THE CHINA MAIL, SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 1937.
The Near And The Far In The World Of Sport
THIS IS A LESSON WE CAN
ISSA LEARN FROM THE JAPANESE
Impossible Not To Feel The Impact Of Sport On The Population
By I. M. MacTAVISH
Since writing my article last week-end I have had the pleasure of spending a few days in Tokyo. It is always dangerous to pretend that a brief visit to any country is a basis for commenting on what takes place there but such a circumstance certainly does not preclude one from forming simple impressions and in fair and healthy context those can be interesting even if they are far from conclusive.
Today it is quite impossible to visit Japan and not feel the impact which sport exercises on the population. The sporting tentacles reach the films, television, radio and newspapers and hold the public in a firm grip; but very much more important is the grip which they so obviously exert on the susceptible youth of the country.
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At an hour when youngsters are still peleep in bed I drove through the still quiet streets of Tokyo on my way to the airport, and on every avállable plot of land thio were boisterous groups of youngsters engerly engaged in noisy sport- Ing activities.
The happy laughter and the uclated noises could very casily have been misteuding if one had folled to notice the presence anong the groups of sullably-eled adults directing the youthful energy olong orderly paths.
It tooked like coaching with real understanding and r the reactions of the youngsters were a true indication of their appreciation and I am pretty certnin it was then it was surely coaching What was achieving its fundamental pur- pose of inspiring a love sport for sport's sake,
The
of
|
|
At the moment baseball holdi Japan's vast sporting community neatly but firmly in the palm of it, hand. In the burning heat of a Toyko afternoon "pitchers' and 'catchers are to be seen in netion in the side streets, in the back lanes....and in the few vacant spaces which have so far escaped the attention of Tokyo's all-consuming building pro- gramme,
It is indeed a healthy sign, but it would be very wrong to leave the impression that base- buli has developed to the com- plete neglect of other sports. Nothing could be further from the truth and, apart from the traditional national activities, many no-called Western sports how terribly wrong that term is today are played with ever increasing enthusiasm.
SPORTS QUIZ
1 Sir Len Hulton Was the Arst professional to lead ar MCC team of an overseUS tour. When and where was the tour?
2. Which opening pair of
Famous Sports Stars
I Have Met
Wilfred Rhodes
The Challenge Of The Channel
By JOHN COTTRELL
Early one August morning a young sea-captain donned a bright red bathing costume, covered himself with porpoise fat, plunged into the sea at Dover, and struck out with powerful breast-stroke for the French const some 21 miles away.
Nearly 22 hours later he crawled out of the water and collapsed on the Calais beach. Captain Matthew. Webb had become the first man to swim the English
Channel.
That was 62 yeare ogo. This August, 20 owinimers-seven of the women-pre to mpka on assault on that challenging strip
batsmen were known 25 BY ARCHIE QUICK |of water,
"The Old Firm"
3. How many players nor-
mally make up a team in Polo; Water Polo; Ice- hockey: Baseball?
4. Mr Walker Smith is a world famous boxer. What is his well-known professional Rame?
6. What nationality are these tennis stars-Nicole Pic- trangell; Kurs Nielsen, Mike Davies, Herbie Flim?
G. With what sporting event
do you associate "Pheldip pides?
7. May echey player-(a) hit the ball with either side of his Fuck; (b) stop the ball with his hand; (e) klek the ball outside the elrole. 4. Where will the British Em- pire Games be hold next
year?
9. Which sporting pair are not twins: Alee and Eric Bed- Ser; Denis ord Leslie Comolun: Rosalind and Diane Bowe?
10.
Who is the youngest person To have won the heavy- weight champlonship of the world?
(Answers Ses Pars 17)
ship.
£1,900 IN PRIZES
a
The swimmers, hailing from Two keon-featured grey- cadet men sat
15 countries, will be given side by side send-off at Cap Grit Nez by the rocent Ledia
Test thousands of Frenchmen, and Match watching England fanecompanied by 30 selling
West the
Indies. Forty-six vessels, speed boate, hellcopters years ago they were opening and a radar-equipped control the innings in record style for the mother country in far-away Australia, although one of thein had been previously considered entially a bowler. One was Sir Jack Hobbe --reporting the Loods match with deep interest | and tanned by last winter's South Africon sun. The other, whited ford, drawn, eat witli tuns eing cycs, for Wilfred Rhodes is blind.
