OLYMPIC ATHLETES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21293, 21 September 1932, Page 11

OLYMPIC ATHLETES

RETURN OF AUCKLAND,ERS BRILLIANT RUNNING AT GAMES BOXER AND CYCLIST UNLUCKY Fit and wHI in appearance and fullv appreciative of the experience they had gained, three members of the Auckland contingent of the New Zealand team which competed at the Olympic Games at Los Angeles recently, A. J. Elliot, 11. I'oubister and li. Purdie, returned to Auckland by train from Wellington yesterday. The fourth Auckland representative, J. W. Savidan, returned the previous day. Commenting on the fact that in 32 track events 25 records were broken, Elliot said that in a great measure the nature of the track could be held responsible. Even the Americans, who are used to tracks of this kind, found difficulty in getting used to its speed and hardness. Tho runners were unable to train at the stadium, and consequently had little chance of getting familiar with its difficulties. " The records established at the Games should stand for many years," said -Elliot. There was not a drop of rain during tho whole period covering tho Games, and conditions were as perfect as could bo wished. Discussing the Japanese athletes, Elliot considered they would go through the programme at tho next Olympiad. Freak Distance Man " Savidan ran wonderful races in both his events," continued, Elliot, " but the Finns were too superior. In the 10,000 metres, Kusocinski, who is something of a freak, ran on his toes all the way and would have beaten Nurmi even if the lastnamed had been permitted to start." Elliot considered that his best performance was in the semi-final of the 200 metres event, in which he ran fourth and broke the old Olympic record of 21.4s by l-10s. He finished but 2-5s behind the winner. P. Williams, Canadian winner of both sprint events at the 1928 Games, ran well, Ijijt was outclassed. The other New Zealand runners, S. A. Black, C. E. Evans and Miss T. Kench, were also outclassed. The New Zealand sprint champion stressed tho necessity of New Zealand runners being trained on a cinders track before being sent away to an Olympiad. Only 'in this way could New Zealand liopo for success against her formidable opponents. Elliot had been particularly impressed by T. Ilainpson, tho English half-miler, who won the 800 metres event. The New Zealander renewed his acquaintance with the two American athletes who toured the, Dominion last summer, George Simpson and Harlow Rothert, both of whom filled second place in their respective events, the 200 metres and shot putt. Elliot stated that he was keen to retain his New Zealand title at tho championships to be held in Christchurch next March. Standard of Boxing " The standard at a New Zealand tournament is far superior," said R-. Purdie, in expressing himself disappointed with the boxing at the Games. " The referees allowed a lot of clinching and there was far more tapping and scrambling than fast and open boxing." Purdie paid a tribute to the training facilities. Naturally disappointed at having the decision given against him in his match with the Italian boxer, Purdie stated he considered himself to have a good margin of points against his opponent. The Aucklander said that in the first and second rounds he scored well and was hit very little by his opponent. In the third round he mixed things, with the Italian, but. although stopping a few solid punches, he was in ni> difficulty at the finish. Many people had sympathised with him after the bout regarding tho decision. A spill ho received while training a week previous to the Games greatly reduced his chances of success, stated the cyclist, Foubister. Ho was greatly impressed with the Italian cyclists, who secured first, second, fourth and seventh places, and won the teams race as well. The New Zealander had learned a considerable amount from watching these fine riders, particularly with regard to their style and tho make of machines they used. The English, French and Italian cyclists, by tho design of the frame, secured the maximum propulsion. Elliot declared that Foubister was showing brilliant form up to tho time of his smash, and in two trial spins over tho Olympic course did faster times than that registered by the winner of the event. Foubister's cycle was sfflafihed when ho fell and he was forced to use a strange one.