ODDS AND ENDS

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12513, 31 July 1926, Page 17

ODDS AND ENDS

Though swimming is out of season, tho New' South Wales Amateur Swimming Association is setting a fine example for other sporting organiations to follow, inasmuch as plans are now being formulated for the 1928 Olympic Games at Amsterdam. It is proposed that a series of tests he held over Olympic distances, beginning in next and continuing right up to January, 1928. when the Olympic team wi-1 bo chosen. An Olympic swimming training school will be formed, and will be open to any amateur swimmer in New South AYales. Twice a week coaching will be given to young swimmers, who will he encouraged in every possible manner. Swimmers will be grouped into different sections—sprinters, middle-distances and divers—whose progress will be subjected to a close scrutiny. George R. Hyde, A’ictoria’s great distance runner, covered four miles in 19min 32sec one Saturday last month. There has been some criticism cf the time-keeping on the course, based on the fact that the time is so much better than the Victorian record (20.15 4-5), established by H. A. Shrubb in February, 1905. It is pointed out that such criticism takes no account of the wonderful progress of Hyde, nor of the fact that he wa- running a “fighting” race—he finished fifth—whereas had lie been a winner the same effort might not have been expected of him.

The Cambridge “bumping'* races were instituted in 1827 with Trinitv—which three years later was subdivided into First, Second, and Third Trinity—ms first head of the river. For a long time there were two heads of the river —viz., the respective winners of the Lent and May term races, unless they happened to he tho same, but in. 1860 it was decided that the “pride of place” should alone be determined in the May term races. Jesus College had a remarkable run of success from 1575 to inclusive. Oxford's corresponding event, the “Summer Eigh* Oars” races, dates from 1^36.

This year may prove to he a record one so far as attempts to swim th* Channel are concerned, and already preparations are in progress for the housing of the intending aspirants at Capo Grisnez. the latter including several who made the attempt last sum tner. America will he represented. Miss G. Ederie, who failed last year; Miss Helen AYninwright, Mi*s E. Cannon, and Norman Ross, all having announced their intention of attempting lo swim, and will he under the care of AY. T. Burgess Among others arc Mmp. Sinn, the French lady, who got to within two miles of T)o\or last summer; Mlhu Suzanne AVurtz, z. burner French champion : Omer I’errnult iCanadal, and l.diak TTelmy, the giant