Possibly he was the greatest all-rounder, although the le could be contested by brother
Tyke
effort It will be no casual like Webb's but a' mefentifcolly planned operation. It is the an- ual International Cross-Changel Swimming Race and £1,900 in
prize money is at sinko.
Tides and weather conditiona will be studied. Special mid- water meals, munging from chic- ken and brandy to lentils and energy pills, will be laid on George Hirai, Frank Channel swimming has bmw Woolley and "Walter Hammoud, come a big business. Şinen 1875 But Rhodes Test career against about one hundred swimmers Australia extended from 1899 | have made the crossing. Many to 1926, and, by sheer ner, more have tried and failed, he rose in the batting order from No. 11 to opener,
His first Test was at Lord's egalnat Joe Darling's team, und Uot ceries provided him with just eighteen runs in four innings, and thirteen wickets at a cost of 20 runs each. But
0
This year there has been * record number of mare than hundred applications for the Channel racëé; only 25 could be accepted.
As the organisers expisin: "It would not be safe to have any more. The field spreads out over 1011 we find him striding '20 miles and even with twenty out with Hobbs at Melbourne,, swimmers we have lost people Adelaide and Sydney and the Channet for two of Lifec malding a series of fine scores.
to better them unless they sub-in mit themselves to the care of an, expert who can coax a little bit oul of their natural bility, It's that Nitle bit extro which nowadays is the difference between p champlon and one who gets no higher than
the lower steps of the Indder", grip eyer-tightening
the
on
NEVER STRONGER
RESURRECTED
hours."
Everyone wants to gxim the Channel nowadays-whether in Then, in England's hour of race or individually. From ali to need, he was returneeled for the over the world they come final Test at the Oval in 1924 take up the challenge and face at the age of forty-nine, against fog, severe sea-sickness, ramp. Herbert Collins' great side, and and encounters with shoals of England won the match by 289 stinging clorfish and Jellyfish. Rhodca gut six wickets and 42) WIJ rurg and with it the "rubber". Why do they do it?
runs.
PERSONAL SACRIFICES
Hongkong sportsmen already have good cause to remember which baseball is pulling on the prowess of the Japongée ex- the Japanese public has to be ponents of swimming, rugby. seen to be believed. At tennis, shooting, table tennis. week-end there
of When I asked how much this is frequently badminton, athleties, and, four hours of course, fencing. In addition pro-revealed in the presen; genera-
characteristic Csontal as much 05 uninterrupted baseball.
fessorial boxing, wresting and television and it seems
Boccer also enjoy considerable tic of Japanese sportsmen and
sportswomen, popularity in thely season.
I got this reply, to go on almost endlessly on
"I am satisfied that today our the radio.
The
young men and woinen are television and redlo stations compete vigorously to provide the best coverage and it Is impossible not to be Impressed by the ingenuity they display in order to keep their viewers and Isteners satisfied with up-to-me that the country's sporting sacrificca to prepare themselves the-minute information.
pulse has never been stronger for the hard climb to the top of and that today young sportsmen the tree". and sportswomen were display-
World standards are going up sporting spheres but, even in and up in many hidividual
STRIKING FEATURE
more
Miss Florence Chadwick of the United States, who, in 1951, became the first woman to swim from England to France and the first woman to have con. quered the Channel In both directions, She has swum the more difficult course - from England to Franco on three occasions. No other man or woman has.
equalled this fent.-London Express Photo. For many swimmers it is a prostable recreation. Some In his career Bhoges scored | countries shower national
thickness of subcutaneous fut, In 1927, a Dr Dorothy Logan 40,000 runs and took 4,000 honours on successful Channel on the swimmers was twice that maintained she had swum the wickets. He is the only man cheilengers: - Americana are
Channel in record time, and re- ceived a prize of £1,000.
I had an opportunity to dis-proef than were their ever to complete the cricketer's ; amply rewarded by advertising |of the factory hands.
