Champion dies
Problems of professionalism in swimming were recalled at the week-end by the death of C. J. Welson, a former New Zealand swimming and diving champion. At the 1915 national championships, Welson won the 440 yd, 880 yd and one mile titles and helped Auckland win the flying squadron relay. But there were doubts about his status and he was suspended while an investigation was carried out. In 1914, Welson had held the post of professional at
the Waihi baths and although he had been reinstated it was claimed in some quarters that he was still in the job. Happily for Welson, the N.Z.A.S.A. eventually declared him to be an amateur and the placings stood. In the years 1911-12-13, Welson was the leading challenger to the country’s great middle distance swimmer, M. E. Champion. After the First World War. Welson returned to the sport as a diver, and had the distinction of winning the national men’s title.
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Bibliographic details
Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31656, 17 April 1968, Page 9
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158Champion dies Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31656, 17 April 1968, Page 9
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