“NO SEARCH FOR HIDDEN TALENT.”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18466, 18 May 1928, Page 12

“NO SEARCH FOR HIDDEN TALENT.”

BRITAIN NOT TAKING GREAT PAINS TO SHINE AT OLYMPIAD. (Special to the “Star.”) LONDON, April 5. Lack of money compels the British Olympic authorities to make their plans for the Games at Amsterdam on very economical lines. Nearly all the money available will be required to meet the expenses of, the chosen team, and little or none can be spared for training. Four years ago official expert coaches were appointed. This year the men are to be left to get fit themselyes, and there is to be no search for hidden talent. It is doubtful whether there is any. Previous attempts to find new runners, etc., have been most disappointing. But a. plan has been drawn up to indicate on what lines the team w'ill be chosen. ' A circular has been sent to 150 chosen athletes, including the present champions, stating that a list of men who offer sufficient promise to be selected is to be drawn up, and they are invited to say whether they are prepared to train seriously. All must be up to the championship, standard, or capable of attaining it. It is also intimated that, should any man have any difficulty in obtaining leave of absence from work, they will try and help him. He will, of course, not receive any financial assistance, but an attempt will be made to induce his employer to release him. All tentatively selected will, of course, be expected to compete in the championship, and finally their choice will be decided by the form they show in the national events. H. M. Abrahams, the hero of the last Olympic sprint, will captain the British team, which will be in charge of a manager. In addition there will be four masseurs, but no official trainers. It was proposed that the competitors should be housed on a steamer, as it is expected the Americans will be, but this is too costly, and quarters belonging to the emigration authorities at Amsterdam have been taken.