“Time Professionals” In Mexican Olympics

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30807, 20 July 1965, Page 19

“Time Professionals” In Mexican Olympics

(.N Z. Press Association —Copyright)

SYDNEY, July 19. A new race of “time professionals” was emerging as nations prepared for the 1968 Olympics in the high-altitude of Mexico City, the world champion long-distance runner, Ron Clarke said on his arrival in Sydney today.

He said most nations were making professionals out of their distance runners, who would have to compete in Mexico in 1968.

“I call them time professionals because they will do nothing for two or three months, except devote their time to training in camps at high altitudes,” he said. “It has been fully established that distance men will be under a severe handicap in tered for several months become fully acclimatised. “Already France has planned a high-altitude training camp, where athletes and their families will be quartered for several months before going to Mexico. The International Olympic Committee does have a rule banning extended training camps but it does not seem to be able to enforce it. OCTOBER TRIALS "I don’t know how Australia will overcome this problem, but 1 don’t feel we should follow the European example.

Because there is an evil overi there. I don't think we should necessarily follow it. “Our runners and long-dis-tance cyclists and swimmers will just have to do the best they can in Australia. “France. Germany. Russia. America and the African nations all are planning longterm training camps at high altitudes. “What I would like to see is Australia represented by a distance runner and a doctor and manager in Mexico City in October, this year, when trials will be held,” he said. “France. Germany, Britain and America all are sending at least eight to 10 athletes each, for these trials. “A runner like Tony Cook who could probably spare the time from work would be an ideal man for Australia to send over there.” Clarke said there was a good chance that the Olympic 10,000-metres champion, Billy , Mills (United States), and I France’s world mile record-

• | holder. Michel Jazy, would be [ seen in Australia next sum- ) mer. BEST OF 12 J Clarke said his most satisfying run among his 12 world records on this trip, was in I London, where he won the ’ I British three miles champion-; . j ship in world record time, i He thought this gave him more satisfaction than his > 10,000-metres world record, j i because he was less certain ■ of winning over three miles. , ' His present plans are to run i cross-country for the rest of the winter and then conceni trate on track racing. ! He will defend his national s 10,000 metres cross-country championship in Perth next : month “If I get picked in the » Victorian team,” he said. i Clarke said he wanted to > refute suggestions that he had slowed down in one European i race, so he could preserve a ? world record . i “'’’hat is a horrifying 1; thought and one which would - never occur to me.”