ATHLETICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 July 1924, Page 1

ATHLETICS.

OLY.MPIC G A AIKS

iUSTHALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION

PARIS. July 0.

The fifteen hundred metres heat ptovideil interesting sport. I.OWOI (EugInnd was disqualified, but Nurmi., again astonished everyone by iriimung in ordinary rubber tennis slices, and winning the heat in ihe easiest manner. Tie again eoU'Ulted his stop watch, timing the conclusion of each lap. England wen the fifth heat of the IoCO metres.

The final of the 200 metres was also thrilling. Haddock led to ninety metres. There. Schulz drew equal and the ‘ Flying Scoiehsman" Liddell, made desperate efforts, all shooting the tape, only inches np.nl. Paddock hurled himself with a mighty leap, falling heavily, and injuring his foot. Sobols obtained the judge’s verdict by incites. Abrahams lost .several feet at the start, and finished last, but lie was below bis hundred yards’ form.

The Three Hundred Alettes Steeplechase was another triumph for Finland. liitola winning by fifty metres, with compatriots second and fifth. The points at Hie conclusion of Iho ■day were: A my l icit LT7 Finland 73 Britain 3d Now Zealand 1

Strong objection was taken by the British Olympic Committee to the noooinmodntion for the athletes watching the match events. Only 1.700 seals were availabel for i7OOO athletes, while half ihe Pavilion is unfilled. The (ifiti'h athletes threatened to strike unless an immediate improvement was e flee ted. The French Committee met and divided that an extra stand Ue available to-morrow. Abrahams, interviewed, said the strenuous racing and mental strain, particularly when forced to wait an hour for the start of a race is affecting him. Aiisfon, interviewed after lie returned to his hotel, said he asked iho American judge why he was disqualified and he answered : “You were off the ground when you walked away." Austen stales that he is confident that lie was walking correct I.v, its his pace was slow, fI is companions point out that if the Austrian is allowed to walk because lie misunderstood the warnings Austen is also entitled to re-walk.

,T EDGES \YDIMIY COAIPETITOIiS. FARTS, Tillv 9.

Following on the disqualification in the walk, the first liont was tt burlesque. The winner was Goodwin, of Fnglaiid. lie had a nerve-racking experience, knowing that one judge was following hint, and appeared to be about to order him oil’.

One Frencbniiin stopped l wide, thinking that be bail finished, but be was allowed L> continue.

The desirability of excluding the •walk from the Olympics will bo diseussed at tin* International Athletic Federation.

Public resentment was renewed when it was announced that the second heat In iho walk was postponed because the jury of judges disagreed as to Kith uni's reinstatement.