OBSOLETE SWIMMERS

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 49, 13 March 1937, Page 14

OBSOLETE SWIMMERS

AUSTRALIAN TRENDf TOO MUCH OF THE PAST JACK MEDICA'S OPINION. Australians' unfortunately live in the past, and continuing in their enieavour to emulate the obsolete methods of Andrew Charlton, the 1929 Olympic 1500 metres champion, pather than the technique of the foremost swimmers in the world to-day, are faiiing to keep pace with the preeminent natatorial nations. This was the opinion expressed by Jack Medica, the holder of 10 world's records and 400 metres champion of the Berlin Olympiad, before leaving for Sydney this week, says a Melbourne writer. The American, who ranks as No. 1 swimmer ib the world, is competent to make this statement, for he has competed against the cracks of Japan, America and the Continent, and has had every opportunity of knowing their methods. Tn arriving at his conclusion, Medica was guided by what he _ had seen at Brisbane at the National championship 'meeting, where the Commonwealth's best had competed, and in Victoria, where he had the opportunity of viewing the State's outstanding swimmers. In discussing the swimmlng position generally in Australia, Medica said that he was astounded that Australia had slipped back, for here there was talent of both sexes and enthusiasm in abundance awaiting development by proper coaching. The chlef fault, he added, was that the _ youngsters did not know how to train, and this fault was due to the local coaches, who apparently did not appreciate what was required. Another weakness was the leg work of the potential ohampions, who also did not realise the importance of, and failed to study the art of relaxation, which was an essential to the individual who aspired to Olympic honoura. The remedy, Medica added, was obvious, for if we were to learn modern methods, it was necessary for a coach who was thoroushly eonversant

with the latest theories an6l practices to be brought to the country. i This teaqher of teachers could then formulate a plan for the local men- , tors, and thus accepted principles , would be universally adopted. According to the world's champion, coaching is a highly developed art. In addition to having a thorough knowledge of stroke • production, the in- ; structor to be successful must know the correct mechanics of swimming and also be a student of psychology. Unless the teacher possesses the latter attribute he will never appreciate the* outlook of the pupll, and consequently fail to understand the many difficulties of hisvcharge, which are not always readily recognised. Another factor that is of assistance to the successful instructor is his aptitude to recognise the natural style of the individual, for unless he perceives this he would have a tendency to standardise his pupils, instead of endeavouring correctly to develop a stroke which is based upon natural style and physique. Medica, unexpectedly, is not an advocate of massage for champions, as he considers that if there is any benefit derived it is obtained onafalse premise, for hard and regular work-outs should bring physical perf ection without the assistance of artificial aids. The American, in making these statements, is consistent, for in his daily praetice he strives to improve his leg drive, which many good judges consider is already perfect, and his daily training, which is arduous and long, is not supplemented by massage,