THE OLYMPIC GAMES

Otago Witness, Issue 3882, 7 August 1928, Page 30

THE OLYMPIC GAMES

AUSTRALIANS MAKE A BAD START.

WONDERFUL RUN BY NURMI. LONDON, July 29.

Despite ideal weather there were many vacant spaces in the arena at the Olympic Games. The crowd was singularly quiet, only the electrifying spurt ■when Nurmi beat Ritola arousing real enthusiasm.

The track had greatly improved as the result of soaking rain, followed by bright sunshine and a drying wind, which blew across the ground, the high stadium walls blocking its force. Lord Burghley was an easy winner of the first heat in the 400 metres hurdles, breaking the first tape for the Empire. The splendid performances of the South Africans and Canadians made Lord Burghley’s performance look a good omen for subsequent British successes.

Australia made a disastrous start. Watson limped home last in the 400 metres hurdles. Carlton was beaten into fourth place in the second round of the 100 metres; Whyte was comfortably beaten, and Stuart was a hopeless, last in the /800 metres. Hyde’s leg was too bad to allow him to start in th--10,000 metr'-s. Little as Australia helped the Empire’s chances, the young Canadian sprinter, Williams, recorded such an outstanding performance, equalling Abraham’s 1924 winning time, as to raise high hopes again of withholding the 100 metres from America.

An otherwise uneventful day ended with a glorious 10,000 metres, in which the “ phantom Finn,” as the Americans call Nurmi, broke the Olympic record. Learmouth splendidly won the semifinal hurdles from the Italian, Facelli, who collapsed after breaking the tape, thus assuring Britain of two representatives in the final, in which the United States Olympic record holder, Taylor, is their strongest opponent, and is much fancied by the Americans. Porritt did not compete in the 100 metres.

Nurmi, Ritola, and Wide gave a wonderful display of clockwork running, leaving the field almost cruelly behind, and fighting out the issue on their own in the last few laps. They lapped the field within six laps. Eventually Nurmi and Ritola shook ofi Wide, and grimly exchanged smiles. Nurmi long delayed his spurt till the sound of the final bell, ■when many were anxious about hm. Ritola hung on, but Nurmi, running like an exceptional champion, ciearly proved that he had not left the ascendancy to America in his stupendously high standard of running. Results: —

100 METRES FLAT. FIRST ROUND (FIRST AND SECOND TO QUALIFY. First Heat.—Fitzpatrick (Canada) 1, Corts (Germany) 2. Second Heat.—Atkinson (South Africa) 1, Mourlon (France) 2. Third Heat.—Wykoff (United States) 1, Brochart (Belgium) 2. Fourth Heat.—Gero (Hungary) 1, Durham (South Africa) 2. Fifth Heat.—London (Britain) 1, Hester (Canada) 2. Sixth Heat.—Pina (Argentine) 1, Adams (Canada) 2. Seventh Heat.—Legg (South Africa) 1, Gill (Britain) 2. Eighth Heat.—Houben (Germany) 1, Viljoen (South Africa) 2. Ninth Heat.—Lammers (Germany) 1, Theard (Haiti) 2. Tenth Heat.—Rangely (Britain) I, Vandeberge (Holland) 2. Eleventh Heat.—Raggamdi (Hungary) 1, Carlton (Australia) 2. Won by a foot. Time, 11 sec. Twelfth Heat.—Williams (Canada) 1, Vykoupil (Czecho-Slovakia) 2. Thirteenth Heat.—Barrientos (Cuba) 1, Yerbuoney (France) 2. Fourteenth Heat.—Bracey (United .States) 1, Auvergnes (France) 2. Fifteenth Heat.—Rus>'ll (United States) 1, Cussen'(lreland) 2. Sixteenth Heat.—-M'Callister (United States) 1, Gonzaga (Philippines) 2. BEST TIMES. London, Lammers, and M'Callister did the' best time—namely, 10 4-ssec. SECOND ROUND. I irst Heat.—Legg 1, Fitzpatrick 2. Second Heat.—M'Callister 1, Corts 2. Third Heat.—Russell 1, Houben 2. lime, 10 3-ssec—equal to the world’s record.

