DROPPED FROM GAMES TEAM

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 257, 27 July 1936, Page 9

DROPPED FROM GAMES TEAM

Miss Eleanor Holm INCIDENTS ON VOYAGE (Received July 26, 6.30 p.m.) London, July 24. Because she visited the bar on the liner while crossing tlie Atlantic, Miss Eleanor Holm, the American backstroke champion, Jias been dropped from the Olympic team. Miss Holm said: “I did not think I was doing anything terribly wrong in taking a drink. 1 was just having a good time.” The American committee met the train between Hamburg and Berlin and declined to reverse the decision.

By tlie dismissal of Miss Holm, who is regarded as the most beautiful athlete in tlie country, the United States forfeits almost certain victory in the Olympic 100 metres backstroke. The committee instructed her to leave for tlie United States on Saturday, but in an interview at her hotel at Berlin Miss Holm said: “I am staying here to see the Games. lam a free citizen and cannot be sent home.” In deciding not to reverse its decision the committee disregarded Miss Holm's tearful plea for another chance and also a petition signed b.v 100 of her team mates as follows: "We feel that disciplinary measures which are attended by public shame are too severe. Undoubtedly the step was taken to safeguard the morale of the team, and we feel that it has already accomplished its purpose.” At the beginning of the voyage tlie team was advised that the bar was out of bounds. Miss Holm told the “Sunday Dispatch”: “I have had the rawest deal in the world. Stories of drunkenness and misconduct at present being circulated are entirely without foundation. Neither I nor anyone else removed any clothes. Bly conduct was morally irreproachable. At least 100 others broke the training rules.” Miss Holm has received many cables of sympathy. The American Olympic Committee issued a statement that it held two meetings to consider the case. Several committeemen originally favoured Miss Holm’s removal from the team, but it was decided to warn her that another offence would lead to her dismissal. Subsequently, in view of tlie severe criticism from other Olympic Games representatives and passengers because the committee bad not acted drastically a second meeting was held. Miss Holm could not be aroused in the cabin she occupied with two young swimmers by the team’s physician and tlie ship’s doctor, who were sent to make an examination, on which the committee’s decision was unanimous. The team of 400 was the best-behaved ’er sent abroad. It was most unfortunate that this unpleasant affair had marred an otherwise admirable journey. Miss Holm is considering an offer to appear in British films. She says: “I have no feeling against the American Olympic committee, but the fact is that I was condemned without a hearing. The committee told me it was ‘O.K,’ to go to the bar so long as I was not seen drinking.”