Jack Lovelock, New Zealand's greatest athlete, had not been ashore more than a few hours when he delivered a piece of sage advice to those who were tendering him the welcome he richly deserved. He asked that they desist from lauding the champions and concentrate on improving the ordinary, every-day competitor.

New Zealand has not yet reached the stage where a champion competitor in any field of sport is a real national idol—using the term in the sense in which American champions are considered national figures—but the tendency to glorify the winner and pass over the losers is apt to intrude if not checked.

Lovelock is a great champion on the track, but greater off it. His attitude to sport is refreshing, and his latest contribution should be given serious consideration.

Many years ago a well-known Australian journalist penned a few lines in praise of the “Also Rans”—the men who make champions possible. Without the “also rans,” the rank and file in sport, there could not be any champions, and Lovelock's word is timely.

There have been many enthusiasts clamouring for the building of cindertracks on which New Zealand's track athletes may compete, but the great majority of competitors will not be at any disadvantage if they never see a cinder-track. Lovelock has expressed his view that a good grass track is equal to a cinder-track, but that good grass tracks are scarce.