ATHLETICS

Greymouth Evening Star, 30 June 1925, Page 3

ATHLETICS

AMERICAN TEAM’S VISIT.

(Special to “Star.”)

WELLINGTON, June 29. A visit by a team of American athletes to New Zealand next summer it practically certain. The performances at the American championship meeting at ’Frisco next mouth are to be taken into consideration in the choice of athletes to comprise the team to visit New Zealand, and a close study of them will be made by C. G. Krogness, junr,, who is acting in America on behalf of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association.

The present indications are that three world’s champions may be included in the team. J. V. Scholz, winner of the 200 metres contest, and second in the 100 metres event at the last Olympic Games has already advised his eagerness to pay a visit to New Zealand, and it is likely that 11. Al. Osborne, America’s best all round athlete, and winner of the Decathlon at the last Olympic Games, and Glenn Hartranft, holder of the world’s discus throwing record, will favourably consider an invitation.

Mr A. T. Davies, Chairman of the New Zealand A. A. Council, stated today that the American team was wanted in New Zealand before the end of the present year, so that it would have the benefit of the months of January and February. Information as to the prospects of securing a visit from the Finland marvel, Paavo Nurmi, the greatest distance runner of all time, is also being sought by the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Council, and the opportunity of making inquiries regarding the Finlander’s intentions for the future was taken during the recent visit by Nurmi to America, according to a letter from the New Zealand representative in America.

Nurmi was unable to stop for the American championships in California, as he desired to return to Finland prior to making an effort at Stockholm a month or so hence, to lower the existing world’s record for one mile. It was likely that Nurmi would subsequently return to America and setfle in California. The general opinion in athletic circles -seems, to be that there is not much hope of inducing Nurmi to pay a visit to* New Zealand, but th o negotiations will not be dropped until the Finlander gives his final word.