N.Z. Skaters May Compete In 1972 Winter Olympics

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31128, 3 August 1966, Page 15

N.Z. Skaters May Compete In 1972 Winter Olympics

rpHE possibility of New Zeax land being represented to the 1972 winter Olympics at Sapporo to Japan by a team of long track speed skaters appears very remote when one compares the times being recorded by the top competitors in the coun-

try with those of their European counterparts. But it is not so remote that the New Zealand Ice Skating Association has lost sight of the prospect In fact it seriously hopes that it will have two or more speed skaters of sufficient standard by 1972 to warrant an entry.

Leading competitors have been informed of the association’s desire to be represented at the Japan Winter Olympics but have been told that before they would be considered they would have to prove themselves against overseas competition. And that would mean making a trip to Europe, lasting as long as two years, because the shortness of the outdoor season in New Zealand prohibits skaters obtaining the necessary ice experience to be able to compete on an equal footing with continentals.

New Zealand’s aggregate champion for the last two years, 19-year-old R. J. Montgomery, of Christ-

church, is keen to make a bid for the required standard. By 1972 he will be 25 and presumably at his peak. In about three years he hopes to travel to Europe for experience.

The former New Zealand champion, J. H. Havenaar, who emigrated from Holland 14 years ago, has offered to give him some useful contacts in the European skating world and this should give him a good start Another who is interested is the New Zealand 5000 metres, 10,000 metres and marathon record-holder, R. Falkingham. He, too, could be at his peak for the Japan games.

There are also others who could make the grade if they applied themselves and made the necessary sacrifices. G. Glover, a former New Zealand sprint champion, has been concentrating on roller skating this season and has been rewarded with selection for the New Zealand team to the world championships in Madrid.

The Incentive of Olympic competition could encourage him to return to long track ice skating. P. Bastion is another who could be to the running as well. And, of course, the former multiple champion. I. B. McDonald, who retired two seasons ago with the aggregate title to his name, is still young enough to make a serious comeback.

The shortness of the New Zealand season is the main problem facing contenders. “They get more skating to a year on the Continent than we get here in a lifetime,” Mr Havenaar, who is convenor of the New Zealand speed committee, said this week.

“At the same time if we put a Continental on the ice after two week-ends he would not do much better than any of the New Zealand competitors. I am convinced that if the boys were able to practise on the ice as much as the Europeans then they would be just as good,” he said.

“In fact,” he claims, “it is of little use comparing the times of New Zealanders and Europeans. Overseas they have far better conditions. We get the ice as nature provides it We cannot make it or improve It,” he said.

On the Continent there were numerous artificial tracks and most of them were equipped with planing machines to ensure perfect ice conditions for any competition. “It Is a sin to walk on the ice with ordinary shoes on.” At Lake Ida the situation was almost the opposite. Everyone was on the ice, some pushing sledges across the track and throwing lolly papers about, he said.

Mr Havenaar is quite convinced that New Zealand ice skaters have the potential to reach Olympic standards. “We know we cannot have representatives at the 1968 Olympics in France because our present leading competitors would need at least two years beforehand on the Continent But we are endeavouring to get people to start training now with the goal of the 1972 Winter Olympics in mind,” he said.