OLYMPIC ROW

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 521, 26 November 1928, Page 9

OLYMPIC ROW

Immediate Inquiry in Australia VARIOUS CHARGES (United P.A.—By Telegraph — Copyright) Reed. 11 a.m. SYDNEY, To-day. It is understood that the Olympic Federation has decided to conduct an immediate inquiry into the personal conduct of members of the Australian team whilst they were abroad. This is an outcome of recent criticism of certain members for inattention to training, also charges against the manager, Mr. Les. Duff, by members of the team. Mr. L. Duff, manager of the 192 S Australian Olympic team, caused a stir at the Olympic Federation meeting in Melbourne recently when he named Charles Stuart (N.S.W.), and Thomas Bolger (Victoria) as the two athletes who had neglected their training while abroad. Following Mr. Duff’s allegatious, it was decided to report the men concerned to their respective sporting organisations. To Sydney sportsmen the announcement of Stuart’s name as one of the alleged offenders came as a great shock, for the ex-Shore all-rounder is recognised as being a splendid sportsman. To the “Guardian” recently Stuart said: “iu my opinion, the charge amounts to nothing less than defamation of character. I certainly intend seeking legal advice on the subject. “I did more track work than any member of the team, but it was hopeless under the conditions. I will not say any more about the matter at present.” Olympic sculling champion, Bobby Pearce, did not hestitato to give his opinion of the arrangements. “The food at Amsterdam was awful, with veal and potatoes to subsist on. and a 25-mile bus ride to and from Amsterdam each day. “Was it any wonder that most of the team fell flat? I reckon they did marvellously well when everything is considered.”