VENUE OF NATIONS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26659, 3 January 1948, Page 5

VENUE OF NATIONS

SPORT IN BRITAIN OLYMPIC GAMES AND “ASHES” PRE-WAR STANDARD REVIVED N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent . Rec. 9 p.m. LONDON, Jan. 1. Whatever the economists may think about Britain’s trade outlook for the coming 12 months, it is certain that no doubts exist in the minds of British sportsmen that 1948 will produce the biggest sporting occasions this country has seen for many a long year. First of all, there is the Olympic Games, with over 4000 of the world's finest athletes invading Wembley. When the games open on July 29 the star performers of 50 nations will parade before the King. The “Ashes" on Tour

Don Bradman and his Australians are returning—some say just to show the “Ashes ” to the British public once more. In addition to important boxing bouts, there will also be routine events of the Amateur Athletic Association championships, at least 60 major tennis tournaments, including Wimbledon, rowing at Henley, cricket, Soccer and golf championships, Rugby between nations, and, of course, horse racing. Diet Standards Give Concern

At the moment the chief comment about the Olympic Games centres round whether Britain’s athletes will or will not be affected by the standard of the national diet. Those who do not believe it will make any difference point to the performance given by Reg Harris, a Manchester • cyclist, when he won the sprint championship in Paris last year. Other talk centres round the preparations at Wembley itself, where a new road is being built, and where arrangements are being made to provide seats for 60,000 people and standing room for 22,000. Speculation as to what Olympic events Britain may win is not very animated for the time being. It is a little early.

Sporting writers are also reticent about the possibilities and chances of getting Bradman out. At the same time, they are confident that Dennis Compton will give a good account of himself. Compton, indeed, has been selected as the man of Britain’s sporting year, both for his prowess and cheery personality. Woodcock’s Title at Stake A good deal of interest is being focussed on Bruce Woodcock, who is to defend the British heavy-weight title against the South African, Johnny Ralph, in London shortly. Bruce has not fought since Baksi broke his jaw last April, and some writers have annoyed Woodcock, who does not consider eight months out of the ring to be a long time. He regards his jaw injury as an “ accident,” and he is shortly going to Ireland to cut down a few trees as a prelude to his training. He believes he will return from his “rest” fighting better than ever.