The Waterbury Democrat., 1932-07-30


 present-day power. We have taken the lead in training, coaching and the development of efficient methods in the colleges and clubs. We have so many more athletes than the smaller nations that the number of stars naturally must be greater. It is the law of averages.
 So far as, team strength is coh- cerned, there is no doubt of our power in the coming games. The individual championships are an- other matter. Nurmis, Atkinsons, Burghleys and Loves will always bob up from one country or an- other to prove that. we are not alone in our sports efficiency. In the cast of Finland in events like the distance runs and the javelin throw, it may be that they will continue to bob up with disturbing frequency. But that will be good for us.
 Not So Hot.
 Considering the numbers from which our athletes were selected. oup record of winning only one flat race at Amsterdam was nothing of which to be proud. am certain we'll do much better in Los Angeles with climate and home conditions in our favor and with several of tho finest champions we have ever boasted in our ranks.
 MetcaIfe. Carr, Hallowell, Me- Cltskey, Hill, Ottey--well, if they and their teammates who survived our final trials can be shut out with only one fiat race victory this time. I'll be willing to take off my hat and bow low to the foreign con- tingents. But I'll wait first to see it. done. 4 4 .1ss !. wPerhaps I'm overly optimistic about this U. s. team. But of seven flat races up to and includ- ing the 10,000-meter run, predict we'll win three, perhaps four. I think we should win one of the hurdles. We should win the rum ming high jump. Both relays. the 4OO-meter and the 1600-meter, should come to us on skill in hand ling the baton, as we'll as on pure speed. The pole vault will find us unbeaten again. I'd be willing to place a modest wager at even money on our chances of winning the discus and shot.
 Good Will.
 But winning or losing one event or another doesn't matter nearly so much as that the games be con- ducted smoothly, as I am confident they will be. I'm not one who be- lieves that the fate of the nation depends on having boy who can run 100 yards or hurdle faster than the best man of any other nation. But I am sincere in the belief that these international con- tests help the young men of the nations to understand and to re- spect each other. If these games can be run off without hitch, with a minimum of misunderstanding with skillful starting, accurate judging and fair, generous treat ment for every competitor. then the destiny of another Olympiad will have been fulfilled.
 I was asked the other day what effect our prohibition laws would have on the visiting athletes ac- customed to beer and wine as bev- erages. I don't think the result will be too serious, but if the for eigners want to continue their usual customs while here 1t will be too bad if they are not permitted to do so.
 I can even recall the instance in London in 1908 when bottle of whisky came in handy. but only as a substitute for rubbing alcohol for my legs. None of the conven- tional rub" was available when my friends, Joe O'Donnell and Father Murray of New York, went to work to keep my muscles from stiffening up. But that, I should say, Is the only part whisky should play in an athletes preparation. Success.
 And now a new generation of the worlds young athletes is ready for another attack on the records. while we "oldsters" sit back and look on. They're a great crop better in many cases than we were. Good luck to them May the best men win!