ON THE RECORD OLYMPIC DIARY
By Cynthia Eager
(Excerpts from the diary kept by Ifongkong's Olympic swimmer at Helsinki)
I felt a hand on my shoulder, ed their national dances on the
a gentle shake and the words, lawns of the Olympic Village. "Get your papers, we've landed.
This is Finland."
01 the
We were welcomed by
checked through oficial,
and Custonus then we stepped out into the cold early morning nir.
wan
hard to believe it was so carly in the morning. It was bright enough to read. looked at my watch and it was just after 2 a.m.
Irene and I were escorted to a building we came to know as "The Nursery." Tiptoeing silent- ly through its dark corridors
we were
shown our room
the lady in charge.
by
1
of
A day never to be forgotten was that of the Opening Cere- pouring mony on July 19. In rain We marched to the Stadium, Along the ne march dense crowds cheered and waved flags. The Finns were a very happy people that day. They had waited years for
I 'could hear voices cheering "KONG HONCI HONGG KUNGG! HONG CLONG!" Sud- denly a spectator stepped for ward and, clapping his hands top vigorously, shouted at the
of his voico, "BRAVO HONG- KONG!"
Thinking
Irene was feeling cold, a lady stepped up and, taking her cont off, offered It Ato her.
She addressed me in German. I thought she was saying some- thing about breakfast and nodded. As we walked she mumbled numerals—203, 204. 205 and Anally 200-our room.
She upened the dour. stortiel ir jumped out of bed. Tang We later learnt he was Pel-wah, Singapore's 80-metre kurdier and our roommate for the duration of the gaines.
At 18 an. the next morning we went 10 the Swimming Stadium for our first practice. As we stepped out of the autograph
car
hunters appeared
from all directions.
We all signed in Chinese, In- eluding myself. I can't remem- ber into
my name.
Most
was
In the Stadium, Hongkong
and
sload between Holland India and, while waiting for the other nations to march ira we exchanged pins with Die Dutch team.
As the famed Paavo Nurmi Stadium carrying entered the the Olymple Flame the teams broke their lines and cheered as he ran past. Strains of music led the air as the choir sang the Olympic Hymn.
awny.
miter
flow
to
the
the
pf
Then thousands of pigeons were released and they screech- how many autographed in the sheer joy of freedom. books I wrote the Chinese circled the Stadium and characters far "dress hanger." These two characters, I
A girl in a flowing while robe told, come
nearest in ran into the arena, Running up Chinese to spelting the sound of | te a microphone he tried
address the spectators but was Being used to a call or gutter dragged away. at the end of swimming pools, after the Olymple
Marching out of the Stadium
Oath We we found turning without one
waved to the crowds tili rather dilleult at first. We
swimmers cheering grew fainter and watched the other practising-John Marshall, Ford waving flags dropped out
the ceremony we Konno, Evelyn Kawamoto and view. After
the BBC. a brondcast for of the made
0.15 am, July 20-the Arst swimming heats. All the girls siled into the bus. I was amazed that none of them appeared to Le nervous or excited. All around me girls were converS- ing in different languages.. It
of the story reminded me the Tower of Babel,
At the Swimming Stadium the swimmers were checked to see that their bathing suits were "correct." We sat together In little groups, each group repre- senting a heat of the 100 Metres Free Style.
in
others. many Olympic swimmers used the
tura somersault and lip sprint swimming.
Our
badges were in blazer great demand in the souvenir ex-
changes that were going on all the time. They were considered among the most beautiful. The Russians were very enthusiastic
and souvenir-hunters always exchanging pins.
