WORLD-FAMED WRESTLERS.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1144, 14 March 1912, Page 15

WORLD-FAMED WRESTLERS.

GOTCH MAY RE-APPEAR. HACKENSCHMIDT AGAIN HOPEFUL. The meeting some months back between the world-famed wrestlers, Frank Gotch, the American, and George Hackenschmidt, the “Russian Lion,” ended so convincingly in favour of the former as to set at rest all doubts as to the champion wrestler of the world. On that occasion, Hackenschmidt, whose aim in life appeared to be to have an opportunity of endeavouring to wipe out the defeat he sustained at the hands of Gotch when the pair first met in Chicago several years back, made a poor Showing compared to his previous efforts against the big American, and so completely did he collapse in the lowa wrestler’s embrace that those at the ringside could hardly believe their eyes. Gotch’s deadly toe-hold, of course, played a prominent part in the match, but even so, Hackenschmidt gave but •a glimpse of his former self in his vain attempts to measure skill with the burly American. The Russian’s explanation of his feeble showing was that he was suffering from an injured knee sustained just fifteen days before the match, whilst wrestling with Dr, Roller. That, however, did not alter the fact that the title was retained by Frank Gotch, and he was heralded on all sides as the invincible world’s champion wrestler. Indeed, so easily did he account for Hackenschmidt’ that many of the leading judges aver that Gotch is the best all-round wrestler the world has ever known. This is a flattering comment to make when it is considered the lowa athlete emerged from a lengthy retirement with a view to specially giving Hackenschmidt a return match, and-unlike the majority of athletes—who find the task of “coming back” beyond their capabilities—he demonstrated conclusively that he had lost none of his strength, skill and speed on the mat, the unanimous opinion being that .he was in better wrestling trim than even when he met Hackenschmidt the second time.

With >his match against the “Russian Lion” over Gotch declared that he was through with the wrestling game, his connection with which has made him a comparatively wealthy man. He has since been repeatedly challenged by aspirants for wrestling honours, but has met all with a deaf ear. Of the wrestlers who are at present in the limelight, Gotch considers Yusef Mahmout the Turk, is the greatest of all, but the fact that the latter has had a defeat registered against -him by the world's champion plainly shows the lowa athlete’s undoubted superiority at the grappling game. Zybsco has persistently demanded a match with Gotch since the latter vanquished Hackenschmidt for the second time, but as Gotch had decided to remain firm in his avowal of retirement he refused to entertain the idea of another match, As is nearly always the case with a great athlete who decides to quit his profession, no end of pressure was brought to bear upon Gotch with the object of making him cast aside his resolution and re-enter the wrestling arena in defence of his title. Gotch, however, appeared to [have settled down in retirement, until Zybsco’s repeated challenges succeeded in making the champion take the first step that may lead to his reappearance in contests at no distant date, Gotch having notified Zybsco that he will wrestle him provided Zybsco defeats Mahmout first. Although Zybsco will probably find Mahmout a superior wrestler to himself. Gotch’s announcement can be taken as an indication that he has not done with the wrestling game just at present, and the return to the mat of so remarkable an athlete is likely to be attended with many interesting developments in the wrestling world.

One result of Gotch’s return to the wrestling arena will be a third match between the champion and George Hackenschmidt. The latter •who is at present in England whither he specially journeyed to receive a course of treatment to the torn ligaments of his left knee, the external semi-lunar car-

tilage of which was also injured, has not by any means accepted his defeat by Gotch as final. He states that it is the great ambition of his life to beat Frank Gotch, and he is certain he will do it if he has health and strength. “I’m game for another try,” said Hack’ to a London interviewer early this year, “and Gotch, if he beats me then, can take all the gate money and the picture rights as well. I am not afraid of Gotch: I never was.”

Hackenschmidt says that 'his last defeat well-nigh broke his heart, so much had he set his heart on winning. The training expenses for the match co£>t Hack £7O 0, for not only did he have Dr Roller and zyosco as wrestling partners but a number of other leading wrestlers were in attendance at his training camp. When he left England for America, the scene of the combat, the “Russian Lion” was stronger in mind and body than he had ever been before, and he felt, as expressed in his own words “lik,e a giant refreshed with new wine.’’ On arrival in America he injured his knee a fortnight before the match, and ! he immediately told Jack Curley, who had a large sum of money at stake, that it was all up, and he knew it, and that was the reason he made them cry all bets off..

How bitter that beating in the return match was to Hackenschmidt can well be imagined by thosp who knew that it was the Russian’s one great desire in life to turn the tables on the man who resorted to such questionable tactics in order to gain the decision at Chicago on the occasion of their first meeting. Even during his visit to Auckland Hackenschmidt made no secret of the fact that hje counted on fulfilling one great mission, and that was to defeat Gotch, and with that task accomplished he would then be able to bid adieu to the wrestling arena after putting the seal of success on one of the most remarkable careers that ever fell to the lot of any athlete-

In conclusion it is interesting to note Hackenschmidt’s reference to his last match when lately speaking to an English interviewer: — “That second defeat by one to whom I felt and still feel, superior was very hard to bear. It was not the actual defeat;- it was the thought of the keen disappointment of all my friends in England and elsewhere who believed in me and expected mp to win. I did not come to London, but went, straight to the Continent, for I could not face the music in England. But I can face it now, because I believe I shall get my own back yet, and I mean to do it.