GOLDEN GATE EVENT

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 3, Issue 665, 18 October 1933, Page 7

GOLDEN GATE EVENT

ANOTHER SUCCESS FOR YOUNG DOMI.NION BOYr LESLIE OLDS GAINS SECOND PLACE j The success in America of the young New Zealand swimmer Leslie ("Buster") Olds has been reeorded from time to time, and the more recent reports give this swimmer the eredit of adding further to his growing list of records. Ine one annual event, however, he has had a rather exasperating experience. The winning of the Golden Gate swim has been one of his big objectives, and • in a field of 141 competitors for this year's event, decided last month, Olds was one of the favourites, especially as he had been runner-up in each of the three previous Golden Gate swims. Once again, however, the New Zealander had to be content with second place — disappointing, and yet unique in being his f ourth consecutive second placing in a trying event. The winner this year was Ted Wiget, of Stanford University, who also headed Olds to the winning point last year. Of the many competitors, 87 reaehed the finish under their own power, but whereas Wiget and Olds completed the course in 39min. 19 2-5sec. and 41min. 16sec. respectively fifty-nine of the contestants occupied times ranging from just over an hour to abont 2 1 hours on the journey. Heart-Breaking Pace. In one account of last month's race a writer in the "San Francisco Chronicle" states:— "It was the rough'est and toughest of all the swims held to date. A high wind whipped the Gate waters to a frothy pitch, making it tough for the boys handling the pilot boats. Erwin Bauer, the little San Diego puddler, who finished third, said after the race that the toughest part of the swim was locating his pilot. From the moment that the C'hief of Police fired the gun that sent t'he swimmers on their way it was seen that the hattle would be between Wiget and Olds. "Buster" had made up his mind to show the pace, but "Ted" had his plans also. "Shoulder to shoulder these two lads sivam away from the starting point. Stroke for stroke they matched ability and strength. For half ti '6 distance across the Golden Gate Olds held the heart-breaking pace set by the winner. It wasn't that Ted outgamed Olds, for "Buster" is a gamester cf the first water, but rather that Wiget still has too much class for the New Zealand boy. It was by far the rougliest and toughest of the swims to date and the boys who succeeded in making their way across 'may Vfell be proud." No Lack of Confidence It was predicted that the battle for first place honours would be thrilling, and in discussing prospects the "Chrcnicle" stated: — "Ted Wiget, who shattered the record for the course when he won last year, will be regarded as the favourite in spite of 'the fact that 'Buster' Olds has won many admirers by his recent swimming efforts. Olds, who has filled second place in three 'Chronicle' swims (the race is conducted hy this newsyaper), is personified. 'Buster,' inclined to be the cocky type was asked if he intended to stay with Wiget all the way across and then fight it out with him at the finish. I 'I should say not,' replied Olds. 'If any one does any following it will not be me. Fm going out there to win, and you can't win trailing.' Wiget on the other hand looks to be in superb condition. Ted, a more reticent type, is a splendid competitor." "There's no use denying it," ran another itern of comment, "this fel,low 'Buster' Olds thinks he is going to win the race this year. 'Buster,' always the confident type, feels that he is enough better this year to cop. There's another lad who thinks that 'Buster' will be lucky to get third place. Gordon Corson, also a vastly improved swimmer, is out to win. Then there's Ted Wiget, the Stanford flash, who is counting on taking home first prize." In the resu.lt, as indicated, Wiget and Olds were first and second respectively, and Corson had to be satisfied with sixth place.