The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1924-06-17

big international gathering in Pari
Much apprehension was felt by-
some athletic authorities that the
uI1sanitary conditions our athletes
were forced to put up with on their
trip. to Antwerp in 1920 might re:
occur again this season. 1t is a
wonder that Jack Moakley was
able to win the big meet under the
trying conditions that he and the
athletes were forced to put up with.
That they came out victorious il
more a tribute to their fighting
spirit and courage than to anything
else. Many who made that trip
came back with the avowed decis-
lon never to travel under such
trying conditions again.
This years invasion Is sure to
be under ideal conditions. The
America has been chartered by
the American Olympic committed.
A running track has been con.
Structed on the upper deck, q
swimming pole has been built for
the. aquatic stars, while a gym
nasium has been fitted out for
some indoor athletic stunts.
Suitable living quarters have been
assigned to the athletes. while
the officials have not been given
the pick of the cabins.
The America is one of the stead.
est vessels afloat. While it isn't
the fastest of the United States
fleet, yet it has sufficient speed to
carry the squad to Cherbourg in
good enough time to allow them to
put in some practice at their re.
epective events before engaging in
their championship tests.
Upon arriving at Cherbourg the
entire squad will be taken to Paris.
After that they will be assigned
their quarters in ewiy.constructed
bungalows and an ancient castle.
These were all rented under the
supervision Of Colonel Thompson.
In fact the generous American
sportsman underworld the entire
obligation for quarters and accom-.
nodations for our athletes Tor the
trip over and while in France. In
the event of the American Olympic
committee does not raise the neces-
eary $4,000 for expenses, the de!
ficit will come out of the pocket
OF this great American.
The running track which has
been constructed on the upper deck
IL about 100 yards in circuit. It
consists Of linoleum and felt over
the deck boards and permits the
use OF the ordinary outdoor running
spiked shoes without detriment to
the user or damage TO the ship. 1t
VIII be remembered that several Of
our athletes on the last trip to the
olympic games were knocked out
or competing because of leg in
1ur1cs received while trying to train
on the way over.
Joie Ray was never himself after
sustaining pulled tendon as the
result OF slipping on the smooth
deck. A number of ether stars
could be included in this list Of
lncapacitated athletes through
some mishaps sustained because
Of improper training conditions.
-
A boxing ring has been con.
etructed on the aft boat deck. In
this ring Spike Webb will keen his
mitt artists busy on the way over.
Louis de Handley has supervised
the construction Of the tank. This
will be sufficiently deep to allow
our divers to enjoy plenty Of prac.
ttce before landing at Cherbourg, a
privilege they were denied on the
last trip.
Prospects for an American victory
were never roster than they are to. |
DAY. The splendid work Of our
stars up at Cambridge on Saturday |
confirms what we said before the
final tryouts.
This country is more plentifully |
supplied with record breakers today |
than at any time in our athletic
history. II they do not come through
with a victory over at Paris It will |
be Of the biggest upsets in the his. |
tory Of sports.
The sprints are due to come to
us by a wide margin. The 400
meters should develop into another
American victory. Saturday there |
was a supply Of quarter milers that |
had most Of the old time veterans |
standing with their mouths wide
open. II they do as well at Paris
the 400 meters Is going to be ours
The 800 meters should add to our
total.
The 1900 and 5000 meters is 20. !
ing to find Uncle Sam fighting 1t
out with his Finn rival, Paavo
Nurmi. In the longer events we
are going to make a far better |
showing than we did at Antwerp. |
The field events are going to go
TO us. The high jump, broad
jump, pole vault and hurdle
events looks to be within our
reach. Also the hop, STEP, and
broad should be another event |
that we will increase our score
BY taking.
It is only in the weight events
that the European nations look to |
have anything like a better chance
than we have. However, It is al. |
most certain that when our. weight. |
men are put to a test they will i'm. |
prove off the performances they
uncovered in the tryouts. That
amount of improvement may give
the world real surprise.
We have a young set of stars
that are more likely to arise to the |
occasion than the old timers that
formerly represented us. For that
reason / am looking to see America |
give a good account Of itself in