Fourth Heat.—Williams 1, London 2. Time, 10 3-ssec. Fifth Heat.—Wykoff 1, Pina 2. Time, 10 4-ssee. Carlton (Australia) was fourth, being beaten by inches. Sixth Heat.—Bracey 1, Lammers 2. 400 METRES HURDLES. FIRST ROUND (FIRST AND SECOND • L TO QUALIFY). First Heat.—Lord Burghley (Britain) 1, Maxwell (United States) 2. Second Heat.—Gibson (United States) 1, Chauncey (Britain) 2. Third Heat.—Viel (France) 1, Learmouth (Britain) 2. Watson (Australia) started despite his lameness, and limped in last. Fourth Heat.—Taylor (United States) 1, Wilsoa (Finland) 2

Fifth I feat. — Petterson (Sweden) 1, Kostrw.ski (Poland) 2.

Sixth Heat.—Cuhel (United States) 1, Facelli (Jtaly) 2. Cuhel aid the best time—s 4 3-ssec. SEMI-FINAL (THREE TO QUALIFY). First Heat.—Learmouth 1, Facelli 2. Petterson 3. Time, 54sec. Second Heat.—Taylor 1, Cuhel 2, Lord Burghley 3. Time, 53 2-ssee. HIGH JUMP. King (United States), 6ft 4gin .. 1 Hedges (United States), 6ft. 3Jin .. 2 Menard (France) 3 10,000 METRES FLAT. Nurmi (Finland) .. .. 1 Ritola (Finland) .. .. 2 Wide (Sweden) 3 Time. 30min IS 4-ssec—a new Olympic record. Nurmi won by 10 yards. SOO METRES FLAT. FIRST ROUND (FIRST THREE QUALIFY FOR FINAL). First Heat.—Wilson (Canada) 1, Byhlor (Sweden) 2, Sittig (United States) 3.

Second Heat.—Peltzer (Germany) 1, Little (Canada) 2, Nathan (Britain) 3. The Australian, W. M. Whyte, was fourth. Time, Imin 57 2-ssec. Third Heat.—Keller (France) 1, Martin (Switzerland) 2, Watson (United States) 3.

Fourth Heat.—Baraton (France) 1, Fuller (United States) 2, Strand (Norway ) 3.

Fifth Heat.—Lloyd Hahn (United States) 1, Engolhardy (Germany) 2, Sindler (Czecho-Slovakia) 3. The Australian, C. S. Stuart, was a bad last. Time, Imin 56sec.

Sixth Heat.—Dengra (Argentine) 1, Lowe (Britain) 2, Cominotto (Italy) 3. Seventh Heat.-—Martin (France) 1, Barsi (Hungary) 2, Mueller (Germany) 3. Eighth Heat.—Edwards (Canada) 1, Stan- (Britain) 2, M'Eaehern (Ireland) 3.

PUTTING THE SHOT. Final.

Kuck (United States), 52ft 11 l-16in 1 Brix (United States), 51ft 7jin .. 2 Mirschfeld (Germany), 51ft (igin .. 3 Kuck broke the world’s record, and the others the Olympic record. WEIGHT LIFTING FINALS. LONDON, July 30. In the weight lifting finals Strassberger (Germany ( won the heavy-weight section with 372 J kilogrammes. The light heavy-weight section w-as won by Nosseir (Egypt) with 355 kilogrammes. SECOND DAY’S RESULTS. LORD BURGHLEY’ WINS HURDLES. AMSTERDAM, July 30. There were two Empire triumphs today, Lord Burghley taking the 400 metres hurdles from the United States, and Williams, of Canada, brilliantly winning the 100 metres, in which the United States champion, Wykoff, was unplaced. Lord Burghley was in front from 200 metres, and thereafter led -pll the way. The British spectators held their breath when Lord Burghley’s effort at the last jump left him apparently beaten; but with great grit he came away, winning by two yards, to bring up the Union Jack for the first time.

The 19-year-old Vancouver schoolboy, Williams, fulfilled predictions of his sprinting success, though he failed to equal the time recorded in yesterday’s second round of the 100 metres, when the American, M'Callister, beat him by inches in the first semi-final. London, England, won the second semi-final with surprising ease by 1} yards, after looking a winner all the way; but, though the final was run in a fifth of a second more than the semi-final, London could not do better than get second. After two false starts the six finalists went away beautifully together. Williams was always well- up, and finally spurted 20 yards from the tape, winning comfortably by a yard, London just beating the German, Lammers, and the remainder close up. Enthusiastic scenes followed, Williams being carried shoulder high from the arena.

