Swimming

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 75, 28 March 1936, Page 24

Swimming

Hy "Hetifer."

A WISE DECISION

NO DOMINION SWIMMERS

FOR OLYMPIC GAMES

The decision of the New Zealand Association not to make any nominations as representatives for the Olympic Games will no doubt be disappointing to some of the centres, but, on reflection, it will probably be found that the council's action was the only one possible; It can be accepted that the latter-body has carefully examined the qualifications of those nominated to it, and the comparisons available have not been favourable to the local swimmers. There is no doubting the ability of Miss Mona Leydon and Peter Mathieson, the two nominees, but on times and performances they fall short of the standard required, although the margin against them is not big. Still it is sufficient to exclude them from selection as Olympic representatives, and however much one may have desired to have seen them included in the team,.it does not seem that the council could have acted other than in the manner they did. The tightening up of the standard required for what is probably.the greatest compliment that can be paid any swimmer or athlete, an Olympic competitor; has in many respects been long overdue, and the definite stand that is now being taken by the controlling bodies should be rigidly adhered to. It may be b.ad luck for, Mathieson, in particular, but past experience has proved conclusively that our swimmers, howevery brilliant they may have been in their own country, have not been in world's class, especially in later years. The point seems to have been overlooked that whereas New, Zealand may turn out improved ' swimmers, practically every other country in the world does likewise, and when it comes to Olympic swimming, these other countries can, and do, produce swimmers who, are that little bit better than our own. , ; Consequently, if it comes to actual contest it is found that although a comparison has been made ■ with previous Olympic times, such comparisons are not "the safest guide, and invariably the finalists comprise swimmers who can beat those from this country. In addition, none of our swimmers has ever been able to reproduce his or her local times at Olympic Games. There are probably several factors in the explanation of this, but nevertheless the position still remains, and the council has probably taken this into account'when considering the merits of those nominated. MATHIESON AND DISTANCES. In the case of Mathieson, there does not seem any doubt that had the Olympic distance for the. events he specialises in;been 400 metres, his claim for inclusion must have been recognised. Even over 200 metres he would have been a strong contender for representative honours. Unfortunately for him the race is a sprint one of 100 metres, and as yet he has not returned the time necessary to place him in the real top class. He appears to be definitely heading that way, however. His performances over the longer distances leave no doubt that he has few equals in any part of the world, and he will still further improve. One effect of the council's action in not nominating any swimmers for the Olympic Games is that the British Empire Games, set down for decision in 1938 at Sydney, should see strong representation on the swimming side from this Dominion, always provided, of course, that the talent is available. The recent conference of delegates endorsed the principle of support for the latter, where it was felt the standard would not be so high, and'our competitors would show up more than favourably. Judged on the performances at the recent national championships, the material is offering for a sound team, and several of the champions have only to continue to show improved form to earn a olace. CHAMPION LADY DIVER. In discussing the possibility of Olympic nominees with some of the .wellknown supporters of the sport, the opinion was expressed by one of them that the ability of Miss Gwen Rix, champion lady divert appeared to have been overlooked. In his view, her diving' at the .national championships was of a high standard, easily superior to that of the men, and up to the class that merited every consideration. There would-be a difficulty in arriving at a basis of comparison, but the recognised leading judges of the Dominion could have been invited to offer their opinions on the merit of Miss Rix's performance, and if this was done, he felt sure that it would be all in. her favour. Local officials who were present at Dunedin support/the above views, and also point out that, in the case of a diver, the chances of losing form are not nearly so pronounced as would be the case of those in swimming events. The latter viewpoint is sound,"and one that is worth remembering for future occasions. As far as can be ascertained, Miss Rix has the right temperament for diving under any conditions,, but as the nominations have now closed it is not likely that anything can be done. However, she should get her chance at the Empire Games, and the competition there will give a line as to any future Olympic prospects. THE SEASON ENDS. Active competition for the season is now finished, and with the exception of the 'Varsity tournament sports, which are to be held at the Riddiford Baths during Easter, there will be no more racing events. The water has been fairly cold during recent weeks, and most of the competitors will probably be glad to put away their togs until next season. Centres blessed with tepid baths do not need to worry like the locals; their sport goes on the whole year round, with or without a summer. As far as Wellington is concerned this appears to have been a season without a summer!