HISTORIC RACE.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume L, Issue 16497, 1 August 1924, Page 9

HISTORIC RACE.

OLYMPIC 400 METRES

BATTLE OF THE, TITANS

PARIS, July 18.—Amidst a scene of tremendous enthusiasm, such as lias seldom been seen even among demonstrative French crowds “Boy” Charlton (N.S.W.) was narrowly beaten into third place i*i the 40 metres free style Olympic swimming race tins afternoon. But it was a titanic struggle of giants, when the first three men broke the Olympic record, and it was a defeat which only fresh laurels to- the young Australian,

If it. was a failure it was a glorious failure, worthy of the highest traditions of Australian sportsmanslup. The stage was set at the new Stride Nautique des Tourelles. The race attracted unprecedented interest. for the swimming series. Despite the threatening clouds every seat was occupied an hour beforehand. Scarcely had the clamor which followed the entry of the) “Old Glory” in honor of America’s win in the previous women’s relay race died down, when Charlton, Hatfield (Britain), Ake Borg (Sweden), Am© Borg (Sweden), and J. Weismuller (America) stepped on to the concrete starting platform. NECK AND NECK. They were immediately the cynosure of all eyes. While the chattering skullcapped French, officials darted hither and thither, adjusting preliminaries, Charlton, in a vivid blue flowered dressing gown, nonchalantly talked to Hulfield, Mr. 0. 0. Me nett (Australian team manager), and others. The crowd was on tip-toe with expectation when someone's hat blew into the pool. This relieved the tension. “Alio, alio,” rasped the loud-speaker, and silence followed. Then the starter fingered his pistol. “Bang!” and. the five-simultaneous splashes announced the start.

Arne Borg, swimming strongly, made the pace for the first 50 metres, followed closely by Charlton and Weismuller. Charlton was going easily, and- let' the others lead him half a length, ahead.

Weismuller raced neck and neck with Borg and then forged ahead. He touched the 100 metres first, in lm 4 1-Es. He kept, his advantage, and was strenuously encouraged by American cries of “Come on, come on, Johnny.” Weismuller led down the bath the third time. Coming, to- the 200 mark Borg, with a supreme effort, touched the edge first. Then came Weismuller, and then Charlton a length away. Progress time: 2m 235.

Obviously Charlton was holding a spurt i.n hand. He was calm amid the cheers of the crowd, who were now all standing up waving sticks, bats and umbrellas,.

There was a babel of yells of all nationalities when Charlton was seen to be gaining slowly, gradually let ling himself go, , THRILLING FINISH.

Amid a. confused and unparalleled demonstration, the loud-speaker announcing Hie last. l(ap . could! not! be heard.

The leaders wer© almost together, the arms of the three darting splashes up tlio bath. .

In last time 'Charlton was making ground at every stroke, overhauling the leaders. But he left liis final superspurt too late. While the Americans fairly kissed each other, Weismuller touched the finish, one second ahead of Arne Borg. Charlton was just behind. The other competitors’were nowhere.

Scarcely a length separated the leaders.

Momentarily the crowd was hushed. It gasped at th© wonderful finish, and then camel an outburst of cheering. '

- Charlton had left bis spurt too late, misjudging his competitor’s, and be failed only because of that. Cooees signalled,bis striking performance. BORG'S STORY. > LONDON, July 18.—Arne Borg told a graphic story of the 40 metres final to the 'special representative of the Sun. “Charlton'is not as fast as me,” said the Swede, “but at 200 metres we saw that avo must get right, out —else it was good-bye. So I got; but Charlton—lie is wonderful. “I/tuirn in last 50 metres a long way ahead. I look over my shoulder and, gee, see a green cap. My heart almost stop.

“I swim like hell, afraid lie beat both of as. Yes, he is a. marvel, for lie gave us nearly 10 yards start in the last 300 metres and nearly caught ns.”