ATHLETICS

Hokitika Guardian, 16 August 1937, Page 7

ATHLETICS

FEATS IN AMERICA.

SYDNEY* July 31

The performances .by American athletes at the recent National Collegiate and Princeton invitation meetings indicate the high standard that will be required at the 1940 Tokio Olympic Games.

San Romani, Donald Lash, and Glenn Cunningham, placegetters in the “mile of the century” race at Princeton (New Jersey) all went close to the world’s re cord of 4 min. 6 7-10 sec. San Romani and Lash finished so close that both were given 4 the same time of 4inin. 7 1-osec., and Cunningham 4.7 2-5.. The Australian record is 4 min. 17sec., approximately 60 yards worse. The Australian pole vault figures ol 13 feet are insignificant against the American efforts of 14ft. llin. by Bil Sefton and Earle Meadows. Sefton, of Southern California Uni versity, is rated the most consistent vaulter in five consecutive meets this season, clearing 14ft. 7|in., 14.8*,, 14.4 f, 14.11, and 14.8 f. America threatens- danger also in the half-mile with Johnny Woodruff, Pittsburgh negro. Woodruff, who is 6ft. .4in.-, established a new 7 collegiate record of lniin 50 ,3-10scc. His graceful striding is described as “floating around the track.” . Two likely starters at the 1938 'British Empire championships in Sydney. Denis Shore (South Africa), a quarter miler, and Lee Orr, a Canadian sp.int er, were aomng the competitors. Shore failed to live up to his horn reputation, being beaten pointless over the quarter, which took 4rtseo. Afte leading early, Shore was placed f urth Orr, on the other hand, was third i 7 the 220 yards, won by Ben Johnson, i--21 3.losec. Orr’s time would be approximately 21£see., which equals the Australian record. Orrlms. however, a run of 20 9-10 sec. to his credit.