ATHLETICS IN ENGLAND

Evening Star, Issue 18030, 26 July 1922, Page 7

ATHLETICS IN ENGLAND

iFnosi OfJE London Cokresi'OSDEnt.J----i June 7. REMARKABLE POPULARITY. Amateur .athletics are sharing a wonderful boom with golf , Lawn tennis, and many other pastimes. With * warm and sunny weather throughout the country competitors and spectators alike have been able to enjoy the many sports meetings _ decided during the Whitsuntide holiday period. Judging by the large number ok these fixtures, and the manner they were supported, there is solid ground for thinking that amateur foot racing has a bigger hold in England than ever before. Whilst it is better for the welfare of a country that tens of thousands of_ average porfofmers take part in athletics, it is only natural to wish for the advent of a few brilliant stars who may possibly uphold the prestige of England at the 1924Olympiad. Undoubtedly some of the winners arc possessed of more .than average abilitv ; blit it would be self-deception to think -that recent form can bo; compared with the best shown n-t tho various inter - college meets in the United States', particulars of which have just reached London. It is in- the held cfcmls— that is, jumping and weight-throwing —that our American friends seem to bo so much better, and in- this we see the results of careful coaching. „ INTERNATIONAL PRAY.

The most important of the Whitsuntide festivals was the two days’ • meeting arranged by the MolinarL A.C. This was decided at Stamford Bridge, London, a series of international events among representatives of England, Prance, Italy, and Belgium being tho big attraction. Scoring bv points, England proved successful with a total of 24, Prance and Italy securing 19, and Belgium 14. England won tho 200 metres with the help of 0. L. Steyn, the Soiftli African athlete who is at Guy’s Hospital. F. Mawby, an Army man, secured metres, and E. Mountain, of Cambridge, had an easy task in the 800 metres. Another Cantab in W. G. Tatham provedsuccessful in the mile, whilst the four winners named easily secured tho mile relay race for England. The fourteen, miles road race, also resulted in a home victory, V. W. Vincent (of f London) covering the course in Ih 22min 42sec. FOREIGN WINNERS. Supporters of home athletics got a shock through the breakdown of Harry Edward in the 100 metres. Tho ICO and 220 yards champion strained a muscle at the start of the ICO metres, and he finished last, the race going to M. R. Moorlon, of France. , Belgium scored in the three miles with the aid of M. Van den Erode, and Italy was to the fore in the fourteen miles road, walk, won by ID. Pavesi, who thus repeated his victory of 1921. W. R. Sea,grove, who won the three miles at- the intervarsity sports ]lnst March, turned out for England hi tho race at the distance, but made a poor showing. STEYN BEATS EDWARD.

As to other events, the 100yds level race at Sudbury on Saturday -was of particular interest. The form of C- L. Steyn in recent events suggested that he. would make the best of his rivals gallop, and so ho did. After a hard race throughout lie finished 18in in front of H. E. Edward, the champion, the time against wind and slightly up hill being lOjlsec. The South African sprinter has undoubtedly improved,, and with Edward broken down his prospects in the coming championships must ho considered good. Another important event at Sudbury was the three miles interolub team race. With the Birohficld Harriers strongly represented another win for the Birmingham cracks was expected. A surprise was forthcoming, however, as H. A. Johnson, of the Herne Hill Harriers, finished first in 15min 22sec; whilst the Surrey A.C. team heat the Birchfield team by a single point, scoring 13 to the Midlanders 14. Johnson is a stylish mover, “and hie success over some pf the best slayers in the country suggests that he will take high honors later on. A CHAMPIONSHIP FOB GIRLS. Sudbury was also the scone of the first ladies’ championship under the auspices of the newly-formed Women’s Amateur Athletic. Association. It provided a win for Miss N. E. Oallabont, • of London, who beat Miss M. Lines, of London, by a narrow margin in T2j;sec, which suggests that Steyn could have given the winner 17yds start in the distance.