QUES come
Japan with a
of their respon- aspects of sport in sibilities and their potentiscs famous masseur....and they are, willing not who has had a long experience only to work hard, but also to in the world of sport. I told male considerable personali
One of the striking features, ing a tremendous enthusiasm of this extensive coverage is the for participation rather than in- fact that it does not scem to dulging in sideline adoration of have had any detrimental in- the star performers. fluence on attendances at the big
"I believe Japan's eporting Last week-end, Bun U
for future is brighter than ever be example, I was impossible to
fore," he said, "and I believe it move around very far without is due almost entirety to the encountering great groups of fact that our up-and-coming people crowded round radios exponents are prepared to make and television gels following the many
personal sacrifices ball by ball accounts with unachieve their success. concerted enthusiam.... and "They
patient yet when Tokyo won the thorough by nature
are
and
to
and they
~ National Non-Professional Base-carry this into their training ball Championship on Sunday with the result that while they an all-time record crowd of may be disappointed in defeat 50,000 people packed themselves they do not allow it to sway Into the ball park,
them from their desire 10 do better next time."
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But others seek only the brief
This extra fat is pchloved by many months of special train-
Later, she was heavily fined: ing and dieting (plenty of cod for making a false declaration, liver oli, carbohydrates and and subsequently admillled that meat). Much of its lost cho had made the false claim to during the swim.
prove how easy it was to fake a swim. In 1920 Loca Proyberg, former Governor-General of Another claimant seemed to New Zealand, tried to swim the have made an authentle crOES- Channel. He lost 14b. during ing. But on investigation It his 18 hours in the sep.
was found that he had used rubber Alppers attached to his feet, A
Q
"double" sixteen times; he cap-arms; and members of me vic-
season torious Egyptian team three diree times: 100 wickets twenty-houses built for them by their
times; and 1,000 runs government. scored 68 centuries; unco took Lwenty-one times! In all he teen Australian wickets in a match (at Melborung); and in Test matches aggregated 4,400 lory and the coveted certificate Issued by the Channel Swim- runs and 127 wickets,
ming Association. These en Figures like those are never thusiastic amateurs have to pay the more delde team gameskely to be equalled, for the about £300 for the pleasure of where it is more difficult to day of the all-mounter is almost Blogging their bodice through 31 measure progress, competition
Lord Freyberg failed to make over. Trevo Bailey, could be miles of wearisome waters, getting keener and keener for the last of the great ones.
the crossing by only 100 yortis. those who wish to join in.
Hiring an escort boat
The Association takes He was not beaten by the cold.
has IC But more of Rhodes. This up £60. Then there is the cost Ife just fell asleep,
cognised only 11 crossing from has a wealth of great bowler also incredibly of a boot for training swins, Hongkong
England to Franco and B1 from Potential talent. Many of the holds the
the first sundry equipment, and hotel This ctten happens to Frince to England. Many, more youngsters. however, have wicket Test stand against Aus- bls. Weather delays can double Channel swimmer. But Inhovo been made, but not under.. show a strange reluctance to tralia 323 with Hobis at the expense.
Lord Freyborg's case, the sleep | official observallon. profit from expert guidance, or Melbourne, again in 1911, and
was partly induced by a stiff oven
What is the special attraction brandy-a premature submit to expert the last wicket record partner-
As the Ogurca, Indicate, it is coaching, in spite of the fact ship against the "Old Enemy of the English Changell
Įtion drink provided by his wife much easier to swim from that we have several gentlemen 130 with R. E. Fysler at Sydney One answer has been provided
Franco to England then vie our compunity who 112 la 1003-4, the year he took his by Britain's National Institute Cold, sleep, cramp, exhaus-versa. And most swimmers ope capable of guiding them along 15 wickets, remember, Notice for Medical Research Aleration those are just a few of day, take the easter courme. I
that "ie" moved up from last three-year study of Channel the place in to batting order in owimming they have concluded
in
تعة
If we are to receive universal recognition and be regarded as a genutne firest to the big names of our time, then the youngsters must try to forget the vain pride and shallow adoration that come from early parochial success.
record for
stand after ail this time.
feat of endurance in the world Ono of sport."
celebra-
hazards of the cruel sea
Capt. Webb, No. 1 Chenhal eight years and the records still that it is "possibly the greatest between England and France. swimmer, took the more diffi- math Dr George cult course, and such was the Brewster of London-was even maginitude of his achievement Remember: It takes anything blasted out of the water by that the feat was not emulated
da that direction=dor from 11 to 80 hours to swim riflery fire. He had got mixed The Channel. And yet chip-up in a gunnery practice off year. And more than 70 people wrecked mariners seldom live Dover and had to race to húa tried In the Channel for more than toss with shells falling all ALMOST COMMONPLACE
Sports Diary
TODAY.
