SWIMMING ITEMS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22405, 29 April 1936, Page 21

SWIMMING ITEMS

TIIE SEASON REVIEWED LACK OF COACHING EXAMPLE OFFERED BY OTAGO Auckland's overthrow from top place in New Zealand swimming during the season now closing may eventually be beneficial to local swimmers if the need for a constructive system is heeded, and a move made to develop juvenile talent. The most striking example of the rewards yielded by such encouragement is offered by the success of tho Otago Centre, which crowned steady advancement by retaining the War Memorial Shield, the championship trophy for intermediates and juniors, and by taking the Yaldhurst Shield from Auckland in senior contests A comprehensive scheme of coaching is the more necessary for the reason that all but one or two of the intermediates and juniors this season revealed any definite signs of becoming first-class performers as seniors. Yet gifted young swimmers are rising in southern centres-, and it will not be long before they figure as holders of national titles. Accordingly, it is desirable that the best of the senior champions in Auckland at present should have worthy successors. In addition, there ig the need for fresh talent if interest is to be retained, as too much has been seen of the same sniall band of leading performers. SPRINT CHAMPION FRANKHAM'S CONSISTENCY ' By far the most creditable performances were those of R. B. Frankham and Miss M. Leydon, the only two Aucklanders to win national titles. Frankham's position as sprint champion was indisputable, his times being the best throughout the season, and, whereas in other seasons his swimming in races was patchy, he set a standard for consistency Retaining the ladies' middle-distance championships, Miss Leydon, always at her best on important occasions, displayed remarkable form. Her feat in establishing an Australian and New Zealand record for 440 yds. caused her to be regarded as an Olympic candidate. The fact that she was rejected was evidence that Auckland swimming, and indeed New] Zealand swimming an a whole, must progress considerably to reach international. class. Another swimmer who performed well was P. Hanan. Lie achieved championship rank early in the season, and although not experienced enough for the strain of big contests, won the Auckland furlong and was runner-up in the lQOyds. national championship. Better sprinting was done locally by N. Crump, who filled second place in the 100 yds. and 100 metres Auckland championships. Crump's sprinting late in the season showed that he had at last recovered his best form. A DEFINITE WEAKNESS FAILURE OVER f "DISTANCES The leading contestants at distances were W. Johnson and C. R. Buchanan. The latter was also champion and the more consistent. Neither, however, was a match for Southerners in the national championships. Their failure showed hew weak Auckland was at distance swimming and how badly it needed fresh and better material. This does not appear to be offering, save for the intermediate champion, A. Pascoe, who won the 440 yds. senior championship of Auckland. Of the young swimmers he alone is regarded as a potential holder of a national title. The breaststroke champion, F. S. Taylor, was in line with Auckland standards, but needed a little more speed to himself among the foremost exponents in the Dominion. At diving G. Berry was much inferior to the retired champion, W. Hassan, but will improve with competitive experience. No other lady swimmer could attain tho high levels reached by Miss Leydon. Miss V. Coulthurst, however, nroused attention by winning the sprint championship. In doing this she showed marked improvement, but 1 was prevented froai registering notable times by a slight deficiency of stamina. In one of her few appearances, Miss B. Lewin did the best backstroke swim of the season, and encouraging skill at this style was exhibited by Miss N. Barton in her first championship engagements.