ATHLETICS

Southland Times, Issue 19690, 24 October 1925, Page 18

ATHLETICS

(By

“Wanderer.”

The local season opens on Monday. Runners are beginning to train in earnest. Bushcraft events at Orepuki should be interesting. Mataura programme is attractive and comprehensive. Some of the N.Z. Championships at the Exhibition meeting are only worth £5 to the winner! All interested in pedestrian and bush craft events will find a good day’s sport awaiting them at Orepuki on Monday. The South Island bushcraft championships will be decided at Mat aura on Boxing Day, when £250 will be distributed in prize money in all events. With so many important fixtures near home Southland runners will have a chance to make the season a profitable one. The richest race will be the Exhibition Sheffield which is worth £5O to the winner, other placed men sharing £3O between them. For many seasons the long distance men have had to run for small stakes, but the Mataura and the Exhibition programmes provide good prizes for the mile races which is a welcome change as milers have to go through a strenuous training for their races. NURMI’S IDEAS. IDEAL AND THE PRACTICAL IN ATHLETICS. The last issue of Idrottsbladet, the official organ of athletics in Sweden, contains an account of an interview with Paavo Nurmi, the famous Finnish distance runner and world’s record holder, which will cause something of a stir. Nurmi, whose recent tour in the States is still a subject for discussion, when asked for his views of athletic amateurism, said: “According to my point of view, the amateur question should be viewed from two angles—the ideal and the practical. If one care to hold fast to the antiquated view of athletes and its ideals—is meant for health and happiness—the strict rules can be used and enforced. But if athletic sports are used to obtain political publicity, to make a country internationally known and respected, practical rules must be used. I am afraid that ideal athletes would be unable to develop such first-rate men as every nation strives to bring out. “The American A.A.U., I think, has drifted in the right direction, making it possible to develop such stars. The individual there gets lots of liberty to arrange tilings as he pleases. One is not denied coaxing inducements, as it is understood that the athletes meet many hard propositions in their daily lives. It is realised that it is impossible to promote athletics with strict

amateur rules. A big difference, nevertheless, exists between amateurs and professionals.” The distinction which Nurmi draws between the ideal and the practical athlete sums up in one sentence the vast difference between amateurism as understood in thia country and what passes fo» it in many other countries affiliated to the International Federation. ATHLETICS FOR WOMEN. ADVICE FROM A NEWLYPUBLISHED BOOK. Are athletics good for women? That is a question which has been discussed for years, but it has been answered very conclusively by Mrs Eliott-Lynn in her book, “Athletics for Women and Girls." Her answer is “Yes, in moderation.” Before a girl or young woman takes up athletics, however, the author advises that she be examined by a doctor. It is possible she may have some slight structural defect which may not be improved by any form of strenuous sport. In addition, a medical examination should take place at least once annually. Mrs Eliott-Lynn gives an interesting comparison between the capabilities of men and women in sports. The average woman can do, comfortably, exactly three-quarters of what an average man can do in the matter of physical endeavour. This fact is well illustrated in the high jump, where all the effort is concentrated into one movement. The men’s world record for this event is a little over 6ft 6in. Three-quarters of this height is exactly 4ft lOJin, which is the world’s record for women. The golden rule for women who take up athletics is “Do not overdo it!” a rule which many male athletes break only too often. Mrs Eliott-Lynn draws attention to the interesting fact that female athletes show to the camera features far less agonised than those of male athletes, probably for this very reason. The hints given for women in training are very similar to those for men. Sleep is very important to the athlete. Women need more sleep than men, however, their normal temperature being a fraction higher, which means that they use up their energy a shade more quickly. Eight hours a night is the minimum of sleep a woman should have, and if she can have more, she should! A small cup of strong tea immediately before an event is frequently a beneficial stimulant. Dancing is good training. The only thing that coaches object to is that so often late hours and bad atmospheres are attendant on dancing. Cross-country running in the winter, friendly spins, jogging along at one’s own pace, is splendid for increasing staying power when it comes to track racing. But during winter training of this nature, it is advisable to run across country fairly warmly clad. Thick jerseys should be worn, and on colder days, gloves. Wearing gloves under those circumstances is an exCellent practice as it keeps the hands in attractive feminine condition. There are numerous hints women should follow when running. Do not take too long strides. Long strides mean effort. The longer the run the shorter the stride, is a good maxim. Also, athletes should try to breathe through the nose till warmed up. Then one can breathe through both the nose and mouth. As regards walking, the author’s advice to girls is—swing well from the hips. It adds to grace and efficiency. And never walk fast. Quick walking is unnatural as well as difficult. When the women athlete feels unfit in any way or a little out of love with exercise, it is advisable for her to rest and not train or compete.