•
were
On July 17 we had our flag- raising ceremony at the Olympic Village. Many spectators were present, including British
tourists
Hongkong stood in the centre
assembled among the
teams with Bermuda on the left and Morseco
on the right. There various speeches by officials. The Dags were raised and National Anthems were played.
were
It
As Hongkong's flog was raised it seemed that the wind unfurl ed it at the right moment. flapped proudly with the flags of the other nations. I noticed one of the women among the spectators had tears running down her cheeks and I felt
of
We all sat silently measuring each other up. To break the ten- alon I smiled at a Hungarian girl. She looked daggers back at me.
in
Then a lady official came and called our heat. We all had a programme and knew which lane we were going to swim in She motioned us to follow and we walked into the "arena."
the For me it was
biggest before. crowd I had ever swum But I had hardly time to look around. Our names wore im- mediately called again, each one as stopping on to her platform in were present at a christen- reply to this roll call. I answer- a most impres-ed to "Maureen Eager." It seem- ed the official had left out my Arst name.
and we dived
ing. It was
sive ceremony.
we
Games
ali
:
on
Then the gin
of
THE CHINA MAIL, TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 1952.
CHANNEL CONQUEROR
Abdel Menem Abdu is congratulated by his trainer, Abdel Fattah Shefshak, Secretary of the Long Dis tance Swimming Association of Egypt, after his suc- cessful swim across the English Channel. He was the fourth swimmer to do so this year and was in the water for 161⁄2 hours.-Express Photo..
SPORTSMAN'S
BOXING IN BRITAIN LOOKS What's
DUE FOR A LEAN SPELL THIS COMING WINTER
Says HAROLD MAYES
London.
Boxing in Britain looks as if it's due for a lean spell this winter. Yes, there'll be plenty of promotions, but the prospect of anything bear ing a world title tag) in spite of our having in Randy Turpin, ä brilliant dual champion, is beginning toʻlook pretty dim.
:
Jack Solomons, homeward bound from the States just now, must be fairly well reconciled to that fact by this time.
crown, for becoming
True, New York State Athletic with a view to stepping up his Commission interviewed Joey world ambitions. Maxim and his manager, Jack Kearns, last week, but it's pretty nbvious now that even if that body rules that Maxim is con- tracted to Solomons, the World Lightheavyweight Champion will have been given sumcient time by the inexplicable delay to any that he couldn't get ready for a September date.
POSER FOR TURPIN
of
best in
Kowloon
WILLOW INN NIGHT CLUB
(Lu Yang Tion Restaurant). 753, Nathan Rd., Tel. 57347
OPEN TILL 2 A.M.
LATEST SONG HITS
by
Delicious dishes,
Wines & Liqueurs TO-DAY'S SPECIAL
Now, if one of his youngsters wins
classic race, trainer NO THIRD FIGHT
Harvey has made up his mind | BANAM & HIS SWING BAND Right now my advice to him to throw a party--with the "old would be to give up the light man" as guest of honour,
LOOKING FOR BLOOD his heavyweight
world
Another who to
went
gou a big chances
Freddy Was middleweight champion in the "family" recently
look in Mills. He went to Dartmoor for not-so-distant future
to than in the boxing bout brighter
entertain finitely
prisoners.
opponent? The heavier division.
Why? Well, American advices padre.
Freddy, who, in a recent dim. are that as a result of the recent hoo-ha Maxim will be pressed to "Emergency Call," portrayed a defend his title pretty soon, and boxer who saves a child's life by the pressure is more than likely giving a pint of bicod, asked 600 be applied on behalf of Archie prisoners to give a pint of blood Mo Moore, whom the Americans each to the Blood Transfusion have been rating No. I con- Service. tender these seven years.
F
His
"We might
some rare
And while he took his title Iram Freddy Milis indoors, just as Turpin carned his own brief tenure as a world title-holder by beating Sugar Ray Robinson at Earls Court, there's little likell-
If Turpin stays Middleweight specimens," Freddy said. How hood, with increased entertain-
does Champlon, that mean a third right! ment tax, of the British
Robinson? There Right with
In promoter's belig able to meet again the answer is "No." American champions' financial
fact,
far as to say that TH go so far as demands other than outdoors.
I don't think we shall see Robin-
Nine Dragons
York Table Tennis &
Man who gets a further head-son defending his title again.
