World Standard Within Reach Of Speed Skaters

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31113, 16 July 1966, Page 11

World Standard Within Reach Of Speed Skaters

ALTHOUGH no new re- " cords were set at the New Zealand long track speed skating championships last weekend the standards demonstrated by competitors down the grades gave an indication that the sport is continuing to progress along the right lines. R. J. Montgomery won the coveted aggregate title with wins in the 1500 metres, 5000 metres and 10,000 metres. In each event he was more than a match for his closest rival, R. Falkingham, but he was unable to strip Falkingham of either of his two New Zealand records (5000 and 10,000 metres). It is clear that the next step for these two fine competitors is to seek overseas experience. One is left with the impression that they are approaching the limits of their development, retarded by the shortness of the New Zealand season and the often poor condition of the natural ice available to them.

The convenor of the New Zealand speed committee (Mr J. H. Havenaar, of Christchurch) is convinced that they would progress considerably with the training facilities and competition available in Europe. "I feel that provided they seek overseas experience

they can reach world standards. They have the basic potential,” he said. K. Nicolle and T. Skerten were impressive over the shorter distances. Nicolle showed great improvement in the men’s 160 metres straight, unexpectedly providing Skerten with some particularly stiff opposition. His time of 16.8 sec gave him second place ahead of Montgomery. It is a pity that he does not concern himself with the longer distances, for obviously he has the basic speed and strength required. Skerten, at present undergoing his compulsory military training, was given time off to defend his 160 metres title. He did so successfully and left the meeting with the 500 metres title as well. He beat Falkingham and Mongomery by one-tenth of a second—a particularly fine effort. His potential in the sprints is considerable. The intermediate champion, P. McLachlan skated well. His times were much

slower than the standing records but he is only 16 and still has two more years as an intermediate. More specialised speed skating training, especially in the summer months, could improve his form a great deal. If he makes the most of his ability he could

become a threat to the leading skaters within two or three years. W. Dangerfield, runner-up In the intermediate aggregate, also showed promise. Considering he was using Canadian indoor speed skates with a blade twice as thick as that on an outdoor skate, his times were good. He looked awkward because he was not used to the big 400-metre track but he showed the right approach. He has the physique to make an outstanding racer. At 13, G. Skerten was the youngest competitor. He, nevertheless, lost nothing in comparison with the other young racers. Although a junior, he finished third in the intermediate 1500 metres in 3min 46.1 sec, a commendable effort. The standard in the women’s events was not as good as in previous years, mainly because of the absence of Miss J. H. Bayne, the holder of every national women’s record. However, all the competitors were equipped only with figure skates, making a fair comparison of times impossible. Miss F. H. McDonald, who won both the 1000 metres and 160 metres straight, could become a first rate speed skater if she perseveres with the sport; she has a good action.