AUSTRALIAN OLYMPIC ATHLETE IS ANNOYED

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 513, 16 November 1928, Page 6

AUSTRALIAN OLYMPIC ATHLETE IS ANNOYED

WHAT THE MANAGER SAID LEGAL ACTION POSSIBLE

Further details of the rumpus in Australia over the Australian Olympic team's visit to Amsterdam are revealed by this week’s mail. Mr. L. Duff, manager of the 192$ Australian Olympic team, caused a stir at the Olympic Federation meeting in Melbourne recently when he named Charles Stuart (N.S.W.), and Thomas Bolger (Victoria) as .the two athletes who had neglected their training while abroad. Following Mr. Duff’s allegations, it was decided to report the men concerned to their respective sporting organisations. To Sydney sportsmen tho announcement of Stuart’s name as one of the alleged offenders came as a great shock, for the exShoru all-roundor, is recognised as being a splendid sportsman. To “The Guardian” recently, Stuart said:— ’ In my opinion, the charge amounts to nothing less than defamation of character. 1 certainly intend seeking legal advice on the subject. ”1 did mure track work than any member of tho team, bu it was hopeless under tho conditions. I will not say any more about the matter at present.” Olympic sculling champion, Bobby Pearce, did not hesitate to give his opinion of the arrangements. FOOD AWFUL ‘ The feed at Amsterdam was awful, with veal and potatoes to subsist on and a 25-mile bus ride to and from Amsterdam each day. “Was it any wonder that most of the team fell flat? I reckon they did marvellously well when everything is considered."