Australia had another bad day in the athletic events. Miss Robinson was well off the mark in the first heat of the 100 metres, and appeared to be leading to 30 metres. Thereafter she dropped back, and was beaten by two yards, but succumbed by inches in avoiding elimination. In the semi-final she started badly, and never recovered ground, finishing last to her American namesake. The New Zealand girl, Miss Wilson, also failed to survive the first day. The Canadian, Miss Cook, easily w-on Miss Wilson’s heat, in which the New Zealander was saved from immediate elimination by inches only, although she ran well to halfway. She made a much improved showing in the semi-final, running well throughout, and was just beaten by two Germans. ‘ Peltzer was badly beaten in the first semi-final of the 800 metres, in the final of which the British Empire will be represented by the Englishman Lowe and the Canadian Edwards. In the first semi-final Peltzer led at the 600 metres, but suddenly dropped back and finished

fifth. Fuller, coming up in the straight, heat Lowe by a yard. The third semi,final was the most interesting race of the day The negro Edwards immediately went ahead, and was leading by three yards at 200 metres, where Hahn, the American, was last. The latter came up second to the Canadian at the 400 metres. Edwards was still leading in the straight, but Hahn, who had been lying a comfortable third, came with a great dash and won the fastest semi-final by three yeards. The Frenchman Martin was a good third. If Edwards pursues his customary tactics of going for an early lead the final is likely to produce fast time. It will be a battle royal, for Lowe, Hahn, and Engelhardt all showed precise judgment to-day. The Irishman O’Callaghan’s hammerthrowing win gave the Empire its third success. Results:—

400 METRES HURDLES FINAL. Lord Burghley (Britain) ] Cuhel (United States) 2 Taylor (United States) 3 Time, 53 2-ssec. Won by two feet. 100 METRES FLAT. First semi-final: M'Callister (United States)’ 1„ Williams (Canada) 2, Legg (South Africa) 3. Time, 10 3-ssec. Second semi-final: London (Britain) 1, Lammers (Germany) 2, Wkyoff (United States) 3. Time, 10 3-ssec. Final. Williams 1 London 2 Lammers 3 Time, 10 4-ssec. Won by two feet. HAMMER THROWING FINAL. O’Callaghan (Ireland), 51.39 metres 1 Skold (Sweden), 51.29 2 Black (United States), 49.3 3 WOMEN’S 100 METRES. First Round. First heat: Miss Holdman (Germany) 1. Time, 13sec. Second heat: Miss Cook (Canada) 1, Miss N. Wilson (New Zealand) 2. Time’ 12 4-ssec. Second Round. Miss Robinson (United States) 1, Miss Cook (Canada) 2. Time, 12 2-ssec. Third Round. Miss Schmidt (Germany) 1, Miss Steinberg (Germany) 2, Miss Wilson (New Zealand) 3. The latter failed to qualify for the final to-day. 800 METRES. First semi-final: Fuller (United States) 1, Lowe (Britain) 2, Keller (1 rance) 3. lime, Imin 55 3-ssee. Second semi-final: Byheen (Sweden) 1, Watson (United States) 2, Engelhardt (Germany) 3. Time, Imin 55 3-ssec.

Third semi-final: Hahn (United States) 1, Edwards (Canada) 2, Martin (France) 3. Time, Imin 52 3-ssec. WRESTLING. BANTAM-WEIGHT. First Round.—The Swiss Piquet defeated the Australian Ford in 38see. MIDDLE-WEIGHT. The Swiss Kyburg defeated Bolger in 137 sec. ——i— THIRD DAY. LOWE WINS 800 METRES. AMSTERDAM. July 31. Lowe ran the rac e of his life when he mon the 800 metres' flat; defeating the world’s foiemost cracks, including the half-mite record holder Hahn and the 800 metres • record holder Sera Martin. Hahn dashed off with the lead, and at the back of the straight Edwards, with a raking stride, came up to Lowe’s shoulder. . Martin joined .the trio, with the remainder closely following. Hahn persistently endeavoured to shake off Lowe, and Edwards also strenuously tried to overtake him. Lo«e was running with superb coolness, and with an unsurpassed stride maintained his place until the last bend, when he challenged and came out almost like a shot from a gun. Hahn and Edwards died away. They were run to a standstill, and Lowe won by 12 yards, an almost incredible feat against such opponents Byhlen and Englehardt fought it out for second place yards ahead of the remainder. Hahn was fourth, Edwards fifth. and Martin sixth. Following are 'the results: —

800 METRES FLAT. Final. Lowe (Britain) - 1 Byhlen. (Sweden) 2 Englehardt (Germany) 3 Time, Imin 51 4-ssec—a record. 110 METRES HURDLES. Heat winners.—Sempe (France) 1, Janders (Czecho-Slovakia) 2. Ring (America) F. Viljoen (South Africa) 2. Weightman Smith (South Africa) 1 (time, 14 4-ssec, equalling the world’s record),* Marchand (France) 2. Anderson (America) 1, Wennstroen (Sweden) 2. Leighton Dye (America) 1, Aitkinson (South Africa) 2. Lucas (Britain) 1, Steinhardt (Germany) 2. Collier (America) 1, S. Joested (Finland) 2. Gaby (Britain) 1, Petterson (Sweden) 2 (Watson, Australia, was third, despite.

his lameness, but failed t o qualify). Miki (Japan) 1, Lord Burghley (Britain) 2. . Kalaugher, of New Zealand, was fourth in the second heat, but failed to qualify Semi-final.

