GREAT ENTHUSIASM

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 13 August 1928, Page 8

GREAT ENTHUSIASM

WHEN PEARCE WON.

THE OLYMPIC SCULLS. TRIBUTES TO HI'S PROWESS. United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph Copyright.) (Australian Press Association.) AMSTERDAM, Aug. 10. The most critical stage of the sculling race wa’s at the 250 metre post, the American, Myers, going his hardest in the hope of holding Pearce. He practically succeeded during the next five hundred metres, but although striking twenty-nine to Pearce’s 28, the latter gained three-quarters of a length at 1250. It was the end of the story, because the lead was increased to three lengths at 1750. Myers made a gallant effort, but his strokes lacked power, whereas Pearce’s long swinging drive was irresistible. A surprise was the relative slowness of the time as compared with the time against Collett. Pearce was invested with a garland of flowers at the official stand. Ho then rowed back past 'cheering spectators, the band playing “God save the King.” -His victory was immensely popular and was witnessed by the* largest crowd thus fax. Pearce was so overwrought that he burst into tears when the laurel wreath Was handed to him.

Dutch children, by whom lie has been idolised for a month past, presented him with a pair of clogs, on which were the children’s signatures. Oarsmen of all nations are paying a tribute to Pearce’s excellence. The Englishman, Dudly Ward, said: “He is the best sculler I have seen since Kelly.’’ Another, Ernest Barry, who defeated Harry Pearce for the world’s championship in .1913, said: “Undoubtedly he is one of the best I have seen. He is not only a strong, but is a perfeet sculler.” Spencer Gollan expressed the opinion that he is the finest sculler of modern times. Pearce’s victory gave a brilliant lead to the English four, who followed up by beating the Americans by half a length in a desperate finish, after which the Americans collapsed motionless for several minutes. The American pair beat the Canadians, Wright and Costello, by five lengths. ■ The American eight wound up by defeating England by half a length in the finest race of the regatta. Additional results wore: — Coxless fours, final: Britain beat America by 'half a length, in 6min. 36sec.

Double sculls, final: America beat Canada by five lengths. Time, 6min. 43 2-ssec.

SWIMMING EVENTS

NEW ZEALANDERS BEATEN

AMSTERDAM, Aug. 11

In the women’s 100 metres freestyle first semi-final, Miss* Osepowich was first, Miss Laird .second, Miss Cooper third (all United States). Time, 72 l-ssec. Miss Stocklev (New Zealand) was fifth. The /second semifinal resulted: bliss Garthy (United States) I, Miss McDonald (Britain) 2, Miss Lehmann (Germany) 3. Time, 71 2-ssec, an Olympic record. Miss Miller (New Zealand) was fifth. Final: Miss Osepowich (71see, an Olympic record) 1, Miss Cooper (73 3-ssec) 2, Miss McDonald (73 4-ssec) 3, Miss Laird (74 -3-ssec) 4, Miss Lehmann (75sec) 5. Women’s 100 fnetres backstroke final. —bliss Braun (82sec) 1, Miss King (82 l-ssec) 2, Miss Cooper, Britain (82 4-ssee) 3. Miss Stoeldey was fifth in 85 4-ssec.

Men’s 100 metres .frees broke final. —Weissmuller (58 8-ssec) 1, Barony, Hungary (59 3-ssec) 2, Takaishi, Japan (60see) 3, Koine, United States (60 4-ssec) 4, Spence, Canada. (61 2-5 see) 5, Zorilla, Argentina (61 3-ssec) 6. 800 metres swimming relay.—America 1, Japan 2, Canada 3. All three.' broke the Olympic record. America’s time was 9min 36 l-ssec.

The 100 metres backstroke final was a splendid race, in Avhieh a yard would haA r e covered the first six competitors at. the finish. The world’s bolder, Miss Braun, was slightlv ahead at half-way. with the others all leA'el. Miss Stockley was well with the leaders until the last 20 yards, AA-hen she tired -and finished last. Thus the last Australasian went out of the swimming eAgents. Miss Stockley’s time Avas Imin 25sec.

PEARCE WINS PHILADELPHIA ' CUP.

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 11. The A'ietorv of Pearce over Mvers at Amsterdam carries with the Philadelphia gold challenge cur> the emblem of the amateur sculling chamnionsto of the Avorlcl. Tt can be* challenged for on six months’ notice.