Swimming

Evening Post, Issue 52, 2 March 1935, Page 22

Swimming

By "Header."

NEW CHAMPIONS

FORM REVIEWED

JARVIS HAS PACE

The national championships recently concluded were one of the most successful ever contested, and members of the Auckland -' Centre, who controlled the meeting, have every reason to feel satisfied with themselves. The class of swimming was higher in the sprinting classes than ever before, while the distance events provided contests that were as exciting as they were close. The management of the meeting was first class, and the northern officials left no. stone unturned to ensure the gathering being one of the finest ever staged. All visiting swimmers and officials were well catered for, and altogether /they expressed themselves as more than satisfied with the manner in which their interests had been looked after. A pleasing feature was the financial success that attended the carnival, the large attendances on each of the three nights being such as to enable the Auckland Centre to show an excellent return.

Several titles changed hands during the course of. the meeting, and the new champions have fully 'earned their honours. Perhaps the outstanding performer was Walter Jarvis, winner of.the 100 yards and 220" yards championships. - As previously statsd, there had been considerable discussion as to the merits <of the'Otago lad as against the Auckland "cracks," but Jarvis demonstrated', in no uncertain manner that he is the best sprinter in New Zealand today. His effortless style Reaves the impression that he is not swimming all out, but there 'is no doubt about the pace he displays. Both in his heat and the final of the 100 yards he won comfortably, and again in the 220 yards he turned on an effort that many thought he was not capable of, in both instances almost -leaving his opponents standing. Those who had not seen him swimmyig for some time were deeply impressed with his improvement, and he has the relaxed stroke down to a fine aft. He has only to continue on with this improvement to be one of. those first selected for Olympic honours; ;

The win of; Derek Symes in the 440 yards championship was deservedly popular, and he received a fine reception on winning his first national title. He is another, swimmer who has developed his stroke, and he bids fair, to go further in future seasons.

Noel Crump was not the swimmer of last season, and there is no doubt that he has done far too much swim-, ming over the past 18 months. At no stage of any of his races did he display that dash which is usually associated with his displays, while his stroke also appeared to have gone off. good let-up from competition 'is necessary if this fine swimmer is to be given a chance to regain his form, which; at its best, is as good as any other. ■'■»■■■■

The swimming of R. Frankham was a big disappointment, especially after his fine showing at the Auckland Centre championships, but it appeared obvious that he has not overcome his nervousness when competing in national events. There is no question as to his ability—for the past three seasons he has been one of the fastest swimmers in the north—birt his temperament does not allow of him producing anything near his best when in the highest company. This is a pity, as his ftimes in ordinary competition prove that he is worthy of a national title. .. .

Miss Mona Leydon's swimming; is very high class, and she is fully entitled to the titles gained and the congratulations, that accompanied them. She was not successful in the sprint event, but she has always been regarded as a distance swimmer, and, as such, she ranks as the finest yet.produced in this country. "Her two wins were effortless and at no stage was she in danger of defeat; taking the lead as she desired it, and winning by whatever margin she desired. The invitation extended to her to compete in the Australian ladies' championships is a compliment to her ability, and, if she accepts, which is most probable, she will5 prove an undoubted attraction.

One of the finest races;at the, meetingwas the backstroke event, in which' three fine performers iii Whareaitu, Low, and Matheson, met in contest, and after a great struggle the latter emerged with the honours. It was a thrilling event, and easily the best that has resulted since this class of race was included. Matheson had been recording some excellent swims in Dunedin prior to coming north, and, although !many. thought that Whareaitu would retain his title, the young lad from south swam a brilliant race to secure his first national title. He has improved wonderfully during the season,, and will yet go on to better performances.