LOVELOCK OLYMPIC TROPHY

Evening Star, Issue 22687, 29 June 1937, Page 4

LOVELOCK OLYMPIC TROPHY

SATURDAY'S RAGE AT CARISBROQR At Cavisbrook on Saturday will be staged tho most spectacular athletic relay ever staged in Now Zealand. 'The development of relays on a largo scale is a modern development, originating on the Continent. They seemed to take hold in Germany early in tho 3936 season, and spread to I)ranee. Their first trial on a large scale made by tho English A.A.A. took place when tho match, British Empire versus tho United States, was held at tho White City following tho last Olympic Games. The development of the relay is part of a now conception of athletic method, quite new to New Zealand, the success of which is evident in tho boom in German athletics following its adoption there. At present, attention is concentrated on champions, and tho stadard of athletics is judged by tho fastest times for the season and the performances of champions. But where more attention is to he devoted to national sport, it is obvious attention must bo directed to the average rather than tho champion athlete, and the long-distance relay is meant to develop a high average standard among the clubs. A higher average will of itself produce both more and better champions, for as the champion finds more runners approaching his own standard, he has an incentive to more training and more competition to bring out his ability. Tho present relay is an experiment on these lines, and properly, supported should become a valuable part of Dunedin athletics. The original idea was for teams of about 20 runners each to ensure victory to tho best average club, but Mr Lovelock considered that a little too daring an experiment. As it is, the present relay for teams of eight is not only modern, hut, in Jack Lovelock’s words, an anticipation of developments overseas. Eight Dunedin clubs are competing, and from a glance at the teams it looks as if the issue will bo in doubt till the finish. Each club is represented by eight competitors, each of whom will run 1,500 metres on a four-lap course. In addition, there is a sealed time handicap to bo competed for. The Lovelock Olympic Trophy, which has been presented by the_ Otago University Harrier Club, and is controlled by it, is a model of the four pillars at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, executed in polished black wood and surmounted by tho five Olympic rings in silver. Under the University crest is the _ inscription plate: “Otago University Harrier Club. Lovelock Olympic Trophy.” The facade bears a reproduction of Lovelock in action engraved on a silver oval, while the lower plate is inscribed: “Commemorating tho performance of J. E. Lovelock, first 1,500 metres championship, Berlin Olympics, 1936. Time, 3min 47.8sec—recorci.” The trophy will he on view this week in the Sports Depot window, and will be competed for at Carishrook on Saturday, commencing at 1.30,