BRITAIN MAY LOSE FASTEST OLYMPIC RUNNERS

Chronicle (Levin), 12 March 1947, Page 6

BRITAIN MAY LOSE FASTEST OLYMPIC RUNNERS

Two 'coloui'ed men who are among the fastest runners in the world — Herb McKenley, holder of the 300 and 440 yards world records, and La.Beach, who regu.larly does 9.6sec for the 100 yards — may run for Canada in the Olympic Games next year, writes Pat Marshall in the London Daily Mail. Yet both are British subjects eligible and willing to compete for Britain. These great athletes are West Indians and as the West Indies have not enter--ed for the Games both loolc to Great; Britain to invite them. But so far neither has heard a word from thet A.A.A. asking'if they would be vayail ' able, if selected. Naturally, they are worried. Olympictitles a're well within their powers, yet if they wait for an invitation from Bri-' tain ther)r may not run' at all. It is probable that both will shortlytake np residence in Canada, eithei with jobs or as university students. As British subjeets with residential quali ; fications, they will be eligible to run foi, Canada-r-and Canada will jump a't the ehance of including them. It is an uneasy thought that we lhay see two men who should be running i'oi Britain conipeting against us — hnd probably winning. Two other West Indians, at present" in England, E. McDonald' Bailey, tht ' British sprint record holder, and Arthur Wint, the 440 yards and lialf-mile champion, are in a similar position' Both are in the R.A.F. and prepared to delay their return to civil life for the chanee of running for us, but they have received seant encouragement.