OLYMPIC TRAINING

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30976, 4 February 1966, Page 15

OLYMPIC TRAINING

U.K. Seeking Restriction

(NZ.P.A.-Reuter —Copyright) LONDON

The British Olympic Association will try to restrict the time competitors spend in high altitude training camps prior to the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City. In a statement yesterday the association said it hoped that the International Olympic Committee will take note of the difficulties regarding acclimatisation.

The 1.0. C. should take steps limiting the permitted time spent in training camps at altitude, including in Mexico City, to ensure that, as far as possible, all countries shall compete on an equal basis. Mr K. S. Duncan, secretary of the 8.0. A., said the statement was made to clear up “certain alarmist statements which have been made as regards possible damage to the health of competitors” taking part in the Games in Mexico City, which is over 7000 feet above sea level.

Mr Duncan said: “In our opinion no-one is going to die in Mexico City.” The British association had considered advice received from its medical advisory committee after a visit by a British team of athletes and officials last year to Mexico during which performances were compared. As a result, last month the association stated that in its view, a minimum period of four weeks was necessary for competitors to become acclimatised.