SWIMMING

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 84, 3 January 1935, Page 2

SWIMMING

Fastest Of All Time NEW WORLD STAR ARISES Frenchmen And Dominion Tour /■ (Notes by “Trudge”) The 100 metres world’s standard time of 57 2-5 established by the peerless Johnny Weissmuller in a 25 metre pool at Miami, Florida, after withstanding assaults by the greatest of sprinters lotover ten years has at last been lowered by a 21-year-old swimmer who has only had' a year of competitive swimming to his credit. For years Weissmuller’s time has been considered as the Itimate in speed swimming. But now a new champion has arisen in the person of Peter Fick. When Fick, who belongs to the New York A.C., was reported to have equalled Weissmuller's time, American critics scoffed, but the youthful Fick silenced them when he officially swam the 100 metres in 56 4-5 at New Haven, dipping 3-osecs. off Weissmuller's time. Like Weissmuller Flick swum in a 25 metre pool and having complied with all conditions the time has been gazetted by the Federation International de Natation Amateur as a world's record. A wonderfully-built swimmer, Fic-k weighs around 13st. and is over six feet injieigh;. Shortly after the above feat Fjck unofficially covered 100yds. in 50 3-5, shading Weissmuller’s world record by 2-5-Amerieiins are now satisfied that Fick is a faster swimmer than was Weissmuller and all are confident he will officially break the world’s 100yds. time in the near future.

To Tour Dominion? The move by the New Zealand Council to endeavour to arrange for a brief tour of the Dominion by the Frenchmen, Jean Taris, swimmer, and Emile Poussard, diver, who compete at the Centenary and Australian State championships in Melbourne this month, prior to their return to France, comes as welcome news to every swimmer. Much difficulty is involved in the arranging of such a tour, negotiations having to be made with the controlling associations in France as well as in Australia, but all enthusiasts, as well as the general public, who will flock to any carnival at which such world champions are competing, will wish the council every success in its efforts.

World’s Record Holder. Although Poussard might find his scope restricted in New Zealand, a skilful diver of his quality is always a big attraction The magnet, however, would be Taris. As former holder of the world’s records for 400 metres, 500 metros and BSO metres, covered in the respective times of 4.47, 6.1 1-5 and 10.15 3-5. as runnerup in an Olympic championship and as European champion, lie would provide Now Zealanders with the strongest opposition over experienced, n race over 220 yards having the most interesting possibilities. If the council is successful in its negotiations it is to be hoped Wellington centre will be alive to the occasion and be one of the first to negotiate with the council for the appearance here of such distinguished swimmers.

Bright Prospects. Having fully recovered from the .effects of a fractured arm sustained during' the winter months Keith Thwaites, Lyall Bay Club, is now swimming attractively. This lad, who won the centre's 880 yards championship at the Masterton club's carnival last March, is training on the right way to brighter prospects as a distance swimmer. He is expected to be a dangerous contender for the 220, 440 and 880 yards titles this season. In Good Form.

Champion Derek Plank. Marnnui club, who has put on weight since last season, is training assiduously at Te Aro Baths and at present is in good swimming trim. He is again to prove a strong contender for the local championships.

Among Lyall Bay Club Boys. Exceptional improvement in both times and style of swimming is being shown by several members of the Lyall Bay Surf and Life-Saving Club, due, no doubt, to the week-end series of races conducted by the club at Lyall Bay in which it is compulsory for every active member to participate. The club officials are to be complimented on the manner in which they conduct these races and develop swimmers and life-savers. Jack Williams, Wellington champion backstroke swimmer, and brother George are in rare swimming form as was exemplified by their performances in last week’s series of races held by the club. During the past few weeks both have greatly improved. Jack is also training hard in the backstroke department of the sport. • A young member of the club who is improving with the tuition offered is W. A- Bell- Two years ago this lad was a member of the Wellington College relay team which swept all before it in the secondary schools’ relays and clocked very smart times. When he joined the Lyall Bay Club Mr. Williams took him in hand and has made a noticeable improvement in his style. His times over 50 and 100yds. are reported 1 to be much better than the average. In hist Sund iv's series of races Bell swam impressively and beat a fast man in Freddy Ryan. More will be heard of Bell as the season advances.

Champion J. C. Blakeley is also in splendid form, although he had to reveal his best to gain fastest time in last Sunday's event. Recently Blakeley swam with D. P. Lindsay. New Zealand champion, over 700yds., and so well did the Wellington champion go that Lindsay was greatly impressed with his effort. Blakeley is the Dominion’s fastest swimmer over three miles, winning this dis-tinction in last season’s contest for the Annette Kellerman cup.

Services as a Conch. For several years the name of Miss Pauline lloc.it. New Zealand 100yds. and Auckland 150yds. woman champion of 1922 has not been heard of in the sport, mt the writci is pleased to learn that Jie ex-champion is still associated with swimming, performing yeoman service as a women’s coach in Christchurch. New Woman Champion. Miss Pat Sproule, Dominion and Manawatu 220yds. intermediate titles holder, advances into the senior ranks this season and will compete at the Dominion national championships at Auckland next month. When “Trudge” saw Miss Sproule in ac'tion two seasons ago he was highly impressed with her style of swimming and predicted a bright future for her once she rectified certain faults. Now that pho has corrected those faults .. Miss Sproule is swimming exceptionally fast times. Only the other day she was reported to have covered the 100yds. in OS. a smart performance. IH n conversation D. P. Lindsay, Dominion champion free style, expressed the view.that the Manawatu girl will be hard to beat in-both the 100yds. and furlong championships in Auckland next month. She will certainly keep the others up to their work to hold her safe.