ATHLETICS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 3 January 1925, Page 10

ATHLETICS.

Joie Ray, who is to meet Nurmi ana Ritoln in several indoor races this winter, was the most popular member of th. e American Olympic team. He possesses a happy personality, and is brimful of fun. He trains in a bright scarlet -suit, which makes him most conspicuous on the track. By occupation he is a Chicago taxi-driver, and has had a. marvellous record on the track, though it is said that he is getting past his prime. Joie indulged in long steady work, intermingled with bursts of speed. In one of his races Jie caused much amusement by stopping slightly and locking at his hand. Immediately .everyone jumped to the conclusion that he was emulating Murmi, but Joie had no stop-watch. It was purely his devilment. In the 3000 metres run he unfortunately broke his shoe string after going half the distance, and was obliged tc. sit down and fasten it. This out him completely out of the race. Even a Joie Ray cannot afford to do this when competing against a Finnish rjunner.

Willie Ritola holds pride of place next to Nurmi as tlie most brilliant

Finnish, runner at the Games. He is youthful looking, but is actually a year older than Nurmi. He has spent a considerable time in .the U.S.A., and has, to some extent, acquired American methods of training and style. He has a wonderfully long stride, aqd is an attractive runner. His pace is terrific. In the 3000 metres steeplechase at the -Olympiad he romped liome the winner in 9min 33 3-ssec. Ritola speaks English fluently, and has a pleasing personality. Unlike,. Nurnn, he believes in steady track work and physical exercises. Ritola- and Nurmi are intense rivals, and during the Games were not on speaking terms. The council of the New Zealand A.A.A lias had before it the question as to' the advisability of including events for women in the programme of the track and field championships of the dominion. I notice that the opinion of the British Medical .Association has been sought, t-lie reply bejng tliis: ■ “Whilst favouring all reasonable athletic. exercises for women, we are of opinion that Competition by them in track events is harmful.” It wfcs eventually decided to refer the medical opinion to the centres, and ask whether they favoured putting events for women on the championship programme, and, if so, whether they should count for the shield. There are woman’s clubs in various parts of New Zealand, and it seems- a good idea that these clubs should have an association of their own and conduct their own championships in the same way as they doi in other countries.