World s Champion Swimmer Arrives

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 609, 11 March 1929, Page 1

World s Champion Swimmer Arrives

SYSTEMATIC BORG

BUSTLING AUSTRALIANS

Although record breaking be came almost a habit of Arne Borg, the Swedish swimmer, when h** was on his memorable Australian tour, he did not enjoy himself as much as he thought he would. The hospitality of the Australian people, Borg confessed on the Aorang’ when it arrived at Auckland this morning, was astounding. Cheering crowds, admiring individuals, armies of cameramen and interviewers crowding in from all angles—Borg was bustled as he had never been before. Enthusiasm can be overpowering and embarrassing, he said as he sat back on the deck of the Aorangi this morning, more than relieved with the peace of the Waitcmata Harbour. With the world’s champion distance swimmer was Mrs. Borg, neatly dressed in blue, approving of her firss, glimpse of New Zealand. MRS. BORGS STOCKINGS It was Mrs. Borg who so startled Sydney by arriving from the East Indies without stockings. She had them on this morning. Mrs. Borg would not claim the distinction of having given the fashion so much popularity in Australia. Her action, she said, was merely sensible when the weather was oppressive. ‘Tve been longing to see Auckland, even though our stay will be so short, she said. “My husband has been tell ing me all about his visit to Auckland in 1924.”

Borg had little to say about his tour He was naturally gratified at his consistent form. He said further that he was not greatly troubled in his swimming in Australia and regretted that Andrew Charlton was not able to meet him.

“I broke records easily enough,” he said, “but I am going to do better times when I reach Stockholm after this trip. I figure that 1 can lower the records for 440 yards, -“50 yard?, half a mile, one mile and 400 metres I am going to try all these distance* at Stockholm before I go to the United States at the end of this year to take up coaching if I can. “Yes, I want to end my swimming career by next Olympic Games. They will be held at Los Angeles and I want to be a watcher. I have represented Sweden at the last three international games.” WILL BE COACH Borg said that he had decided" to become a professional in the sport because it was necessary for him to have a settled position now that he was married. He thought California was the most likely place for coaching. The Swedish swimmer makes no secret of the fact that he regards his own style of swimming as the L>est. He said that he had trained himself scientifically. knew what energy was required for different distances and could plan out his races with the utmost precision. ‘lt has taken me years to develop my own style and it has been worth it,” he said. “How could I break records unless my style is better than the critics say?” Borg’s style is complicated and some Australians have declared it to be against the accepted principles of swimming action. In spite of this, there have been attempts to follow Borg’s crisp style. Borg says that he watched his arm and shoulder action in a mirror for two years before ho was satisfied that the desired muscles were being used. This morning the champion *vas met on the Aorangi by Mr. IT. Moore and Mr. Walter Batty, members of the Auckland Swimming Centre, and late.* met Auckland swimmers and the New Zealand sprint champion, I. W. Cameron, of Wellington, who will race Borg in the Tepid Baths ilii3 evening To-day he and his wife are being shown places of interest around Auckland and the swimmer had a test swim at the Tepid Baths at noon. To-mor-row morning he will be entertained at the Tudor Tearooms. BEGAN AT 15 Eleven years are behind Borg as a swimmer. Even now he is only 26 years of age. Within two years of his beginning at the sport, when he was 17, he was chosen as a Swedish international. This year has seen Borg in better form than ever and he holds eight world records, besides many Australian and State records. While he is easily the world’s best distance swimmer. Borg is also fast over the short distances. Borg is definite in saying that lie is entirely self-taught.

After his appearance in Auckland, Borg will probably givo a demonstration at Suva. Then will r*ome Sweden and at last the United States, where he hopes to find quietness.