1 base my assumption on a ache as a result is, of course,
recent item in the New Turpin, for he has to opt very "Mirror" by Walter Winchell. shortly for one of his two titles, Winchell and Ray, the closest of friends, make habit of telling their innermost other
And Winchell wrote: "Sugar Ray will not corrobor- ate this until this winter, but he has
retired,"
ENGLAND
DIARY SHOULD
WIN ALL
FIVE TEST MATCHES AGAINST
THE AUSTRALIANS NEXT YEAR
Says
LEN
HUTTON
"I shall be very disappointed if we do not win all five Test matches against Austraila next year," Len Hutton, England captain, told me after the final Test against India had been abandoned as a draw.
This was a light-hearted prophesy by Hutton, but speaking more seriously, he said that the England side was stronger in bowling than for years and that he had never played with a better flelding side.
each
secrets.
Winchell says Ray won't con- firm it, so I haven't naked him to do so. But if Walter says it na definitely as that, I think you could say it would be rate enough to bet on.
Darts Finals
On Thursday
The semi-finals of the Nino Dragons Services Club monthly darts and table tennis competi- tions were played off inst Thurs- day. anxious to get through to the Anals and the matches were contested throughout. games resulted in a draw and had to be played off at 1001 up. The final result of the matches was:-RAF "A" 4, 50 F Sqn RE "B" Team 3; RAF "B" 3, 33 General Hospital 4.
The dart teams were all
Frled whole chicken with vegetable @ $5.00 each Good Service & Cosy Surrounding.
GRAND
OPENING ALLIED EMBROIDERY CO. 1-A Carnarvon Road, Kowloon Tel: 50018
WHOLESALENS and RETAILERS in every description of Hand Embroideries, Art Linens, Lingerie, Pajamas, Handiarchiefs, Blouses, Jackets, Silk Piece Goods. Ivory and Wooden Carvings. Hend Carved Wooden Funiture, Clolronne and Brass Wares, Jades, Jewelleries, Curlos and Souvenirs, etc., ela,, elc. For good quality, moderate prica and Service, please
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GRAND OPENING Household Linons Silk Embroidered Lingerio BIC SELECTIONS AT LOWEST PRICES HSU BROTHERS 1 Carnarvon Rd., KOWLOON.
GO TO THE FU HING TRADING CO.
17. Chungking Arcade, Kowloon. for
OLD
EMBROIDERIES, BRASS WARES, PAPER BASKETS,
NOT FOR ENGLAND With Robinson on the outside keenly looking-in, and the way having been made even clearer by the untimely death of Australia's Dave Sands, few in the world would dispute Turpin's chances of success,
But it's a matter of being
The finals will be played at the 50
we're obviously not Club on Thursday commencing patient.
deal of see a great going to activity in British title ranks at at 7 pm. between RAF "A" V
REAL 33 General Hospital. the top threa weights-and
The semi-final in the tabla PEKING they're the money-spinners,
The Heinz Neuhaus-Johnny tennis resulted in a walkover to WASTE
the RAF "A" as C.E. Land Forces IRON PICTURES, PAINTINGS, contest for
LINEN EMBROI- ."As for
were unable to attend. The finals SCROLLS, batting, It Is Vic Gunn, who won an Olympic | sat up and took notice,when they Willians
KINDS OF at the realised that Mr Katsuo Okazaki, European Heavyweight Cham- Laking shape and looks like ap- gold medal for Britain
ART NOVELTIES. Japanese Foreign Minister, was plonship is likely to go to Ger- between RAF "A" and Comd DERIES. ALL prouching our 1038 standard," he not-so-tender age of 38.
many. Purse offers have closed, Kksps REME will be played at CHINESE Gunn, who lives at Norwood, their former member who was
Phone: 52920. P.O. Box 1848. remarked,
"Fred Trueman, the Yorkshire won the Olympic featherweight mile champion of
Cable Add, "FHING" Japan In
promoters are
enough to small fast bowler is, at the moment, title
suggest that they made them rather on the cult' side as com- Institute, Clerkenwell, during the the 1.500 and 6,000 metres in
because
they were asked to, and pared with Lindwall, but in a London Games of 1908. It was the 1924 Paris Olympaid,
Mr Okazaki was attached to not bec
because
they wanted the IL of years time the two couple of
remarkable will be very similar."