Water-Pola
Knock-out Competition: SCAA Navy (Navy Poal; 3.59 pro....
TOMORROW
six hours. They are killed by about him, the cold.
FAILED 17 TIMES
Q
30
Now Channel crossings · have become almost
commonplace,
a considerable portion or the path that loads to reat inter- national ciatus. Such a negative Those comments, coming from tutude produces only deep dig a seasoned veteran who has appointment in this modem watched many changes taking world. place, in his country, were to ine, most significant, From his window he showed me groups of youngsters working off their youthful energy with bats and balls and gloves he pointed out shed where a couple of make. ahlit tables were providing the
The summer temperature of meeting ground fcr several
60 The unfortunate Dr Brewster but this does not detract from future sponge-bat' experis who,
They must regard each
the sea is usually around degrees Fahrenhelt. And al-nevey did quite complete the greunea of the achilēva, although they barely reached achievement as being merely a
though the Channel swimmer Channel crusting. And hement. above the table top, were play-stepping stone to the next one
covers himself with about Bib.gallantly mada 17 attempts, bla ing with the premature
....and above all they must be
of grease, this proyidéa 'very last at the age of 04. ndence that, almost inevitably, prepared to submit themselves
Lawn Bowls
little protection from the cold. percolates through a commundy unconditionally to the care of an
Dr Brewster's life ambition int Division: KDC v KBac; inc where world champions are kith experienced expert who
"Blue" v
has been to swim the Channel, THE FAT THAT COUNTS Becre; TC CCC; KCC polish their rough edgee and and kin.
y IRC "Gold"
But many swimmers want more who, by employing the
and Division? PRC v VẞNG; KCC It is the swimmer's sub- than that;
more they are COMPARE THE ATTITUDE | magi of
v FC "Dhur KKCC : FC cutaneous fal-the fat under the interested in breaking records. Indem coaching "Red" v lik#C; KDC V. CEN. methods, Can pdg inches occ
3rd Divulon:
PBA Y TROC: skin-that really counts. This, ISKTICKY RS JRC gives increased insulation from Japan is a big nation and it is accuracy, or power to their
For this reason, the Chennet ✓ PRC. Bladley v Rágc. unfair to compeão a tacilities potential performances. This is
Associatio Ludlow League: A Divion: Usaç the cold outside and a decreased Swimming with those we can provide here true no matter in which field of v RDC, CCG ~ KHOC,
rake of heat lost from within. formed as an independent body 2nd Division: FC v čˇc; jíře vi In Hongitong....but 1 gamot sport their interests lie....and UBRC: PRE V REC.
to observe attempt, and make bellevo It is unfole to set the they would do well to contem-
Once a group of Chuquit) | exact things.
Work has average aitliudo of our sporta plate the example the exempl
shooting
swimanera und factory workers proved very necessary. men against that shown by their Fary example being set by thes
were examined together by Them have been several bogus Fiat round of smallbore of HR doctors. It was found that the cinius by Channel.swiniens. opposito numborg not so Lar neor neighbours in Japan.
Gun Club, p.m.- away....and I cannot do better than repeat o remark made to me by this Japanese physical culturlat. He cald "Bucce cpm phly to those who are
0941, to weak for 15
be
man takes up a business, profession, or a trade he has to Pave a period of expert training to prepare himself for his pare ticular vocation. So it must with those who wish to Auccess in sporting activities "Competition for the plac becoming tougher every day. Only those who ste propered to work hard and train under expert guidance can hope to reach world class,
op
"Bandards are now so high that "Delubul athletes vannoz tepe
POP
WNOŚ BEEN AT MY TRANQUILLIE BIR
VILLA?
can
near
NOT ME, YOUG
BETTER
GO OUT
AND GET SOME
MORE.
GET BIGGER,
ONES TAPE!
shat in the arm
Te
PRESENT
KINO VI
ROBINS AIROVN
wap
However, those swimmers. und there пле many-wie would swim the Channel achieve personal fame, should remember that even the brave Capt. Webb was soon forgotten. after his pioneering effort.
M He became
professional- swimmer and was so much in
hood of money that he decided: to swim the ràpida and whirlk i pool below Nagar Fulls, Hej. died in the attempt.
-(London Represa Boroiča), ¦
(COPYRIGE)
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CHERRY HEERING