Walker-Bayi clash doubt

Press, 31 August 1977, Page 52

Walker-Bayi clash doubt

PA Auckland Unless John Walker was in his best form, Mr Arch Jolley, the world recordholder’s coach, would not be keen to see his charge meet Filbert Bayi in a “dream mile” in Vancouver on September 17. "I don’t know if John has recovered from a stomach illness, which he had when 1 left,” said Mr Jeiley last night. “Actually he is going to be hardpressed to be ready for the World Cup at Dusseldorf at the week-end. “He is very tough, but this Vancouver race is not going to give him very much time to prepare. I would only like to see him meet Bayi at his best.” Bayi will not be a competitor at Dusseldorf,

where Walker admitted that there had been an approach for him and Bat i to meet in Vancouver. The Auckland Athletic Centre is also hopeful that the two giants will be seen in the four-meeting series which they are organising for next January ano which will be sponsored by South Pacific Television. Athletes on the invitation list include Bayi. Alberto Juantorena (Cuba), Karl Fleschen and Thomas Wessinghage (both West Germany). A Walker-Bayi clash oter a mile or 1500 m was envisaged at Auckland at the final meeting on January •>8 The preceding meetings will be at Wellington on January 18, Christchurch three days late’’ and Dunedin on January 2a.