AMERICAN ATHLETES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21241, 23 January 1931, Page 7

AMERICAN ATHLETES.

OPENING PERFORMANCE, (Pee United Peess Association.) MASTERTON, January 22. The American athletes opened their tour of New Zealand to-day. Simpson (U.S.A.) and Jenkins were not placed in the 100 Yards Handicap. The Halfmile Handicap was won by Ogg, Kiser (U.S.A.) being unplaced. Rothert (U.S.A.), putting the shot, made a new Australasian record with a throw of 48ft 6Jin. In. his heat of the 100 yards event Simpson clocked 9 4-ssec, but -Jailed to run through the field in the final. The furlong event provided a thrilling contest between Simpson, who is the world’s record holder for the. distance, and C. Jenkins, the-New Zealand sprint champion. Jenkins was off the two yards mark and Simpson ran from scratch. Simpson got a flying start and, running with splendid action, caught Jenkins about 30 yards from the tape. The New Zealand champion, however, came to light with a great burst of speed to beat the American by inches. The time, 21 4-ssec, ctiauled the best performance put up by the New Zealander. , Kiser, who competed in the half and tne mile was not impressive. He failed to get placed in the 800 yards, and in the mile was well and truly beaten by E. V. Wills, the Queensland mile champion, who now resides at Nelson. The 880 yards was won by Ogg (Wellington) in Imm 56 2-ssec, and Will’s time in the mile was 4min 25sec !