THE OLD AND THE NEW IN ATHLETICS

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7298, 27 October 1933, Page 10

THE OLD AND THE NEW IN ATHLETICS

Comparisons Between Some Famous Mile Runners An old crony who followed professional pedestrianism for many years, and in his greatest activities “stood” no end of “high-steppers.” but who has never in all the years I have known him, had much of an opinion of the great amateurs, was at Ibrox Park, Glasgow, lo see J. E. Lovelock, R. 11. Thomas. 'l'. M. Riddell, and the rest, run what must have been a most inspiring mile. lie was so much impressed as to say to me that they were the best he had seen since Billy Cummings ran Huddle! An extraordinary view for any man to take, remembering that it is nearer 50 than 40 years since those famous professionals were in their hey-day! When I suggested that Lovelock would probably have given Cummings 50 yards start and a beating, as indicated by their respective best limes, he said quite frankly, and with considerable vehemence, that “he never had and never would believe the times returned by amateurs.” That point is not, of course, worth arguing: but it does illustrate the attitude of the old-timer to the things that are new. The speed of runners, tennis players, footballers, and particularly swimmers, has increased wonderfully—and will continue to increase. Some of the champions of 4(1 years ago would not be able in these days lo win a silver medal in a handicap; but they were the best of their day, and it will always he a debatable point as lo whether the best of one day (slow as his performances may appear) was not the equal of the best of another day (fast as his performances are). Rut if comparisons are to he made I think they can best be made as regards runners, for the reason that the size and shape of men, the tracks, the runners’ equipment, and all else arc practically unchanged. Shorts are no shorter than those some old-time professionals wore, because on occasion they wore less than shorts and sleeves or sleeveless jerseys were not troubled about; running shoes have changed not; but training methods have. And there it is that the difference is to be found. There are not many of the old professional followers in England now, and I take it as the highest possible praise for one' of them to agree that the great amateurs of to-day are to he mentioned as “the best since Cummings and Huddle.”