THRILLING CONTESTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 424, 4 August 1928, Page 9

THRILLING CONTESTS

Athletes at Amsterdam

AMERICAN WINS 400 METRES

Finns Carry On Ancient Feud

(United P.A.—By Telegraph — Copyright) (Australian and N.Z. Press Association) (United Service) Reed. 10.55 a.m. AMSTERDAM. Friday. AMERICA had to wait almost to the last day of the Olympic track events for a victory in them, the powerfully-built Barbutti carrying' "Old Glory” to the front in the 400 metres.

It "was a most thrilling race. Barbutti bad drawn inside at starting, apparently behind. He caught up on the German Storz, and the Briton Rinkel, who were running nearest in the lanes. In the back straight lie went on at a terrific pace, and entered the home straight level with Buchner and the Canadian, Ball. There was a determined challenge by Rinkel, who made up ground, aud it seemed that Barbutti must fight out the finish with Rinkel and Buchner, when Ball, spurting like a shot from a gun, flashed past the Briton and the German, and rapidly closed with Barbutti. The American clenched his teeth, strained every nerve, and staved off the attack by an inch. He sprawled at full length, exhausted. If Ball had made the effort a yard earlier it would have meant a Canadian victory. The final of the 5,000 metres was another lengthy duel between the human machines Ritola and Nurmi, who led for the majority of the distance, the American Lermond hanging on pluckily, with the Swede fourth. The Finns went ahead in the last lap. Wide (Sweden) overtook Lermond. Nurmi three times made an effort to pass Ritola, who beat off the challenge, and finally sprinted, leaving Nurmi almost standing. He won by 20 yards. Ritola thus avenged his defeat in the 10,000 metres on July 29, and reversed the result of the Paris 5,000 metres, when Wide was also third. Ritola shook Wide’s hand, and ignored Nurmi as usual, indicating that their ancient fued continues. Nurmi completely outran himself, and lay down on the grass for several minutes. The track events, except the steeplechase and marathon, and the 400 and 1,600 metre relays, are now completed. Lowe is the only holder to retain his title. Finland won three, Britain two, Canada two, America one. South Africa one. America won five field events. The Empire’s successes on the track are surprising and gratifying in view of the expectation of a probable series of German and American victories. The Americans attribute the failure to the climate and atmosphere not suiting the team, despite their precaution in bringing their own food and water from America; but it is more likely that the American system of several trials before selection has caused staleness. The Germans were similarly suffering, while the British and Canadians were content with single tests. Results:

400 Metres Flat.—Final: Barbutti (America), 1: Ball (Canada), 2; Buchner (Germany), 3; Rinkel (Britain), 4. Time, -17 4-ss. 5.000 Metres Flat.—Final: Ritola (Finland), 1; Nurmi (Finland), 2; Wide (Sweden), 3. Won by 20 yards. Time, 14m 3Ss. Modern Pentathlon (4,000 metres crosscountry). Elefkowski (Poland), 1; Lamppu (Finland), 2; Lindraann (Sweden), 3. AUSTRALIAN CYCLISTS TRIALS FOR SELECTION (Australian and N.Z. Press Association) Rccd. 9.5 a.m. AMSTERDAM, Fri. In a 1.000 metres cycle trial, as. a guidance to the selection of Australia's representative in the Olympic race, Standen beat Gray by two lengths. The sprint commenced 250 metres from the finish, Standen immediately jumping ahead. He further improved his position round the turn, where Gray was slightly crowded. In the 1,000 metres time trial, an awkward situation was created, both men registering lmin 14 3-ssec, though in Gray’s case one watch registered lmin 15 l-ssec. This is the best time trial Gray has ever done. Both were hampered by a number of other competitors who were training on the stadium track. Mr. Duff, manager of the Australians, is to make the selection thi3 afternoon, because Standen and Gray were sent over under the impression that each nation was allowed two competitors in the 1,000 metres, whereas only one is permitted. It is understood that D. G. A. Lowe (Britain), who won the 800 metres race, intends to retire from athletics, in order to practice at the Bar. WOMEN COLLAPSE NOT MADE FOR RACES (United P.A. — By Telegraph — Copyright) (United Service) LONDON, Friday. The collapse of several of the women competitors in the 800 nitres final heat at the Olympic Games, who fell by the side of the track, apparently suffering from dangerous strain, has aroused adverse medical comment in Britain. One specialist declares that women are not physically built to undergo the strain of races. Nature, he says, made woman to bear children. She cannot rid herself of fat to the extent necessary for the physical fitness demanded by feats of extreme endurance.