DROPPED FROM TEAM.

Wairarapa Age, 27 July 1936, Page 5

DROPPED FROM TEAM.

FOB VISITING SHIP’S BAB. AMERICAN GIRL SWIMMER. LONDON, July 24. Because she visited the bar on the liner while crossing the Atlantic, Miss Eleanor Holm, the American backstroke champion, has been dropped from the Olympic team. Miss Holm said: “I did not think I was doing anything terribly wrong in taking a drink. I was just having a good time. ’ ’

The American committee met the train between Hamburg and Berlin and declined to reverse the decision.

By the dismissal of Miss Holm, who is regarded as the most beautiful athlete in the country, the United States forfeits almost certain victory in the Olympic 106 metres backstroke. The committee instructed her to leave for the United States on Saturday, but in an interview at her hotel in Berlin Miss Holm said: “I am staying here to sea the Games. I am a free citizen and cannot be sent home.”

In deciding not to reverse its decision the committee disregarded Miss Holm’s tearful plea for another chance and also a petition signed by 100 of her team mates as follows: “We feel that disciplinary measures which are attended by public shame are too severe. Undoubtedly the step was taken to safeguard the morale of the team, and we feel that it has already accomplished its purpose.” At the beginning of the voyage the team was advised that the bar was out of bounds. MISS HOLM’S PROTEST. AN INVITATION TO APPEAR ON FILMS. (Received Sunday, 6.30 p.m.) BERLIN, July 25. Miss Holm is considering an offer to appear on British films. She says: “I have no feeling against the American Olympic Committee, but the fact is I was condemned .without a hearing. The committee told me it was OK to go to the bar so long as I was not seen drinking. ’ ’