SWIMMING

Gisborne Times, Volume LXV, Issue 10230, 8 January 1927, Page 7

SWIMMING

N.S.W. CHAMPIONSHIPS

JAPS WOULD NOT COMPETE IN

HEATS

SYDNEY, Jan. 7

Although invited by the Swimming Association, the Japanese refused to compete in the championship heats last night. The association decided that objection could not be taken to this action, but the visitors wore required to give exhibitions. —L.I.A.

JAPANESE CHAMPIONS ICetsuo Takaishi is a free-style re-cord-breaker, and his companion, laliakiro Saito, although fast at free style, is a backstroke specialist. Takaishi, in an interview in bydney, stated that, he did not take up swimming seriously until five years ao-o, and Saito has not been at it verv long. Both represented Japan in the Far Eastern Games m China in 1923, and both were members of the SBO vards relay team which recently lowered the world’s teams record ‘in Honolulu. Takaishi swam at the Olvmpic Games in Pans. Takaishi has put up remarkable fio-ures for all distances up to halt a mile, and is rapidly getting faster. Both had been accustomed to swimming in fresh water tanks m Japan. Salt water, they declared is too buoyant, and makes their eves smartThe long laps of HO yards at the Domain Baths will be something lien to them. They have been used to baths no longer than oO metres Takaishi is just 20 years of a„e, and Saito is 23. Saito looks the heavier, hut he is only 10st, uhich is 71b lighter than Takaishi s u eight. When Takaishi learned that Chariton is over I3st he gasped with surprise. Neither lias been coached in swimming. Like practically all Austi aliens they have taught .themselves. Japan, they said had taken up swimming properly only about 10 years ago, and the sport was making great progress. Takaishi added thru he has a brother 13 years of a„e, whom he predicts will be a champion.