SWIMMING

Southland Times, Issue 19658, 7 October 1922, Page 12 (Supplement)

SWIMMING

(By "Back-Stroke.”)

Negotiations are in progress for a vi.'iit this season from the American swimmer, Johnny Weissmuller. At the time of writing, no definite information is to hand, but should the tour eventuate, some remarkable speed swimming is in store for New Zealand enthusiasts. This remarkable young swiiimicr, only 17 years of age, has risen from a practical unknown to a world’s record-holder in the short space of a year. At the end of May last, Weissmuller paid a visit to Hawaii, ami during that month and in June, he met and defeated the champions of that island, with two exceptions 7 . This was in the 50 yards, when he swam second to Warren Kealoha (23 3-5 sec) at the May meet, and second again to Pua Kealoha (23 4-5) in June. Over all other distances .however, Weissmuller stood alone, and over every distance up to 500 yards he won almost as he liked. Incidentally he set up fresh figures for each distance, his times being 100 yards, 52 3-5 sec; 220 yards, 2 min 15 3-5 sec; 100 yards backstroke, 64 4-5 sec (25yds tank) ; 300 metres, 3 min 45 sec; 440 yards, 5 min 7 4-5 sec; 400 metres, 5 min 6 2-5 see, and 500 yards, 5 min 47 4-5 sec (100 yards course). The national championships for the coming season are to be held at Timaru under the control of the South Canterbury Centre, and that body has fixed the dat-es for 27th, 29th, and 31st January and 2nd February, commencing on a Saturday and finishing on the following Friday. D. J. Murrell, ex-provincial 100 yards champion and Auckland representative at last season’s championships, is at present in Wellington, says the swimming scribe in the Post, and hopes are entertained that his stay will be a permanent one. His services will be of good value to Ihe province, and whatever club he decides to throw in his lot with. At the recent carnival held in Auckland Jack Enwright won his heat of the 50 yards dash in 28 3-5 sec, from which it would appear that he is getting into form to defend his title as rhe 100 yards national champion. He won the 220 yards handicap at the same carnival, receiving 2 sec from E. V. Cunnold, the scratch man, who swam second to him. The time was given as, 2.49—a good figure, but it does not bear too much comparison with Miss Helen Wainwright, the American lady record holder, who recently was credited with the

marvellous time of 2 min 41 1-5 sec. over the distance. This tune has only been bettered at the New Zealand championships since 1910, with the exception of Dick CaviH’s 2 min 29 3-5 sec. in 1904. Should the Hawaiian authorities arrange for the Misses Gertrude Ederle, the fifteen-year-old wonder, Wainwright, and James (champion of England) to go across from the mainland, then, indeed, would there be a galaxy of “stars.” Some wonderful swimming would eventuate, and fresh records would very probably be established. But it is doubtful if such will be the case. Miss Ederle has recently smashed all existing ladies’ records o-ver all distances from 300 to 500 yards, performances which rate her as an out-and-out champion, and the convincing manner in which she has shattered the records makes it unlikely that her times will be bettered by our representatives. Her times certainly are wonderful, and show the value of correct and scientific coaching. It would be of immense benefit to Miss Hoeft and Miss Shand if they could compete against these

three young ladies, as to be a “star” one must compete against “stars,” the more often the better. It, is this factor which plays so important a part in the raising of champions in America and Honolulu. The northern papers are enthusing over Gwitha Shand and Pauline Hoeft, each week publishing long lists of past records and startling performances, and discussing with confidence of victory the New Zealand .lady champions’ visit to Honolulu. But in the Christchurch Sun the other day, it is admitted that while training prior to her departure Miss Hoeft was only capable of doing the 100yds in 73scc., while her record is 66. Later she reduced this figure to 68sec. It is also stated that the boat on which they are travelling is carrying a swimming tank “big enough to swim in.” The girls will derive little real benefit from this convenience, and will be in Hawaii only a week before meeting the American champions, with whom they will not have an equal chance of success. Perhaps the invitation should not have been accepted so readily at what is for New Zealand swimmers, such an unsuitable time. It would have been fairer to our representatives and to swimming generally in this dominion had the Hawaiian Association been informed that a visit would not be suitable until a date, say, three months later. The fame of our representatives htis spread far and raised New Zealand swimming to a high pinnacle, and if our champions suffer defeat in the South Sea Isles it will not be their fault—but the fault of those who, in charge of affairs, should have been less ready to send them away untrained and unfitted for a contest with such perfectly prepared rivals. Male swimming in the Old Country is not in a flourishing state. The times recorded in recent championships are very poor, and not nearly as good, taken all round, as the performances of many of our present-day New Zealand swimmers. Competitors who were in the championship class two decades ago are still being )4aced in important races. The juniors are doing better, however. A late file gives details ot a 50 yards scratch race which a 13 year old boy won in 31 2-ssec., a time that will bear comparison with this country’s best. Miss Hilda James, who will compete in Hawaii later in the month won a 1000 yards scratch race in IGinin. 45sec. just before leaving England for America recently. The course was only 100 yards and the temperature of the water 58 degrees. OOO