In the official record of the the Japanese embassy in 1824 as contest-since they're obviously
sceptica! very
about the reaction Asked whether the England Fourth Olympiad his win is a diplomat.
While living in Brighton, he of paying customers to Germans scoring in the Fourth Test was described thus: striking too slow, Hutton smiled and re-
example of the broke the Brighton and County nighting here. plied: "Perhaps is that I am
It.
triumph of style and science over Harriers three miles record in other and more youthful quali- 1924. His time was 14min. 50sec. getting old myself!
ties, for Gunn
the
"The Indians have some good cricketers, and their bowling has been so good in length and direc- tion on many occasions that it
As a sprinter, Jones was in Olymple class, but it Pomathing
Clark.
at the
Northampton and who represenpan in 1923, but I gather the bids from home the Club on Thursday commeno- i
victory,
in
He is one of the principals, an
โร
soccer
at 7p.m.
me ir me
The presentation of trophies to each member of the winning team in both the Darts and Table Tennis will be made at 8-16 by Mrs H. E. Fernyhough, wife of
E. Terny Brigadier H. E DSO, ADC, CHA 40 Inf Div.
have been very kindly
As for the chance of Williams trop by Mr Frank Leyshon :
defending his home title, who is on the horizon?
I
know that the Welsh Arca have put forward to the Board of Control Tommy Farr's name
off the
of the Hongkong Breweries.
HOLLYWOOD BEAUTY PARLOUR - SATISFACTORY SERVICE.. Telephone 59249 for APPOINTMENT
14, Cameron Road G
16, Carnarvon Road, KOWLOON,
LEE CURIO CO.,
Exportor of
Carved Orionfal Furniture, Dealer in
All kinds of Curios, TERMS VERY MODERATE,
had won the
He ran for the club in the
Entries for the Sept. competi ABA championship in 1894, 95 South of Thamen cross-country
later than Saturday, August 30. and 96 and entered the ring in championship on Brighton race-
tions should be submitted by not 1908 not an ounce heavier than course in 1924, It was bitterly
The first round will be played at cold. He finished, but could not as challenger, but in spite of the before, touch his best. was very difficult to score against he had been 12 years
fact that
nan the Club on Thursday, Septem- the come-back man
ber it.
4. As usual, trophies will be But
cricket is despite his 38 years." English
has built himself up quite a certainly
his Olympic At the time of stronger now than
12 months, I
I presented to each members of the winning teams in the finals. win Gunn was boxing for Surrey the Japanese alde, considering record these past was five years ago.
the two British gather that he'll have to wipe means in the deris, consist of ON TWO MEN-46 CAPS Commercial Docks and Gains the case of The following day spoke for a few minutes over
Ken Junes, of Newport. and ford. Later he became secreta.yrallors who have been sentenced that Franic Bell defeat
for the theft slate before there's a chance of six players and table tennis four to imprisonment the
players. Hadio. Malaya. Later Irene and in. There was a Japanese girl Wales the most-capped player in of Lynn. His opponent
his being considered.
who have entered in the caps will 1908 semi-final was Ted Ringer, of a taxi.
Units If he does, what then? Well, basketball, knockout competition I saw some of the track events beside me. Everything happened post-war rugby-26
(Mr Okazaki was Japanese he whom outpointed. -the wemen's 100 metres, men's so quickly that it seemed time be un one wing for Sir Wavell of Lynn,
Hongkong the Board might find it very
are reminded that the "second XV against the the Wakefield's between
16 they will Consul-General 400 metres hurdles and
stopped 100 had
On September
in 1939-40).
dimcult to say him nay.
round must be played off by Twickenham on
be saw the Japanese girl Harlequins at
meet again, for Ringer will metres sprint. We also saw the moment
Joe when
PROFITABLE at the dinner, too, together with
August 25 and the resulta for- Saturday, September 0.
