ATHLETICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2334, 29 October 1908, Page 3

ATHLETICS.

NOTES.

Tlic London “Sportsman” states that A. P. Postle has stated his willingness to wager £IOOO that ho can beat It. E. /Walker, winner of the 100 metres race, over any course the South African may choose. This would bo a great draw if it could be arranged, but, as Walker is an amateur, and presumably likely to remain such, there is no prospect of the match taking place. The report recently circulated to the effect that Hackenschmidt was a physical wreck, and would never again bo table to follow the branch of sport in which lie held premier honors, appears to have originated from some newsmongers anxious to earn “a ’onest brown.” News came to hand by the last mail that the famous wrestler had completely recovered •from the effect of his illness and the subsequent operation. Interviewed, Hackenschmidt said:—“l am in good condition again, and, after a brief rest, I shall resume my wrestling tour of Europe. When I have met all the champions in the Old Country 1 shall take on those in the new. I intend to return to America in the winter of 1909, and the first man I will challenge will be Goteh. 1 am perfectly sure that I can beat him. I have made a lot of money in the wrestling game, and I am willing to take a chance of losing some though I have, hithertofore, never wagered on my wrestling. I will make the largest offer or side bet that has ever been made in wrestling or pugilism that I will retain the championship after meeting Gotcli. If he has not the money let him get a backer or two, and I will wager any amount up to £SOOO, and more, if desired, that I can defeat him. The fact that I am ready to bet this sum of money should demonstrate, I think, that I am sanguine of turning the tables when we meet on the mat again.”