WOMEN AND ATHLETICS

Waikato Times, Volume 96, Issue 15033, 2 September 1922, Page 19 (Supplement)

WOMEN AND ATHLETICS

• While the doctors are busy discussing whether or not athletics are harmful to women, the English Amateur Athletic Association has formed a branch for them. It is to be known as the Women’s 'Amateur Athletic Association,^and. most of the clubs in London and the provinces interested in women’s athletics have become affiliated. Women, the new-comers of pure athletics, are expected to derive considerable advantage from the'association. A first result will be a co-ordina-tion of women’s athletics in England. French women have the choice of becoming members of three associations, and in view of the close rivalry between the English and French teams at the Women’s Olympiad. at Monte Carlo, English sportsmen are very anxious that their fellow-country women shall have the same backing. Englishwomen did splendidly at Monte Carlo this year. They were first with seven wins. France came second with four wins. Another result of the formation of flic Women’s Amateur Athletic Association will be that it will be made a matter of first importance that tlic best possible team shall represent England at international women’s meetings. In view of the bitter criticism to which women athletes have lately been subjected, an even more imporlant result of the regulation of I heir., sports will be the consequent inquiry and advice as to suitable choice of events, surroundings, conditions, and training. Checking of any exploitation of women athletes for advertisement or money-making purposes will be 'another very desirable consequence.