INDIAN DISCORD. compolition at the and the following one
45 tormer club's These were wonder-1 touched after two
On the lengths
will be Parisian ¦ some of the other, and
Arsenal and Spurs
Although the Indian cricketers warded to the Manager, Nine Michel Pomathios (20 caps), of ABA champions, including the supporters, who looked up at my lane judge.
have been might decide that they'll need a Dragons Services Club Imme- ful, especially the exercises the bar.
We all trooped back to the the short pants and blue boots, turn-of-the-century stars Matt following the progress of two of spell of bout drill before another diately after the matches have 16, Hankow Rd., Tel. 53206,
and Chris their Every day there was some changing room. Time passed one of the strongest and most Wells, Ted Moon
heir stars, Alex Forbes and Alf tour of England, they've been been played. sort of entertainment, Newsreels very quickly and then on official dashing wings in the game,
Ramsey as greyhound owners such an unhappy lot that I THIS WEEK'S PROGRAMME New Shipment - new-styles
spoil and came in and read out the
profitable on the Olympic
There will be another Talent cather, even in a sbipwreck come KENT TRADITION carloons
of them wouldn't bother taking Spotting Competition to-morrow Flying Officer Maurice Fenner,
Interna-to-the boats
all Scottish every ather
During
wasn't
commencing at 8 pm. Once again I
this list the day there were sight-seeing neither were the large majority
Apart from political discard, the compere will be Kes Withy, wicketkeeper batsman, who
kennel there has been What line.
discontent be assisted by Dorothy Hart Baker: Harringay excursions by bus.
of the girls in the room.
for played
Kent against a surprised me was that the
LBS. BUT NO 2'S eliminated
Next Sunday evening members swimmers did not Dejected policeman is Jack Middlesex, is the sixth player to champion, Aughrim Rambler, has cause ona member of the side with Mena Silas at the plono.
to Brixton kobp wicket for the county this wont nearly £100 in three races. was allowed to bring his wife, seem to be very disappointed. Sharples, attached
was for- of the 45 Field Regiment RA will Ramsey's dog, Burning Desert, wher that privilege There we
were no tears as
thero
Station, who has had to shelve season.
Fenner is the 23-year-old son who runs at Romford. has won bidden to the others, and at present a Arat class variety show, swim at the VRC. his plans for o. Channel
five of his seven races there times
of family re- "Hi Neighbour," by kind permis- crept into slon of the Commanding Officer, Some of the eliminated girls this year after training for 18 of George Fenner, former Kent since July to win more than £60 lationship has even
MCC cricketer and
Edimann, Lleut Colonel J. C, for the Spurs and England full-selectorial problems. Lord's.
There's been a nightly curfew, The full
full programme for the Others to act as Kent wicket-back.
as follows: but even that has varied ac-week is as this year have been
LACEY RESIGNS
Tuesday, Whist
& p.m. That mighty hitter of a golf carding to whether the face of
Atted or Cash Prizes and the player concerned
Bridge Club 7.30 Malecim Bristow, the Professional Golfers' Assocla- recruited to the county staff in tion, and non-playing captain of Indies have this winter, and Competition, I p.m. Cash Prizes.
the British Ryder Cup team
I'm told that even if they're in- Thursday Darts and Tabic Kent can fteld a complete which lost to the USA last year, vited four of the present party Tannis Olymple Village. I practised Reggie Meen, former British there for tho heats of the 400 heavyweight champion пош
isplaying cricket living at Oadby (Leles), emigrating to Canada with his
were shown almost qualifiers for the next is not so fast, he is
evening.
