Games swimming praised

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33783, 4 March 1975, Page 18

Games swimming praised

I The acquatic sports at the : New Zealand Games were a success in the view of two of the major countries which competed. The praise and commendation was received by the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association from Australia and Cafiada and reported to its council meeting last evening. The games were a success in the view of the manager-coach of the Canadian swimming team (Mr C. Colwin) and the manager of the Australian swimming team (Mr C. B. Rickards). "The organisation was excellent and the standard of competition was as high, if not

higher, than can be obtained anywhere in the world at this time of year,” said Mr Colwin. “If we are invited to compete in the’ New Zealand Games again, and I hope we shall be. I feel we should be permitted to stipulate our own travel arrangements, as assembling the I team in Los Angeles was not entirely to our convenience,” he said. Mr Colwin also praised all sections of the organising committee he dealt with, and the pool manager and staff at Queen : Elizabeth II Park for their cooperation. “Your association must be complimented on the splendid organisation of the activities at what must be one of the world’s most spectacular venues,” said Mr Rickards. “The facilities and amenities supplied for our stay were firstclass. I personally hope that the principles established at these

games can be continued on a periodic basis.”

CRITICISM OF DATE The date set by the New Zealand Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association for the selection of next year’s team for the Montreal Olympics was criticised by the council. The association has set March 26 as the closing date for nom- ! inations for team members and officials, and the selection will be on April 12. The Games are from July 17 to August 1. Sir Ronald Scott said the association would have the same situation as had arisen in the past where someone would better a qualifying mark two months before the games but would be debarred because of the earlv deadline. “Surely some

provision can be made for late selection.”

“Swimming and weight-lifting are two obvious cases where late qualifying could be a problem. We should try and get some flexibility in the date,” said Sir Ronald. The following New Zealand records were ratified: Men Long course. —Junior: R. Novak (Otago), 440 yards freestyle, 4:22.5; 110 yards breaststroke, 1:13.5; 220 yards breaststroke, 2:39.5; 220 yards individual medley, 2:23.4. Short course.—Senior: B. Naylor (Southland), 800 yards freestyle, 8:37.4. Women Long course.—Senior: R. Perrott (Wellington), 110 yards

freestyle, 1:1.4; 220 yards freestyle, 2:11.1; A. Calder (Otago), 440 yards freestyle, 4:33.7; M. Rodahl {Auckland), 220 yards backstroke, 2:29.3; 220 yards individual medley, 2:32.1 ithe preceding were also national .junior records); L Rowe (Canterbury), 220 yards butterfly, 2:25.9. Junior: J. Lowe ißay of Plenty), 110 yards breaststroke, 1:21.7; 220 yards breaststroke, 2:53.7; Miss Rodahl, 220 yards butterfly, 2:29.0; 100 m freestyle, Miss Perrott, 1:1.5 and 1:0.7. Short cour«e.—Senior: Miss Rowe. 800 m freestyle, 9:24.1.