WOMEN ATHLETES.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9121, 14 April 1908, Page 7

WOMEN ATHLETES.

About 8000 attended the South Melbourne Cricket Ground on a recent afternoon to watch how fast a woman can run when unhampered by garments which convention has decreed for her, says the Argus. The second event was a “grande challenge championship,’’ between Madame Isa JBell and Miss Ivy Evans. Madame Bell issued a challenge about a month ago to any lady in Australia, and Miss Evans responded. Three races wore arranged, over distances of 50, 100 and 150 yards, for £SO a side and a sash and a badge, worth £lO. Madame Bell is, in private life, Mrs Newman, having been married 18 years. She has five children, and is 37 years of age. She has won over 100 races, and had never been defeated until Miss Evans gave !her that experience recently. Miss Evans has the advantage of years, being 20 years of age. She has also a record, having fwou 42 races out of A 4 in which she started. In the 50 yards event she defeated Madame < Bell from the jump, winning by five yards in the excellent time of 7 l-ssec.