INTERNATIONAL SPORT

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19133, 30 September 1936, Page 7

INTERNATIONAL SPORT

ATTITUDE CHANGING "TO WIN AT ALL COSTS" BRITISH FAILURES LONDON. Aug. 29. Now that Ihe Olympic (lames are over until 1940. when sportsmen and women will meet in Tokio, i I is possible for Ihe women of England and the Dominions to consider a few of the matters which most directly concern I hem at international meetings. There has been nothing hid praise for the hostesses in Berlin. Organisation in the Priederiek-I'riesen Hans, where tin' women competitors were staying, was excellent. The medical service, receptions, outings, and the care given to general health and happiness were all that could he desired. This is believed to be the general consensus of opinion of all women competitors. What is not quite so pleasant to contemplate, however, is the changing menial attitude towards international sport, particularly mi the part of nations outside the British Empire. The practically absolute failure of English and Dominion women proves that something is Lacking in their outlook. They lack neither courage nor willingness. Their esprit tie corps is highly developed. Their limes were excellent compared with those made (lining meeting's at home. But Ihe fact remains that five out of six Olympic records weir broken—none of the honours going to British women. ■- 'MERELY RUMOURS

There have been rumours circulating that British women will not be represented iu future Olympiads in view ol the phenomenal performances of representatives of other countries at Berlin, and the fact I hat, at this dale, no British woman has won an event. Airs. Cornell, team manager, has categorically denied the rumour, stating that the team were extremely comfortable in their quarters and perfectly happy, only disappointed with the results. "We play the game for the game's sake. There is no such thing as intensive training amongst our girls," a secretary of one of the women's sports organisations, said. This is undoubtedly a highly praiseworthy attitude —but it is not compatible with the grandiose conception of the Olympic Gaines of 1936. and the even greater magnificence which out! can expect in Tokio. It was certainly not the attitude of the German, American, ami Japanese women competitors. It is'in Ihe spirit of the ancient Creek ideals, but it is not Ihe practice of international sport t(i-day. CONTROVERSY Already there is, considerable argumenl taking place in England as to what policy to adopt. "The game for the game s sake," or "To win al all costs." If il is lo lie Ihe latter, then more, far more, attention will need to hi' devoted to training ami organisation. Par greater ,till will be the changes required menially. One leading English sportsman said he lid not expect Australian and New Zealand teams to do better than they did. t'he enormous difference in climatic and living conditions, ami the weeks of travel iractically excluded them from taking a imminent part. This does not only apply o the Olympiad, but to all meetings ot .n international character.