THE OLYMPIAD

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 9 August 1928, Page 5

THE OLYMPIAD

FINAL EVENTS

SCULLING, SWIMMING, BOXING

TWO AUSTRALIANS IN FINALS

United. Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright. Australian Presß Association.—United Service. (Received 9th August, 9.45 a.m.) AMSTERDAM, Bth August. In the Olympic sculling 2000 metres semi finals, Pearce (Australia) beat Collett (Britain) in 7.1 4-5, a world’s record. Collett’s time was 7.8 3-5. Myers (America) beat Gunther (Germany) by a length and a half in 7.1.4 1-5. In the rowing eights semi-final United States beat Canada by half a length in 6.2, and meets Britain in the final. At swimming in the women’s 200 breaststroke semi-finals, Miss Schrader (Germany) won- in 3.11 1-5, a world’s record.

The men’s breaststroke 200 metres final was won by Suruta (Japan) in 2.48 2-5, an Olympic* record. Rademacher (Germany) was second. Miss Thompson (Australia) was fifth in Miss Schrader’s semi-final. She did not qualify. (Received 9th August, 9.25 a.m.) AMSTERDAM, Bth August.

Witli the sunshine and a strong breeze almost directly down the course, assuring fast time, Pearce started at a tremendous pace. He led by half a lqngtli at the 250 metres mark and by 1£ lengths at 500 metres, though Collett was hanging on gamely. Pearce sprinted and finished very fresh. Pfjarce had his hardest race so far hut never was in the. slightest danger. His boat was dipping at the start as the result of the terrific stroking of fortyfour for the first minute. Collett was doing tliq same, but without power behind the Australian. ' ■■

After 250 metres Pearce took a slower and longer stroke, gradually going ahead At 750 metres Collett was slowly breaking up under the strain, and realising that Pearce once ahead, it was un likely to see him again. Pearce was a couple of lengths ahead at 1000 metres and after that victory was assured.

Rowing well within himself, the Australian gained a further half length at 1250 metres, and finished four lengths, ahead; It is claimed that Pearce’s time is a world record. His opponent’s time was. also the best recorded at the Olympic games. Apart from Pearce, Collett put up a. splendid fight against a stronger opponent, but his physique was unequal to the demands. The Australian appears faster off the mark' every time he rows. Myers, by defeating Gunther by lj. lengths, meets Pearce in the final on Friday. . ■ The American was harder pushed but 12 2-5 seconds slower than Pearce. “ Pearce’s times were 250 metres, 42 seconds; 500, 1.35 ; 750, 2.27; 1000 3.20; 1250, 4.16; 1500, 5.14; 1750. 6min 9secs.