First heat: Dye won, equalling the re cord. Second heat: Anderson won, equalling the record (Burghley was elim mated). Third heat: Weightman Smith won in 14 3 5-:ec, breaking the record.

ICO METRES LADIES’ FINAL. Miss Robinson (America) ... 1 Miss Rosenfeld (Canada) ... 2 • iss Smith (Canada) 3 Ti e 12 l-ss.ee. Won by a foot. A record. THROWING THE DISCUS (LADIES). Miss K-mapacka (Poland), 39.62 metres I—a record. „ LONG -JUMP. Ham (America) 1 Cator (Haiti) 2 Bates (America) 3 Ham jumped 25ft 4^-in —a record. 200 METRES FLAT. First Trials: Third heat—Fitzpatrick (Canada) 1, Carlton (Australia) 2. Won by a foot. Time, 22 4-ssec. Second Trials : Second heat—Seholtz (America), 21 4-ssce; sixth heat—Koernig (Germany) 21 3-sscc, which is equal to the Olympia record. Carlton was fourth, and did not qualify. 5000 METRES FLAT. First trials: Second heat—Ekloff (Sweden) 1, Ritola (Finland) 2, Kinnunen (Finland) 3. Won by 15 yards. Time, lomin 7 2-ssec; third heat —Smitn (America) 1, Wide (Sweden) 2, Johnston (Britain) 3, Nurmi (Finland) 4. Time, lomin 4scc. All qualified. WRESTLING FINALS. Bantam-weight —Macinncn (Finland) beat Hewitt (America). Feather-weight.—Morrison (America) beat Minder (Switzerland). Light-weight.—Kapp (Estonia) beat Nilson (Norway). Welter-weight.—Heavisto (Finland) beat Appletoi. (America). —Australian Press Association. LOWE BEATS OLYMPIC RECORD. A SCENE OF ENTHUSIASM. AMSTERDAM, July 31. Hahn in the 800 metres flat did the first 400 in 55sec. Lowe beat the Olympic record by one-tenth of a second. The newness of the track and a cross wind alone prevented a world’s record. For the second time in the track events the Union Jack was at the masthead and “ God Save the King ” was played amidst a scene of marvellous enthusiasm.

The Empire also gained an excellent position in the 110 metres, the 100 metres and the 200 metres. The semi-finalists in the hurdles consist of: Gaby (Britain), Atkinson and Weightman Smith (South Africa), and Dye, Anderson and Collier (America). Lord Burghley was only third in the second semi-final. He found the distance too short. Weightman Smith did the fastest time in the second round, 14 3-ssec. A remarkable number of obstacles was smashed. The Dutch committee introduced a new style of light replaceable top rail and some ot the competitors were so inexpert that the track was strewn with overturned hurdles.

The 200 metres produced a series of thrilling races, especially jn the second round. Rangely (Britain), Legg (South Africa), Williams and Fitzpatrick (Canada), Koernig and Schuller (Germany), Cummings, Paddock and Scholl (America) were amongst the successful competitors. The win of Miss Robinson in the women’s 100 metres was somewhat surprising. It was probably due to the Canadians losing their fastest exponent, Miss Cook, who burst into tears when she was disqualified with the German, Miss Schmidt, after two false starts.

A' FLAWLESS RUNNER. London, July 31. Lowe’s victory is generally conceded to be a fitting climax to the career of one of the greatest runners England has ever produced. Incidentally, by winning the event.for the Second time in succession, he has achieved what no other athlete has accomplished. Lowe’s style and stride were perfect. He ran a flawless race, and was never rattled. He came round the final bend as steadily as a pebble rolled by a master hand down a gentle slope, and his stride lengthened. He displayed flawless technique, and there was no sign of serious strain. The gap widened, and the rest of the champions were well beaten. WOMEN ATHLETES. LONDON, July 31. The Daily Sketch has invited the Empire’s women athletes who are competing at the Olympic Games to meet the women competitors from other countries in athletic contests at Stamford Bridge on August 14.

