ATHLETICS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 16 August 1924, Page 12

ATHLETICS.

There were over 20,000 spectators at Stamford Bridge to witness the conclusion of the 55th championships meeting of the Amateur Athletic Association. The weather condition's were ideal for the return of fast times, and there was a general hope that at least one new British record would be set up. This hope was not realised, but, all the same, some very fast times were returned and the performances generally tended to the belief that Great Britain would be worthily represented at the Olympic Games—at any rate, in the running events. A particularly pleasant feature was the greatly increased number of athletes who gained standard time and distance medals. In several of the events no fewer than eight or nine unplaced men were credited with performances inside the fixed standards. One new championship record was set up when S. J. M. Atkinson, of the South African Olympic team, won the 120 yards hurdle race in 101-10 sec., the previous best performance of 152-5 see. having been established by A. C. Kraenzlein in 1900 and G. A. Trowbridge in 1920. \ The programme was opened with the heats in the 100 yards. There were no fast times recorded until the sixth heat, when H. M. Abrahams raced home an easy winner in 9 9-10 sec. Abrahams dropped his arms some 12 yards before the tape was reached, and it was generally anticipated that he would knock something off this time in the second and final rounds. Abraham’s time in the second round was 10sec., but in the final he again did 9 9-10 sec.

Abrahams later gained his double by winning the long jump, but his leap of 22ft. B£in. was short of his best. There is a possibility that New Zealanders will at no distant date have the privilege of seeing the great Nurmi, the wonderful Finn runner, in action in this country. Mr Parkinson, president of the Victorian Amateur Athletic Association, is at present at Home negotiating for the champion to visit Australia, and if the arrangements are successfully made, said Mr. A. T. Davies, chairman of the New Zealand Council of the Amateur Athletic Association, at a meeting this week, Nurmi will also come over to New Zealand., It was decided that there was a greater possibility of Nurmi’s accepting the invitation if another Finn was asked to accompany him to take part in the field events, and it was resolved to suggest. such a course to the Victorian Association. Mr.. Davies was of opinion that Carr, the sprinter, and Winter, the hop,, step and jump champion, of Australia, might he induced to come over here to coincide with Nurmi’s visit. Nurmi must be accounted the most dazzling performer at the Games, bub Charlton surely comes next. The lad is a phenomenon, but he was asked to do too much. 'lt is a way we have with our kid-athletes. Had the youngster been in American hands he would not have been allowed' to start in the metres race, ! let '.alone the relay The Americans are /far more careful of their championship material; it is one of the secrets of their success at these Olympiads.—Sydney Bulletin.