Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-12-11
SWEDISH ATHLETES
IMPROVING FAST
Engaging of Hjertberg to
Coach Has Made That
Country Contender
NOW ARE WORTHY RIVALS
BY J. f. CTED) MEREDITH
world's Haif.Mils ChAmpion.

The United states still Is at the top in
track athletics and will be for some years
20 come. although they can expect worthy
rival in Sweden. II will be remembered
that In 1919 tho Swedes we're the ones 70
finish next TO this country In the track and
held competition at stockholm, and while
they were not close second. they did very
One work and outstrlpped other rivals by
as much as they were by US
AZ that time Sweden only had taken this
branch OF sport up seriously two years be-
fore, 1910. when they came TO this country
and engaged Ernest HiertberE as trainer
OF the country's athletes, Before this they
had no system and had no real governing
body. at least II never had taken any united
interest or sfrort to put team out Huch
"a they ala two years later in Tho stadium
at Stockholm Whom Hiertberg took this
Job on his shoulders he took big one, but
he accomplished great things with his men
In 1917. and sinco then no has done even
greater things
Engage Hiertberg
HjertberR went 20 Sweden without being
able TO speak word Of the language, which
ls a great handicap at the start. lie had
10 teach men things and point out their mis-
takes, and couldn't talk the Language, but
no soon picked up enough 20 get going !;
then his hands we're great help In speak
ing His Iuty was to coach a whole nation.
and when YOU think that each college. school
and club has separate coach over here
YOU can zee what hn was up against
Well No managed to come through In
good shape In the Olympcs In spite OF all
this, and since those games tho swedish
a. 4. L. has become more interested and
things are now In very good shape II Is
only matter OF time and n little more tN-
perleuce, when we will have TO start to fear
them In international contests
Tho authorities have given Hiertberg
several assistants to help him with his
work. These assistants are stationed In the
large cities and have charge OF all the
men IN those districts Itjertberg makes
several trips year TO see the work these
men are doing and to look over their best
proteEeB When he finds any man who
looks real good he gives that man some
personal attention. and when the big meets
To Have Ten Assistants
Even now no Is too crowded with work
really to give his best TO the flrthering
Of the sport. 40 next year he Is to have a
total OF ten assistants and the natives have
subscribed about $50 600 for sport. most Of
It TO be used for track. Besides this. Hjert-
berg Is running school for coaches when
the season Ia over and In this way they
are going to have plenty OF men to teach
the sport and not only that but good and
competent ones.
They are very anxious to get 1hings golnS
and to bring themselves Up to our standard
which they are bound to do under such
work and organization as they now have
There are many things, however, that they
will have to get away from. but these are
| only little details which will work them.
selves out as they 20 along on tho lines
| already planned.
Outlines System
HJertberg outlined tho whole system e
me while In Stockholm. and 1 think they
are working along the right path. The
| teaching OF athletics is to mo one OF tn,
| best things that they have taken M in thcll
campaign. In HJertberg they have a MAJ
who knows track athletics about as we'll ai
| any man In the game.
He was for many years n very successful
coach and trainer around New York an,
had under his wing many worlds recor,
holders lie has the right dope ON all tn
| events and ls man who can lmpart hi
| knowledge with clearness