FINAL OF 200 METRES. AMSTERDAM, August 1. To-day was another great day for the Empire. Despite their successes in the discus and the pole vault, the Americans continue to fail in the track events,

South Africa winning the 110 metres hurdles, and Canada the 200 metres flat. Whyte finished resolutely in the 1500 metres, and entered the final, in which he and Ellis (the British mile champion, and Whyte’s victor at Stamford Bridge) are the sole British representatives. Whyte is the first Australian to enter the finals.

The track was sodden owing to rain, and the weather was cold and showery. The competitors in the final of the 1500 metres include Ladaumergus (the French record holder), Martin (Swiss), Conger (American), who, sprinting spiritedly, beat Wide (Sweden) and Peltzer.

The 200 metres, first semi-final, was notable by the defeat of Paddock, who was beaten by 10 yards by the swiftlymoving Canadian, Williams, with Rangeley second. The time, 22sec, by Williams, equals the American, Craig’s feat in winning both sprints in 1912. Williams’s father jumped the barrier and embraced him.

Nurmi had an impromptu bath in the second lap of the 3000 metres when he collided with the Frenchman Dequesne at the water jump. Both fell in, reappeared dripping, shook hands, and ran together for the remainder of the race.

was a stone heavier than Bolger. Nevertheless, the Australian contended strongly, and the South African was unable to secure a fall. After this, tired with the lengthy struggle on the mat, in which Bolger was mostly unneath, the referee ordered two breakaways, but the Australian was both times thrown, and unable to escape. Morris was suffering from a cold, and was unfit, and Appleton was always in a winning position.

200 METRES FLAT. Final. Williams (Canada) - .. j Rangeley (Britain) 2 Scholz (America) and Kvrnig (Germany), dead heat 3 Time, 21 4-ssec. 110 METRES HIGH HURDLES. Final. Atkinson (South Africa) 1 Anderson (America) 2 Collier (America) 3 Won by inches. Time, IS" 4-ssec. Dye (America) was fourth, Weightman Smith (South Africa) fifth, and Gaby (Britain) sixth. The time equals the world’s record. 3000 METRES STEEPLECHASE. The three heat winners were the Finns,, Ritola, Nurmi, and Loukola. DISCUS. Houser (America), 155 ft 2iin .... 1 This is an Olympic record. Kivi (Finland) was second, and Corson (America) third. POLE VAULT. Final. Carr (America), 13ft 9§in 1 Droegemueller (America) 2 M'Ginnes (America) and Parker (Canada), a tie 3 An Olympic record. 1500 METRES FLAT. Second heat: Bofcher (Germany) I, Whyte (Australia) 2. Won by two yards. Time, 3min 59sec. Whyte qualified for the final. 1800 METRES FLAT (Women). Frauelin Dolliner (Germany) won her heat by three yards. Time, 2min 22 2-sscc—a world’s record. Miss Thompson (Canada) won her heat in 2min 23 l-ssec also a world’s record. WRESTLING. Kyburz, by winning the middleweight championship, and Haavists, by winning the welter-weight, enabled Bolger and Morris to wrestle for second places. The South African Praeg outpointed Bolger, and the American Appleton outpointed Morris. WOMEN .COMPETITORS. AMSTERDAM, August 1. Despite Miss Dollinger’s world’s records in the first heat, the women’s exhibitions, in the 800 metres were mostly deplorable. LOWE’S FINE PERFORMANCE. RUGBY, August 1. Great satisfaction is expressed in sporting circles here at the splendid performance of the British athlete, D. G. Lowe, in the Olympic Games at Amsterdam yesterday in winning the final of the SOO metres flat race in the Olympic record time of Imin 51 4-ssec.

SECOND HEAT OF SCULLS. AMSTERDAM, August 2.

Pearce recorded Australia’s first success by defeating Walter Flinscb, five times champion of Germany, in the second heat of the sculls. An easier victory could not be imagined. Pearce pulled up, and was resting on his oars for half a minute before the German passed the winning post. He then shook hands, looking perfectly fit, while Flinsch was nearly rowed out Pearce was much heavier than the slightly-built German, who, however, has always won his own championships with the greatest of ease.

Thp wind, which almost invariably benefits the .scullers, to-day perversely chopped round, blowing across the course. The time was 7min 53 4-ssec.

