The New York herald., 1922-03-05
is MODERN ATHLETE
OF SUPERMAN TYPE?
Seasons New Indoor Records
Are Far Better Than Old
Ones.

Are the amateur athletes of to-day
approaching the superman type? The
question Is suggested by the many new
time and distance standards created in
variety of tests of skin. speed and
endurance indoors this winter. The
trasing Of many records in track events
certainly would seem to indicate that
the star runners Of to-day are far SUI
perior TO the men who We're acclaimed
great in other days This fact is en-
phaszed by the pronounced changes IN
running marks that successfully with
stood attacks during many years re-
corded within the last few months.
And the remarkable part of it all Is
that in many instances the old records
We're made in much more favorable cir
cumstanccS than the new worlds stand
ards. This applies with particular force
10 the record breaking performances
OF Joic Ray, peerless runner of the
Illinois A. G.. of Chicago. One of these
had to do with the changing of the flg-
ures for the 5000 meter run.
The worlds best mark for the dis
tance, which Ray shattered, was made
by runner wearing shoes with spikes
on an outdoor track with favorable wind
conditions and on lightning fast cin-
per path. Rays wonderful feat was per-
formed with fiat shoes and over a hard
Other marks to the credit of tho West
ern record wrecker were made under
much harder conditions than were i'm
posed upon tho men whom he deposed
from the throne of record holders.
Several other athletes who gained en-
trance to the circle of record holders
only disturbed the figures for indoor
running. Though their performances
were of sterling character they fell
- Inrt dob
hung up in indoor races. Nevertheless,
they were made under less favorable
conditions than those which prevailed
when the original holders earned record
breaking distinction. In several In
stances the men whose names were
erased from the record books were
helped in their great performances by
wearing shoes with spikes. The men who
wiped out their marks raced with feet
cncased in rubber soled shoes.
1f the men responsible for the many
changes in records can step from the
board floor to the cinder path next May
in perfect physical condition many out
door marks should be fractured. At any
rate, fast performances may be looked
for.
or the seasons new developments
Bob McAllister, the flying New York
cop, and William A. Comins, Yale's SEN
sational freshman sprinter. stand out.
McAllistcr. who Is an exceptionally slow
beginner, is expected to shine as maker
OF new marks from hundred to "two-
twenty" That his wonderful finishing
sprint is capable OF great things was
indicated by his indoor record work at
tho Thirteenth Regiment Arnory, in
Brooklyn. on Washington's Birthday.
Comins has shown his ability to out
foot McAllister In races at fifty, sixty
and seventy yards In record time in
doors. If he performs as well at longer
distances outdoors he may gather a lot
OF fast time honors.
or tho field performers John Murphy
OF Notre Dame University and Leroy
Brown OF Dartmouth have appeared 10
the best advantage. AS result of their
nne work they are now joint holders. OF
the worlds indoor high jumping record.