SWIMMING.

Otago Witness, Issue 3487, 11 January 1921, Page 38

SWIMMING.

CHAMPION SWIMMERS. AUCKLAND, January 6. An arrival by the Makura from Vancouvei t t-day was Miss Ethelda Bleibtrey, c’nam p on lady swimmer in the 100 and 200 metre! o .ntcsta at the recent Antwerp Olympiad

Miss Bleibtrey was also a member of the American relay team which won first place in contests. By these performances she is thereby accredited world’s champion lady swimmer. Miss Bleibtrey has come to New Zealand and Australia to participate at the swimming carnivals. Two other famous swimmers also arrived by the Makura to-day. These are Pua Kealoha, who ranks next to Duke Kahanamoku as the world’s fastest swimmer, and Ludy Langer, the 220, 440, and 880 Yards champion. January 7. Tn the 100yds Imitation Race, Miss Bleibtrey, the American Olympic champion, won the race in 68 seconds, lowering the New Zealand record by 3 2-5 seconds. Violet Walrond was second, two lengths away. January 9. After sensational finishes at the Auckland swimming carnival, Miss Ethelda Bleibtrey, the American Olympic champion, won the 300 Metres and 50 Yards Invitation Races, Miss V. Walrond being seeond in the former and Miss P. Holft second in the latter. E. V. Cunnold, a lad of 15 years, won the 330 Yards Auckland Championship in 12min 2sec, lowering the dominion record bv 15 l-ssec. lie also won the 100 Yards Intermediate Local Championship in 64soc, which was another New Zealand record. FANNY DURACK’S RETIREMENT. SYDNEY, January 8. Fanny Durack announces her retirement from swimming in consequence of the effects of an operation for appendicitis, an attack of typhoid, followed by pneumonia. I Buaurepaire is visiting Sydney to com--1 pete against the Hawaiian*.