JAVELIN’ 'THROWING CONTEST. AMSTERDAM, August 2. In the second round of the 400 metres there "'ere some exciting races, in which the _ British hope Rinkel succeeded in joining the Canadians Wilson, Ball, and Edwards in to-morrow’s semi-final. The others include the german Buchner. The fastest heat was 48 3-ssec by the Americans Barbutti and Philipps. The javelin throwers produced further reversals of form. Lay failed to reproduce the prowess with which he won the British championship on July 7 within a tew feet of Penttila’s record. Penttila to-day was only sixth, after recently beating the record in a practice. Lundquist, the winner, will compete at Stamford Bridge on August 14. The German Hags waved over the stadium roads and there were applause and cheers when Fraulein Radke won. Miss Hitomi, with a good second, brought out the Japanese flag alongside the German flag, and immediately afterwards the Rising Sun floated on the centre pole in recognition of Oda’s success —Japan’s first victory at the Olympiad. Though America has not yet won a track event, it at present leads with 90 points, the British E mpire is second with 65, and then comes Finland 36 (including 21 scored to-day), Germany 28, Sweden 27, Japan 11 France 10, Norway 9.

The Empire’s total comprises: Britain 29, Ireland 6. South Africa 11, and Canada 19. The chief reason for Winter not striking. form in the hop, step, and jump against his redoubtable opponents, including Tuulos, was the soft state of the track. The Australian likes a hard ground, from which he bounces when he hops and steps, enabling a vigorous finishing jump, whereas he found the newlaid track dead, and it did not assist him. Otherwise he felt wonderfully fit, and his knee was well. Winter first jumped 46ft sjin. then 46ft sin, and lastly 45ft lOin. The New Zealander, Kalaugher. was also out of form. He jumped 42ft 4in and twice overstepped the mark. Winter’s ill-luck disappointed his supporters, because they anticipated that he would be the first to raise the Australian flag. ’lt was afterwards hoped that Whyte would at least be placed in the 1500 metres, but he was feeling greatly the effect of yesterday’s effort. He ran phickily, however, but found his Continental opponents were too speedy with their punishing finish. Whyte was beaten by 15. yards. Following are the results :—■ 1500 METRES FLAT. Final. Larva (Finland) 1 Lt Doumergue (France) 2 Purje (Finland) 3 Time, 3min 53 l-ssec, which beats Nurmi’s Olympic record. * 800 METRES (Women). Final. Fraulein Radke (Germany) 1 Miss Hitomi (Japan) 2 Fraulein Gantzel (Sweden) 3 Time, 2min 16 4-5, which beats the world’s record previously held by the winner., JAVELIN THROW. Final. Lundquist (Sweden), 218 ft 6gin ... 1 This is an Olympic record. The New Zealander, Lay, who did 206 feet in his heat, failed to qualify for the final. 400 METRES FLAT. Fourteenth heat: Neumann (Germany) 1, Macheath (Canada) 2. Stuart (Australia) was unplaced. Time, 50 3-ssec. HOP, STEP, AND JUMP. Final. - Oda (Japan) 49ft Ilin 1 Casev (America) 2 Tuulos (Finland) 3 The track was soft. Winter (Australia) and the record-holder for this event failed to qualify.

THE CYCLING EVENTS.

AMSTERDAM, August 3.

The 1000 Metres Cycle Trial, which was a guidance to the selection of Australia’s representative Olympic team, resulted in Standen beating Gray by two lengths after a sprint which commenced 250 metres from the finish, Standen immediately jumping ahead. He further improved his position round the turn, where Gray was slightly crowded.

In the 1000 Metres Trial on time an awkward situation was created by both men taking Imin 14 3-ssec, though in Gray’s case one watch registered Imin 15 l-ssec. Both were hampered by a number of other competitors, who were training on the Stadium' track. Mr Duff, the manager, is making a selection this afternoon. The test was necessary, because Standen and Gray were sent over under the impression that each nation was allowed two competitors in the 1000 Metres event, whereas only one is permitted.

PAID SURF LIFE SAVERS. AMSTERDAM, August 3. The International Swimming Federation held an interesting debate concerning the position of paid surf life savers. South Africa moved that they be accorded the amateur status;-, and Aus-

tralia, N'eW Zealand, and England supported the motion. America suggested that the International Federation should adopt the American ruling, which allowed a paid life saver to compete as an amateur, provided he did not compete during his term of office or within 30 days thereafter. Mr Duff, the Australian manager, in strongly supporting the motion, pointed out that life savers swimming in the surf did not gain any advantage for still-water competition. The proposal was rejected by a large majority, the Continental and Canadian delegates opposing it on the ground that the principle was open to abuse, as clubs might thus obtain the paid services of the best swimmers under the the cloak of life saving. LOWE’S INTENTIONS. LONDON, August 3. It is understood that the Englishman Lowe is retiring from athletics, and will practise at the bar. 7 WOMEN AS ATHLETES. The collapse of several women athletes in the 800 metres final, in which they fell on the trackside apparently suffering from dangerous strain, has aroused adverse medical comment here. One specialist declares that women are not physically built to undergo the strain of races. “ Nature made woman to bear children, and she cannot rid herself of fat to the extent necessary for the physical fitness demanded by feats of extreme endurance.’’ EMPIRE SUCCESSES.

