New-York tribune., 1920-02-09

declQtus
Although the BelgianS probably suf-'
fered more heavily than any other ma
tion in the war, they are quickly get
ting back to normal life, and in the
matter of athletics are now practically
operating on pre-war basis. The lit
tie country still has enough young men
left to make a good showing in the
Olympics, but they are planting on
making more than just good showing
the Belgians have let it be under
stood that they are going to make
strong bid for the championship.
The United States is the only nation
the Begians fear will head it off in it's
drive for the title. While they con-
cede that the athletes from this coun-
pressive showing in the classic this
year. they are by no means willing to
admit that the Americans will surely
carry away the top honors. If the
Yankees do achieve victory it will be
because they have the best team and
not because the other nations, and par
ticularly Belgium, were weak in the
matter Of athletics.
What Belgians Are Doing
L. J. Garcey, most observing and
we'll informed Belgian who is in this
country st present as general agent of
the Belgian State Railways, is kept
busy daily distributing information
about the games and the plans of his
country for the Olympic. The writer
had chat with him yesterday, and OBJ
tained a lot of interesting information
regarding what the Belgians are doing
in preparation for the blue ribbon event
of athletics.
Antwerp and its citizens and all the
other Belgians are planning to make
the Olympic games one of the greatest
festivals ever held in that country"
said Garcey. My countrymen have al
ready begun preparations for this great
meet, and | am sure that any visitor
there this year will be amazed not only
at our showing in the games but by
the manner in which we shall entertain
those who come to witness the various
s,asctlc performances.
We rave recovered quickly from the
va. a'd Belgium Is now in good po-
sitlo1 30 hold the games. A club has
been organized to carry out a program
a. es.ivities which will take place
midst the splendid scenery of Ninghtn-
-ale Park, the new park of Antwerp
nder the auspices of this club vari-
Gus functions are being arranged for
visitors
"A vast Luna Park will be con-
structed on extensive grounds, and the
munic inallty of Antwerp will, on its
own initiative. organize other festivals,
so that the year 1920 will be for Ant
werp q season of most interesting and
varied attractions.
Expects Keen Competition
AS regards the athletic contests and
the athletes them selves, | can only say
at present that | believe the keenest
kind OF competition will feature the
games this year. Belgium is planning
to make strong bid for the champion
ship although we realize the United
states Wlt bring a strong, we'll bal
"nced team TO Antwerp which will un
aou5tediy make all the others hustle in
every event on the program.
The Eelgians already have begun
iralnlne 1or the games. But training
IN our sense of the word differs con-
slderablI from the meaning there.
When q Belgian athlete trains for an
event Nc simply puts in longer and
harder practice at his particular game
ana works out under a competent in
slrCctor lie does not eschew smoking
and drinking, as the Americans do, in
fact, he continues to indulge as freely
IN eating and drinking through his
tlalning period and up to the time Of
the contest as he did before.
i remember that the English were
quite startled several years ago, in the
year that the Belgian crew won the
Henley rowing regatta. to see the
oarsmen from my country smoking
cigarettes a short time previous to
the start OF the event. However, the
Belgians pay little heed to diet or other
theories IN their training. Hard work
cr rrs,t,,
when they want to train harder they
SIMPLY practice harder.
In the Olympic games this year we
arc quite confident that we shall carry
on the honors in several Of the events.
The ranks OF our athletes have been
sadly depleted by the war, but we feel
we have enough good athletes left to
make good showing.
Rowing Popular Sport
"For instance, the Belgians always
make good showing in rowing, and I
expect to see them do particularly we'll
IN the crew races. Rowing in Belgium
l' probably the most popular sport
among the young men. In shooting l
also look to see the Belgians finish
among the leaders. Archery is another
sport which is held broadcast over my
iand, and is nearly as popular as shoot
ing IN that country. Yes, | think GER
tallly We shall do we'll in archery.
I'm the equestrian games, in swim
ming and in athletics, feel we have an
equal chance with any other nation,
including probably the United States.
The Belgians do we'll in all these ac-
tivities and if we can muster enough
capable men we will be heard from in
these events. Fencing, wrestling and
cycling should be added to the list in
which Belgium turns out some good
performers.
"Then there are the weights and
dumb-bells, gymnastics, and one or
two others that might be added. In
ice hockey, in polo, in tennis, in foot
ball and in yachting-particularly
yachting-I do not think Belgium will
make much of showing, for these
sports are rarely INDUCED in over
there.
That about sums up the prospects
a. they appear to me at present. Con-
eerning individuals l can't say much
as yet, because l don't know exactly
who is who in sports just now. / have
lust come to the United States from
Belgium and / do know that things are
progressing in a rapid manner, that
interest 10 swiftly giving way to en-
thusiasm; that England and France
ase planning to invade our land with
!. host of good athletes and that the
United States will be forced to extend