ATHLETICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2711, 15 January 1910, Page 6

ATHLETICS.

THE ART OF SPRINTING

Things athletic in the Dominion have been very quiet of late, and the New Year was ushered in without any carnival or meeting of moment to mark its advent. This being so, the time seems fitting for the reproduction of some remarks given by “Reg” Walker to an English paper on the art of sprinting. The article is simply crammed with hints that will repay study by even the best o-f our runners, and, in the hope that it will be instructive as well as interesting, it is appended in full:

“During my visit to London this season my style lias been a matter of hot controversy between the critics, many prophesying all manner of defeats for me,” said Walker. “Perhaps now I have won the championship, however, they are inclined to think there is something more than eccentricity in what they termed iriy exaggerated balance. Now, balance is altogether a matter of individual style. I have heard Sam. Wisdom say many a time, ‘You should never alter a man’s style, but always try to improve upon it,’ and that is what I claim to have done. That I am faster than I was last year my South African times prove. “Now, picking up the legs quickly is usually recognised as one of the secrets of fast sprinting. Therefore, to me, it is apparent a forward balance naturally necessitates the quick striding of the legs to preserve the equilibrium. The Australian sprinter Postle is also an exponent of this forward style of running, so there is much to commend it, and every sprinter should deliberate on it for himself. “When this particular style is at first tried, it will he found that the first 50 yards can be run much faster, but after this distance it is common to lose all form, and get too far over, with the result that the last part of the journey is very slow indeed. This state of affairs I have experienced myself, but I imagine it is due to the stomach and back muscles not being strong enough to support the body at this angle. “It is -strange how few sprinters seem to realise the value of correct arm action; many, in fact, seem to think it is right to fight the air violently with their arms. This is absurd, and certainly the most sure way to Joso all form and style. There are some runners I know who seem to have no. style at all, but simply t-o fight their way along by sheer physical force, and yet, although by no means in the first class, meet with a certain amount of success in handicaps. It has alwavs occurred to me these men are running out of their distance; and

should not he running in sprints at all, but by so doing are only tearnig to pieces a good constitution. “There are two styles of arm action, both correct. Those sprinters who mil with a. forward balance, of which I am such a keen advocate, should adopt a forward and backward arm action. “Great care should be taken when practising this arm action that the arms are not thrown too far out, for in such a case the swing is not of any assistance whatever, for the balance is . altogether altered. In this style the muscles of the shoulders and back arc brought into action as much as possible. The cross arm action should be adopted by runners who arc only slightly inclined forward. When running in this style the arms should be thrown across the stomach, and worked simultaneously with the legs. “Always when sprinting the head should bo firmly held by the muscles of the neck, and inclined forward; the muscles of the shoulders should also be knit thus holding the head and shoulders’ firmly together throughout the race. . On no acount allow the position of the head to change h.v looking round or sideways, for as soon os the pose of the head is altered the entire balance of the body is lost. “It is when nearing the tape that runners are most te minted to lose their form in their endeavour to reach it sooner than is possible. 'How common it is to see sprinters absolutely lose their balance in the last 20 yards of a sprint. This is chiefly due, as I. have just mentioned, to loosing control of their heads in the first place, with the result that the arms get up, and the runner starts fighting and at once gets on his heels. In the finish or a race the sprinter must keep his sellcontrol, and in the last '2syds draw a fresh breath and about 15yds from the finish endeavour to hurl the body forward at the tape, and at the same time tr,v to quicken the stride. It is the runner with the most nervous energy who makes the best finishes; in fact, some of the best sprinters ' are even hysterical subjects. Some sprinters have told me when nearing the finish of a race they seem to be possessed of an unholy terror of hearing the crunch of the cinders behind them, and they feel as if their very soul depended on o-etting to the tape first. ° “On passing the tape the sprinter should never suddenly stop, but run on at all (pressure for about another five yards, then gradually taper to a trot, a s the action of sprinting is a very severe strain on the heart, and a sudden stop is calculated to do considerable harm to this most important organ. Another thing, running past, the trtpe in a race will strengthen a man and give him confidence in his ability to run the journey out.”