RITOLA BEATS NURMI. AMSTERDAM, August 3. America had to wait almost to the last day of the track events for a victory, the powerfully-built Barbutti carrying Old Glory to Hie front in the 400 metres It was a most thrilling race. Barbutti had drawn the inside. Starting apparently behind, he caught up on the German. Storz, and the Britisher, Rinkel. who were running nearest in the lanes, in the back straight. He went on at a terrific pace and entered the home straight level with Buchner and the Canadian, Ball. There was a determined challenge by Rinkel, who made up the ground, and it seemed that Barbutti must fight out the finish with Rinkel and Buchner, when Ball, spurting like a shot from a gun, flashed past the Briton and the German. He rapidly closed with Barbutti, the American, who clinched his teeth and, straining every nerve, staved off the attack by .an inch. He sprawled full-length exhausted. If Ball had made his final effort a yard earlier it would have meant a Canadian victory. The final of the 5000 metres was an other lengthy duel between human machines Ritola and Nurmi led for the majority of the distance, the American, Lermond, hanging on phickily with the Swede, Wide, fourth. The Finns "ent ahead in the last lap, and Wide overtook Lermond. Nurmi three times made an effort to pass Ritola, who beat off the challenge and finally sprinted, leaving Nurmi almost* standing. He won by 20 yards, and this -avenged his defeat in the 10,000 metres on July 29, reversing the result of the Paris 5000 metres, when, in 1924. Wide was also third Ritola shook Wide’s hand and ignored N urnii as usual, indicating that the ancient feud continues Nurmi completely outran himself, and lay down on th e grass for several minutes. The track events, with the exception of the steeplechase, Marathon, 400 and 1600 metres relays have now been completed. Lowe is the only holder to retain his title.

, Finland won three events, Britain two Canada two, America one, and South Africa one. America won five field events. The Empire’s successes on the track are surprising and gratifying m view of the expectation of a probable series of German and American victories, judged before Olympiad performances. The Americans attribute their failure to the climate, the atmosphere not suitjog the . team despite itheir precaution m bringing their own food and water from America: but it i s more than likely that the American system of several trials before selection has caused staleness. lhe Germans were similarly suffering, while the Anglo-Canadians were content with single tests. Results : .

4CO METRES FLAT. Final. Barbutti (America) 7 Ball (Canada) 2 Buchner (Germany) 3 Rinkel (Britain) 4 Time, 47 4-ssec. 5000 METRES FLAT. Final. Ritola (Finland) ... 1 Nurmi (Finland) 2 Wide (Sweden) 3 W’on by 20 yards. Time, 14min 38sec. MODERN PENTATHLON. A WIN FOR POLAND. LONDON, August 3. The result of the modern pentathlon, a 4000 metres cross country race was as follows :— Elefkowski (Poland 1 ' Lamppu (Finland) 2 Lindmann (Sweden) 3

NURMI AGAIN DEFEATED. AMSTERDAM, August 4. 3000 METRES STEEPLECHASE. Final. Loukaia (Finland) .. .. 1 Nurmi (Finland) .. .. 2 Anderson (Finland) . . .. 3 Won by 65 yards. Time, 9min 21 4-sscc—an Olympic record. 1500 METRES SWIMMING. First Heat. Arai (Japan) 1 Perentin (Italy) 2 Deman (Holland) ... .. 3 Lindsay (New Zealand) was last. The first two . qualified. Time, 21miq 35 2-ssec. Lindsay was 125 metres behind, mid fifth in his heat. J5OO METRES FREE STYLE SWIMMING. Firs: Round. Arne Borg (Sweden) .. .. 1 Charlton (Australia) .. .. 2 Crabbe (United States) .. 3 All qualified for the final. Their times were respectively 20min 14 l-sscc, 20min 17 2-ssec, and 20min a 7 4-sscc. Borg won by live yards. The race was swum in pelting rain. Borg led by a quarter of a lap at the end of the first three laps. Charlton and Crabbe were side by side until 1350 metres, when they began to close on Borg. Charlton, who was sprinting faster, was a yard ahead of Crabbe at the finish.

