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Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington, N.Z. Vol. 13, No. 6. April 13, 1950

Runner Mortis?

Runner Mortis?

Despite the fact that Tournament is looming close it is quite apparent that the only, athletic trophy V.U.C. could win is the Wooden Spoon.

There is no constructive coaching in the club; indeed, it is very doubtful if there are any competent coaches at all. Most of the athletes are lazy in their training—had Dave Batten been fit at the Empire Games he could quite easily have gained a first as well as his third. If he doesn't get a wrigfigle on he might find himself getting beaten by inferior but fitter runners.

Another natural athlete who should realise that some training is necessary for a peak effort is Helen Burr. Last year she was easily the best consistent jumper in New Zealand; practically every time she competed she topped the bar at 5ft. Now she is lucky if she gets over 4ft. 9in. She has good natural ability, but a little more effort and a pair of running shoes are necessary if she wants to help Victoria to get points.

Barbar Hill is another N.Z.U. champion who will have to get over her apathy if she wants to get a place in the sprints at Christchurch.—It must be several weeks since she donned a pair of track shoes.

Not all members of the club are resting on their laurels. Lately three average runners have been given prominence in the local papers. These three, Gerry Barnard, John McLevie, and Ian Brewer, are all only average performers, but by sheer grit and hard work have, won races from better runners. It is about time that track athletes realised that at least ten hours a week of hard work are required in order to reach a reasonable standard, and all sportsmen and sportswomen might remember that "we should all get fit to train, not train to get fit."

(Unfortunately this was received too late for our tournament issue, but toe print it here as toe feel-that it is of considerable value as a guide to understanding tournament results.)