A TRIO OF WORLD-BEATERS

NZ Truth, Issue 1306, 22 December 1930, Page 13

A TRIO OF WORLD-BEATERS

Simpson, Rothert and Kiser Will Be Stepping Out Next Month RECORDS THAT WILL TAKE UPSETTING (From "N.Z. Truth's" Special. Athletic Writer.) No more interesting athletic team has ever been assembled than the trio of Americans who are to open a New Zealand tour at Masterton on January 21. George Simpson (Ohio), Rufus Kiser (Washington University), and Harlow Rothert (Stamford University) are names to bring the multitude to the gates m America at any time, and New Zealand is fortunate -in securing them. George Simpson is nicknamed the "Ohio Buckeye Bullet" and his marvellous sprinting performances have caused him to be spoken of as "the world's fastest human."

AS a cursory glance this may seem to be a pardonable boast, but a survey of his record proves conclusively that he has well earned the distinction. Writing from America, a correspondent has furnished "Truth" with the following interesting insight into Simpson's personality. George Simpson, the Ohio State flyer who has just revised twenty-three years of sprinting records, by running the 100---yard dash m 9.4 seconds, is so reticent about discussing himself that his parents are forced to ' read the newspapers m order to learn the details of his accomplishments. There are many paradoxical angles to young Simpson's nature. He is nervous, and as highly strung as a 3-year-old colt at the barrier, but he has never been known to break from his mark before the gun is fired. He never loafs at the start of a race, no matter how Jowly his competition. Most paradoxical of all, however, is tHe fact that Simpson expected to break the 220-yard dash record if he broke any. He twice ran the 220-yard dash m 20.6 seconds this season, equalling the world record of Roland Locke. Equally interesting is the personality of Harlow Bothert, the field games man of the team. In addhio-i to tossing javelins, shots and discusses prodigious distances, 'his superathlete is one of America's leading footballers. Football m America is different from our Rugby, and It takes* a cross between a Hercules and a Crusader to excel at it. Rothert has taken a foremost place as a mighty punter and tackier, and is the idol of the American crowds. In addition, he is a star basketball player, and anyone who has seen a flrstclass game of American basketball will appreciate what this means. At shot putting, he has twice put the pellett past the 52 foot mark, which is better than the exiting world's record. He has thrown the discus 154 feet, and is a competent jumper and sprinter. Both Simpson and Rothert figure on the list of the 10 outstanding athletes for America as drawn up by the Athletic Union last season.

This list makes interesting reading. Bobby Jones, the great golfer, heads it, and the rest are: Clarence de Mar, veteran Marathon runner; Helen Madison, young Seattle swimming sensation; Mrs. Helen Wills-Moody, champion tennis player; Barney Berlinger, University of Pensylvania, track and field games man; Stella Walsh, Cleveland girl sprinter; Ray Ruddy, Columbia University swimmer; Thomas Hitchcock, captain American International Polo team; Harlow Rothert, football, basket ball and athletic champion of Han ford University; George Simp, son, Ohio State sprinter. No less outstanding is- Rufus Kiser, the half-miler and miler of the team. Kiser ranks as one of the world's greatest miler, and will be a worthy opponent for, Randolph Rose, Savidan, Evans and Coj At Oregon University meet recently, he raii 4 mm. 13 sees., which is 3-5 sees, belter than Rose has done, and he consistently breakes 4 mm. 22 sees. He runs a great half, and has broken I mm. 56 sees, for this distance. He has oft«^n done 1 mm. 57 sees, for the h,alf, and 4 mm. 19 sees, for, the mile on thej

same day, which takes some doing. , He has never been m better form, and ; his 1930 record is wonderful. For the Washington University this year he shows the following: — v. California, indoor mile, 4 mm, 19 7-10 sees, v. California, mile, 4 mm. 19 sees. v. Stanford, mile, 4 mm. 22 1-5 sees. v. Stanford, half, 1 mm. 57 6-10 sees. Seattle Relay Carnival, half, 1 mm 56 5-10 sees. v. Oregon State, .mile, 4 mm. 24 sees., quarter, 49 2-5 sees. v. Oregon University, mile, 4 mm. 13 sees. Washington College Meet, mile, 4 mm 24 7-10 sees. Pacific Coast Conference Meet, mile, 4 mm. 23 1-5 sees., m a sea of mud and rain. Caledonial Meet, Canada, mile, 4 mm. 26 sees, half, 2 mm. British Empire V.V.S.A. Relay Team, mile, 4 mm. 19 sees. Yes, the Dominion is looking forward to' seeing this team of super-sports. I