WOMEN’S 400 METRES RELAY RACE. First heat: Canada 1, Holland 2. France 3. Won by 10 yards. Time, 49 2-ssec—a world’s record. Second heat: United States 1, Germany 2, Italy 3. Won by a foot. Time, 49 4-ssee, equalled the previous world’s record. LADIES’ 400 METRES SWIMMING. First Round. First heat: Miss Nobelius (United States) 1, Miss Stewart (Britaiiv 2. Time, smin 45 2-ssec—a world's record. Second heat: Miss M’Gary (United States) 1, Miss Tanner (Britain) 2. Miss Tanner was two feet ahead of Miss Davey (Australia), who failed to qualify. SINGLE SCULLS. Second Round. Second heat: Straka (Czceho-Slovakia) 1, Wright (Canada, holder of the Diamond Sculls) 2. 'Won by five lengths. Time, Bmin 3G 2-ssec. Third heat: Pearce (Australia) 1, Schwart (Austria) 2. Won easily by eight lengths, despite a rainstorm. Time, 7min 47 3-ssec. DECATHLON. Final. Yrjoela (Finland), 7931 points .. 1 Doherty (United States), 7706 points 2 Stewart ( United States), 7624 points) 3 Churchill (United States), 7417 points 4 Jansson (Sweden), 7286 points) .. 5 No Briton completed the series. PENTATHLON. Thofclt (Sweden) 1 Lindham (Sweden) 2 Kahl (Germany) 3 Turquand-Young (Britain) was sixth. 400 METRES RACE. MISS MILLER’S SUCCESS. The third heat of the Ladies’ 400 Metres (first round) resulted:—Miss M‘Kin (United States), 3min 70sec, 1; Miss Katliiejkliller (New Zealand), 3min 76 4-sscc, 2. Both qualified. Won by five yards. CHARLTON’S PERFORMANCE.

AMSTERDAM, August 4. A small rain-soaked crowd saw Borg beat Charlton by five yards in the fifth heat of the 1500 metres race. The Australian swain to instructions, not to tire himself needlessly in his effort to qualify for the semi-final. Chariton’s form is still enigmatical.' He finished undistressed, but the result does not encourage high hopes of his retaining the title in view of the trouble he had in shaking off Crabbe, the American. Borg took "a five yards’ leading the first 50 metres, and increased it by 10 yards in the next two laps, Charlton and Crabbe following, swimming stroke for stroke. They maintained this position practically unaltered for 24 laps. CHARLTON IN SEMI-FINAL. LONDON, August 5. Charlton will meet Crabbe, Takaishi, Perentin (Italy), and Ruddy (United States) in the semi-final at 2.35 this afternoon. AUSTRALIAN SCULLER’S SUCCESS. AMSTERDAM, August 4. The more Pearce rous the greater appears the- likelihood of his victory in the Olympic sculls. To-day he recorded not only the fastest heat, but the easiest victory, finishing a comfortable eight lengths ahead of the Dane, Schwartz. Pearce, after striking the surprising rate of 40 strokes in the first minute, settled down to 28, averaging 26 over the full course. Schwartz was strong, and rowed in good style. He gave Pearce a better race than Flinsch, but it merely served to _ show up the Australian’s superiority, even allowing for the fact that" the latter was again fortunate in drawing the sheltered left bank. To-day the wind blew across slightly against the scullers until 1000 metres'had been left behind, when it suddenly veered, assisting Pearce to register fastest time.

Pearce’s tremendous starting burst enabled him to lead by two lengths at 250 metres. Then lie steadily drew away, and led by three lengths at 500 metres and six lengths at 10C0 metres,, after which he had easier rowing owing to the assistance of the wind, though rain pelted in the faces of the scullers.

QUSTION OF AMATEURISM. AMSTERDAM, August 3. ' Apropos of the broken-time football controversy which at one time threatened to cause Great Britain’s withdrawal from the Olympic Games, the International Olympic Committee issues a statement criticising the Federation of International Football Associations, to which Britain does not belong. The statement regrets that this federation has so modified its views on amateur status that they are no longer in accord with Olympic rules. The committee has issued a second statement apropos of the International Lawn Tennis Federation's refusal to allow members to compete at Amsterdam, pointing out that the committee desires to maintain the Olympic conception of amateurism as well as attracting the widest number of cligibles. Nevertheless, only those arc eligible whose amateur status accords with Olympic rules. He hopes, therefore, that the Lawn Tennis Federation, as well as the International Federation of Football Associations, will make rules to conform to the accepted rules, otherwise it cannot be allowed to compete.