OLYMPIC GAMES

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIV, Issue 1073, 21 July 1924, Page 5

OLYMPIC GAMES

SWIMMING SECTION. CHARLTON’S DEFEAT. By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. PARIS, July 18. Before the final of the 400 metres free stylo swim at the Olympic games, Weismuller declared that he would break five minutes, if necessary. Charlton, for the first time in big swimming, admitted be did not like his chance, as the distance was too short. The baths were densely packed and enthusiasm was high. Ail the finalists struck the water together. Weismuller and Borg were together at 100 metres, with Charlton three yards behind. Weismuller was a foot uhead of Bog at 150 metres. Chariton picked up a yard before the 300 metres’ mark was reached, and at 350 had reduced the gap to a yard. An epic struggle took place over the last lifty metres. The finish was the finest ever seen. Charlton was rapidly gaining, but Weismuller, by a superhuman effort, just managed to win by a yard. Charlton was half a yarJ behind Borg. The first 100 metres was covered in 64sces. Charlton finished the freshest. On being interviewed, the Australian said the better man won, but he could have continued at the same speed for twice the distance. Ho was as happy ns if he hud won, because lie hud cut four seconds off bis previous best time.

Weismuller, lying distressed in the dressing room, told Charlton; “I would not like to meet you over 800 metres.” Borg wad also all out. Both admitted that their only chance was to go all out from the start.

The final of the ladies' 200 metres breaststroke resulted: Miss Morton (Britain) 1, Miss Geraghty (America) 2, Miss Carson (lil'itaiij) 3, Miss Gilbert (Britain) 4; time, 3min. 33 l-ssec.

In the first heat of the ladies’ 100 metres free style swim Miss Jeans (Britain) won from Miss Siiand (New Zealand), the time being lmin. I6sccs. Both qualified for the final.

The final of the ladies’ 400 metres relay race resulted: America 1, Britain 2, Sweden 3: time, 4min. 53 4-5 sees—a world’s record. The Americans won by 25 metres. In the semi-finals of the ladies’ 100 metres backstroke the respective winners were the Americans, Miss Boner (1.24) and Miss Biggin (1.29 1-5). Both, times lowered the world’s record. In tho men’s 100 metres free style heats Sum Kahanamoku (America) defeated lleiirv (Australia) in 63 2-siecs. Taknishi (Japan) defeated Stedman (Australia) in 64 secs. Weismuller (America) defeated Pycoek (Britain) in 63 4-6 secs. Christie (Australia) was fourth, and was eliminated. In the semi-finals Weismuller defeated Arne Borg and Henry in 60 4-5 secs. Henry qualified ns the fastest third. Duke Kahanamoku defeated Tnkaishi in 61 1-5 sec.

The main swimming points now stand: America 116. Sweden 39. Britain 36, Australia 30. —A. and N.Z. cable.

TENNIS SECTION. AMERICANS WIN LADIES’ DOUBLES. PARIS, July 18. In the final of the ladies' doubles, Mrs Wightman and Miss Wills (America) beat Mrs C'ovcll and Miss McKnn© (Britain) 7-5, 8-6. In the semi-finals of the ladies’ singles Mdlie. Vlasto (France) beat Miss McKane (Britain) o—6,0 —6, 7—5. 6 —l ; and Miss Wills (America) beat Madame Golding (France) 6—2, 6-2. In the semi-finals of the men’s doubles Ilunter and Richards (America) beat Borotra and Lacoste (France) 6 —2. 6 —3, o—6, 5—7. 6 —3; and Brugnon and Cochot (France) beat Condon and Richardson (South Africa) 5—7, 6—3, 6—5, 6—2.—A. and N.Z. cable.

AMERICA v. EMPIRE. PORRITT AND CARR RUN WELL. Received July 21, 8.5 a.m. LONDON, July 19. The Australian Press Association’s correspondent at Stamford Bridge says that tho United States had a distinct advantage in the track events, having for a long time practised together. On the contrary, the Empire athletes ran more as individuals than as teams. In the 400 yards relay race the Dominion representatives covered themselves with glory. The race was contested on a circular track, the Empire drawing the outside position. Porritt and Paddock were first away, and the Now Zealandor more than held his own. Carr and Scholtz were the next. The Australian, running beautifully, aroused intense enthusiasm by gaining at least a yard on the Olympic 200 metres champion. The Englishman Nicholl lost the advantage to Bowman, but the Empire still had a chance. Abrahams, however, badly mulled the changing of the baton and started six yards behind le Coney. The Englishman was below form and barely reduced tho gap. Carr informed the Australian Press Association that iie was in better form than at any period of his Olympic visit. Ilis leg was not troublesome, and ho was thoroughly satisfied with his own performances. Tfie mile relay was remarkable for Liddell's tremendous finish from an apparently hopeless position. He won by several yards after giving away eight yards start. A noteworthy feature in the mile medley race was the defeat of the Olympic champions Liddle and Lowe after having commanding positions. Porritt distinguished himself in this event, pulling up several yards against Hill and others. —A. and N.Z. cable.