NEXT OLYMPIC GAMES

Evening Star, Issue 22272, 25 February 1936, Page 4

NEXT OLYMPIC GAMES

PREFERENCE FOR JUNIORS A move such as that initiated by the Auckland Cpntre at the annual conference of delegates to' the New Zealand Swimming Association in Dunedin last week does not mean there will be no representation at the Olympic Games at Berlin (says the Auckland ‘ Herald ’)• Indeed, four swimmers, P. E. Mathieson, and Misses Mona Leydon, Nawi Kera, and Islay Purdie, have gained great achievements of so good a standard that their claims cannot be set side without careful thought. The shortcomings of most of the champions who so far have represented the Dominion at Olympic Games is that their careers have not lasted long after their return, and, more important, the times on the strength of which they were awarded the honour have proved to be the peak of their capabilities, as they have not improved after coming back to New-Zealand. The desirable motive for sending New Zealanders to international meetings is that they should be afforded an opportunity of improving themselves, and also that the benefit of their participation in races should continue for at least three or four seasons following their return. Here arises a good reason for sending Misses Kera and Purdie this year. Each girl, Miss Kera at 13, and "Miss Purdie, at IG, has shown herself to he as good as the best seniors. Miss Purdio has actually equalled the senior record for 100yds, and each in her short career has shown that she would profit from the experience, particularly on account of being an exemplary stylist. In Dunedin and beyond Mathieson’s claims have been advocated, but, excellent though were his record-breaking back stroke swims in Australia, he has yet to register as meritorious times for sprinting, the Olympic distance being 100 metres. Miss Leydon has consistently reduced her 440yds time, yet it is questionable whether an Olympic trip would help her as much as it should the two younger girls.

Second place in the sword dance (under 12) at the Caledonian sports was taken by M. Beissel (not Bustle, as published). '