally on ease of mind and confidence, which fluctuates alarmingly in this man.

The challenge of a gold medal double was inspiring—but also a little frightening. All the time, Snell says, he intended to try and go through with it—but in several staves he felt uneasy. “The 1500 metres was obviously the exciting race end the one where it seemed I was going to be challenged

most,” he says. “But the 800 metres was the vital one.

“It had been a long time since I had run as fast as I knew I’d have to. I could see myself falling between two stools—getting only the silver or the bronze in the 800 metres and fighting so hard for it that it hurt me for the 1500 metres.”

He says that his very fast 800 metres trial in training gave him confidence, that he was worried when George Kerr ran so well in the semifinal but not unduly apprehensive.

“Nevertheless, the 800 metres suddenly became a tougher prospect than the 1500—opposite to how the situation had looked previously.” He gave himself much confidence with his win in the 800 metres, and the fast time.