The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1896-04-04

likely to be captured ana brought back by
the doughty boys from this side Of the
great waters.
After the vital question Of location and
the requirement of means for the material
furnishings of this great arena had been
settled the subject OF next greatest i'm
portancs which came up for consideration
was what sort Of sports should be selected
for the competition schedule This was a
matter which kept the committee busy for
many months. At first every body was for
a pure revival of the Olympian games, the
throwing Of the discus, chariot racing and
ell the rest. But when it came to be con
sidered that few would take the time and
trouble to study the classics all over again
with the single view of acquiring a prac-
tical knowledge Of obsolete pastimes the
views Of the committee we're modified, and
it was at last agreed that only such Grecian
games as were easily adaptable to modern
conditions would be introduced. This was
all the more reasonable from the fact that
even the Greeks themselves have largely
abandoned the sports of their ancestors.
First on the list Of events the committee
placed athletic sports, and first among
these, as being the most natural and uni
versal, foot races. These will be 100 400,
SOC and I, 500 meters. Then win como the
hurdle race Of 10 meters, running broad
and high jump, pole vault, putting the sho5
and the Oldest of GFecian games, throwing
the discus. The greatest race will be at
the end, the long distance run from Mara
thon to Athens The distance between
these points is 30 miles This race course
is classic, it being the one traversed by the
jealous messenger who ran all the way to
Athens to announce the memorable VIC
tory of Miltiades on Marathon's bloody
plain. Tho fact, as recorded IN history,
that this messenger dropped dead from OK
haustiOn after making his announcements
does not seem to dampen the ardOr of the
young athletes Of today who are eager to
compare their agility and endurance with
that of tho famous runners of the days of
Grecian glory.
The next division Of the programme is
denOminated gymnastic sports These
consist of individual exhibitions, exhibit
lions on the rings, parallel bars, horse
leaping and team work.
Fencing and wrestling have place to
themselves IN this division there will be
work with the foiIs, salve and sword, am
ateur, civil and military wrestling, Greek
and Roman methods.
Shooting occupies class by itself. It
will consist Of target practice with army
rifles oarbines and pistols; rifle range 800
and goo meters, revolver and carbine %
and 90 meters.
Aquatics is q general term that will en-
brace all sorts of contests in and upon the
water. There viii be 10 mile steam
rules of the Cerele de Ia Vale do Paris,
and also competitions between sailing
yachts of 3 tons 8 miles, of 8 to 10 tons
10 miles, of 10 to 90 tons 10 miles, of over
20 tons 10 miles, rules of the Yacht Rae
ing association of England.
Tho rowing races will be run along the
PhaIeron beach, where also tho swimming
with single souls, double scul and four
oars, rules of The Italian Rowing club gov
erning.
The swimming matches will be at three
distances-1OO meters, 500 meters and
1 1000 meters.
The bicycle races will take place on the
Phaleric plain, situated half way between
the city and the seashore The courses
viii be 1000 meters, 10 600 meters and
100 kilOmeters t02 niles) and of . hours,
all upon track rules of the international
Cyclists association
The athletic games division viii be
made up OF contests at lawn tennis, single
and double, aud cricket. 1t was intended
also to have football but it is doubtful if
any nation viii have a team at Athens
1t is even Questionable if the cricketing
feature Will be a success, for a similar
reason.
The Marathon race viii undoubtedly be
the star event Of the meeting. The course
will be taken along the highway from
Marathon and will end in the stadium.
1t will be started at noon, and the road
VIII DO properly guarded and reserved. 1t
is in this race that the good American or
English cross country runner is expected
to shine
All the other races will take place IN the
stadium
A great deal of interest is also manifest
ed in the contests with the discus. Discus
throwing is similar to the American game
Of quoibs, but is more difficult. The win