The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1924-06-28

Four years ago Ray sailed for
Belgium with high hopes. The sails
Of his ambition were filled by the
breezes of confidence. Following
several successful campaigns, both
indoors and outdoors, the Chicago
speed merchant felt that he was
supreme over the 1900 meter route.
No dark cloud hung low on the
skyline Of his thoughts.
The result OF his attempt to de.
feat the worlds greatest milers is
now history. Two days before the
final Of the event he pulled a muscle
In his right leg and as a result was
unable to even approach the form
tnat had made him the most feared
man in the field. He finished
eighth, after as game an attempt
was seen in the long history Of the
game.
Ray Is one Of the worlds lead.
ing Optimists, however, and des-
pAte the fact that his spirit was
hurt over the unlEind trick which
Fate saw tit to play he fixed his
eyes on the 1924 Olympic horizon.
For four years he dreamed Of
showing the fans Of Europe
what real runner he Il. The
winning Of the 1900 meter event
was his goal. IL was 20 be the
Mount Ararat Of his brilliant
career. Upon its pinnacle would
rest the memories Of work well
done.
Coach Lawson Robertson has
changed Rays whole line Of
thought, however. Ray win not
face the great Nurmi over the
yardage that he has so many times
conquered. Instead he will cast his
lot with the knights Of the longer
route. the 5000 meters event.
Ray is generally conceded to be
Americas premier miller. He Is
still entitled to wear that envIed
mantle. Just how long he is des
tined to remain seated on the one
mile throne IN matter OF cortjec.
ture. Many close followers OF the
spiked shoe game are freely pre-
dieting that the end Of Joie's reign
IL very near at hand.
For many years he has headed
the caravan, but Of late his step
has several times faltered. This
10 not the age Of the sluggish, how.
ever. and he who falters Is quickly
shorn OF his prestige. Ray Is not
nearly as spry as he used to be.
He 10 still great runner, but the
brilliance Of his star Is waning
slowly, but surely.
Despite Rays absence, Amer.
lea viii be ably represented In
this event. Ray Buker, Of the
Illinois A. G., William o. Spencer,
Of Mississippi A. and Nj. College,
Lloyd Hahn, Of the Boston A, "A.
and John N. Waters, OF Harvard
University, will be entered.
NurIni is running faster than any
Of the above, but should he defeat
the field he will know that he has
been through something more siren.
uous than daily dozen"
Buker won the final heat OF the
1900 meter event at the tryouts,
held at the Harvard Stadium on
June IL. He showed splendid form
on that afternoon, but It viii be
necessary for him to be at least
thirty yards faster II he Is to lead
NurTni home.
Spencer is mile runner of parts
and will bear watching. Hahn
knows a bit about mile running
himself but for several somewhat
elusive reasons the Boston star has
but a small following.
Waters will give a good account
OF himself. Il he gets off to e good
start. The Harvard runner has q
wonderful half mile concealed be,
meath his running trunks and this
is very useful asset for any 1900
meter contest. Nurmi is the real
class of the whole entry. howaver