Athletes Now Reaching Top Form

Chronicle (Levin), 13 January 1949, Page 7

Athletes Now Reaching Top Form

Ray

Wickens)

(By

Spirited . performances on Monday evening by local and visiting athletes, coupled with ideal weather conditions, provided a pleasant and successful re-opening for [1949. As was anticipated earlier in the season that competitors would reach their peak by the New Year was borne out by the excellent finishes witnessed at the meeting. It was intended to give my impressions on individual performances at this meeting, but as oflicial timekeeper it was not practi-: cable to view the events from the spectator5s point of view, for, as the sayifig goes, "the spectator sees

everythipg.55 However, those who had the privilege of attending this meeting are well aware of the merit of the winners of the various events, the results of which were published in Tuesda^'s edition. It is safe to say tnat the talent offering in t'he local clubs is such that the standard of athletics is improving at every meeting. I cannot let this opportunity pass without referring to the- outstanding performance of R. Desgrande on Monday. I mentioned in an earlier article that this athlete was a potential candidate for the decathlon, and this appears to be borne out by 'his natural aptitude for sprint and field events. His effort in winning the 75 ' and 220 yards events, the high jump and a second in the 100 yards was a fine one. The factv that he has contested all events in bare feet makes his performance all the more meritorious. The acquisition of running s'hoes , should see further outstanding performances by this athlete. ~ , Early in February our open meeting will be conducted and there is every indication that this will prove to be one of the " most . successful post-war events held in Levin. A comprehensive programme has been released, which provides excellent trophies for all events.

CHRISTCHURCH, Jan. 12. Of six New Zealand paeers nominated — Single "Direet, Local Gold, Maudeeii, Highland Eling, Golden Shadow and Seholarsliip — oulv tlie first three nanied remained in after first forfeits had been taken at 5 o'clock todav, for tlie Inter-Doniinion championsliips to be held at Wavville, Adelaide, on February .19 aad M aad March 2 and ■ _ ' _ ' t