Various countries demonstrat-
Hole In One At
Deep Water Bay
Mr L. C. Hawkings is the latest golfer to hole out in one at Deep Water Bay. He accomplished the feat at the 2nd green on Saturday, This is the first time since the War that this 183 yard hole has been holed out op aten stroke.
sometimes
on
are
certainly
more difficult to stup near the the RAF and Combined Services itional wing-helf, Forbes, wha
have had recently
Arsenal's
A
the
even seemed to cheer up at the montas-stone policeman has a
thought that it was all over for them.
coach at
powerful stroke and above all After the competition started stamina, but he lacks the neces-keeper we were no longer permitted to
sary £200 for a Channel attempt. Godfrey Evans, Derek Uften, Sid practise in the Olymple Pool, He will now resume pinying One of the Indian girls, fortu water polo for the police and nately, informed me of aswimming for his club. 25-metro pool behind the
Metres,
wife and son,
מהעם
matter
O'linn, Tony Woollett and 16-ball, Arthur Lacey, chairman of not have a tour of West p.m.
Wednesday Talent Spotting
SUN-GLASSES from U.S.A. & Britain
PETER OPTICAL CO.
Optician.
266A, 'Nathan Road, (Opposite Shamrock Hotel), Tel: 56346.
MELBOURNE HOTEL
team from wicket-keepers still has resigned his position as pro will be definite non-acceptors Presentatiepetition finals, 7 p.m. 2-12, Mody Rd. Tol. 59168..
county's teams.
Besides the
For
of trophies 8.15 p.m. Friday, Tombola, 7.30 p.m. Saturday, Tombola, 780 p.m. Snowball.
Sunday, Grand variety show, "Hi Neighbour" 8 pm.
who have kept fessional to the
the Berkshire Golf Divecha.
Ahmed, Ghulam wicket for one or other of the Club,
Gopinath, and Chowdhury. the club and will be leaving
In September.
MAD DIRTHDAY HUISH THENE
Lacey played in the 1933 and Meen won the heavyweight
six mentioned 1937 Ryder Cup
Ho matches.
It sounds as if they're just one title when he outpointed Charlie
One happy Smith (Deptford) at Leicester in there are Harold Levett, Gordon is 48, and has been at Berkshire big happy family!
Downton, Tom for 18
family I do know, however, is years. 1031 but lost it eight months Raikes, George
"I have no idea at the moment that of Mad Brithday, and he later to Jack Petersen.
Osborn, Jack Walker and Arthur HAPPY HOLIDAY
of taking up another professional has one of the largest farmilles Joli Jarvis, Twickenham CC Kent havo a tradition of pro-appointment with a golf club," in the country,
Mad Brithday Is a Wembley fast bowler, was so anxious to ducing good wicket-keepers. At he said. Ho intends to visit his get his 100th wicket of the a recent county match in which brother Charles, who is pro- greyhound, and he has sired Kennelled 500 progeny, season that he delayed his holl-Ufton was "keeping Ave Jeans calfornia, but would not with him in trainer Jack Harvey's
In Beverly over: 600 to club Hills, day to play another match. loopers cd England or near-
He left for Cornwall a happy England class were present, say if he Intended to settle down range are 28 of his children," ard oach morning he heads mun, for a few hours carllerine. They were Test-selector Leslie in the USA.
HOLE IN ONE
them as they are token out to had taken the necessary, two Ames, Evans, Levett, Fred Hulsh wickets against Chameleons, who played for Kent before the Michael Knowles, 14-year-old exercise. completing his 100, for the 1914-18 war and will be 80 inson of film actor Patrie Knowles, second successive season. November, and 71-year-old Jack in England on a visit from Holly
Very much a guest of honour Hubble, successor to Huish.wood, holed out in one at the at Lynn Boxing Club's diamond RUNNING DIPLOMAT 10th (180-yards) at Brookmans Jubilee dinner in... London on Old-time members of the Park Golf Club (Herts),
County: Harriers September 10 will be 82-year-old Brighton and
London Express Bervice)
I'm told that. the young "Birthdays" are no trouble at ali when "Pop" is out with them. The outstanding puppy of 1947, he had his track career ended by a,serious leg injury, i
&
MELBOURNE
APARTMENTS 65-67, Kimberley Hd. Tel: 50105.
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UNTIL RECEIVED NO HANGERS AVAILABLE YOURS ACCEPTED AND RETURNED WITH ORDER.
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