SWIMMING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23118, 18 February 1937, Page 5

SWIMMING

By Neptune

FIXTURES February 27.—Cromwell Club’s annual carnival. February 27.—Ravcnsbourne regatta. March 22.—Otago senior championships, at Municipal Baths. March 24. —Boy Scouts’ carnival at Municipal Baths. March 27.—Broad Bay regatta. April 12.—Kiwi Club's annual carnival. Ctub Hours tat Municipal Baths!.St. Clair and St. Kilda Lite Saving Clubs: Mondays 8.45-9.45 p.m Kiwi Amateur Swimming Club: Tuesdays 6-7 p.m.; Thursdays. 8.45-9.43 p.m.; ana Saturdays. 6-7 p.m. Dunedin Amateur Swimming Club; Wednesdays and Fridays 8.45-9.45 p.m Kaikorai Amateur Swimming Club; Saturdays. 8.45-9.45 p.m and at Kaikorai Baths during season. Training College Amateur Swimming Club, Saturdays. 8-9 a.m. Zenith Amateur Swimming Club, at Y.M.C A Baths nightly. A ST. CLAIR STALWART Arthur Knight, whom the majority of Dunedin swimmers will remember as one of the stalwarts of the St. Clair Life-saving Club a few seasons back, has been out of swimming for some years, but it is gratifying to learn that he is returning to his old love and getting into harness again. He is at present stationed in Gisborne, and in a recent letter to “ Neptune ” he stated that he was, at the time, trying to knock a water-polo team into shape, to compete at a carnival at Hastings. “ We have the makings of a fair team,” he wrote, “but it is very difficult to get the lads together for practice. I even had a game myself last night.” A firstclass surfman, a water-polo player of more than ordinary merit, and a useful swimmer over sprint distances, Knight is the type of enthusiast who should prove a decided acquisition to swimming in whatever town he settles. His duties have, of late, precluded his taking as active an interest in the sport as he would have liked, and it is pleasing to know that he is again “ in the swim.” A BRILLIANT BACKSTROKER Nida Senff, Hqlland’s 16-year-old Olympic 100 metres backstroke swimming champion, who recently shattered the world’s 100 metres record, has established another world’s figure. This time she successfully attacked Miss Bridge’s 150 yards world’s record of Imin 50 4-ssec. established over 25-yard laps at Brunswick, United States, in 1935. Swimming magnificently. Miss Senff covered the distance in the amazing time of Imln 45 2-ssec in a 25-metre pool, and took no less than 5 2-ssec off the time. A QUESTION OF STATUS New Zealand swimming enthusiasts who consider that national senior championships should be open to intermediates and juniors without their forfeiting their status, provided some restraint was placed on youthful keenness, had their opinion upheld by the explanation made by Mr F. Cady, the Los Angeles coach, of the system observed in the United States. Mr Cady said there were three major championship divisions, the inter-scholastic, the inter-collegiate, and the national championships. Aspirants for titles in the first two divisions were placed in two classes, according to their ability, but they were not permitted to compete for more than two championships. Swimmers of any age were eligible for the national championships, yet even with these there was a limit of three events. These restrictions, added Mr Cady, stimulated competition, encouraged specialisation, and tended to prevent overstrain. AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS The Australian Men’s Sprint Championship, 100 metres, was staged at Brisbane, the nine*competitors, one of whom was Newbiggin, fighting out a thrilling race. Fleming, holder of the title, and Clarke finished almost simultaneously, and it was the latter to whom the judges awarded victory. His time, 63sec, was fairly slow. Touching a fraction of a second after Fleming, P. Oliver, of Perth, was third. So closely did the other swimmers finish that it was impossible to select the fourth man. The world’s champion, J. Medica, of the United States, was among the contestants for the 800 metres title. He won the race by 17 yards from R. Biddulph, taking lOmin 35 4-ssec, but residential qualifications gave Biddulph, whose time was lOmin 49 2-ssoc, the championship. Ryan was not present. Third place was gained by Nankiville, winner of the 880 yards title the previous year. Medica scored another victory in the 1500 metres, but his superiority was less marked, as he beat Biddulph in 21rnin ?2sec by 2 l-ssec. The 200 metres breaststroke title was retained by W. Weir, yvho. outpacing the next man by 15 yards, recorded 2min 57 3-ssec. The only ladies’ contest was the 400 metres, won by Miss Green. Performances at the Australian championships, in addition to revealing again that the standard was better Than that in New Zealand. were an assurance that, with swimmers like N. Ryan, R. Clarke. W. Fleming, R. Biddulph, R. Newbiggin, and Misses Green, de Lacy, and P. Norton. Australia can rely on strong representation in the Empire Games, which take, place in Sydney early next February. The fli’st seel ion of the championships was contested at Sydney and the second at Brisbane. Fresh-water pools were used in each city, the Sydney pool being 55 yards long and the other 50 metres KAIKORAI NOTES Owing to the unsettled summer, the attendances at the Kaikorai Baths have not been very great this season, and, with the restriction at the Municipal Baths, owing to the epidemic, the activities of the club have been considerably curtailed. As it is anticipated that insufficient interest to make the club races a success will be roused so late in the season, it has been decided to cancel them for this season. It is intended, however, to hold the annual Harbour Race and arrangements are in hand to swim this off at Dublin Bay on Saturday, February 27. Any member who intends to swim is requested to give his name to the club captain or the secretary. , . The club hour at the Municipal Baths has been very poorly patronised but it is hoped that members will roll up when the restrictions are finally lifted Now that the club races have been cancelled more coaching can be done. and. provided sufficient interest is displayed, a game of polo between club members can be included in the session with a view to strengthening the team for the centre’s competition