Impressions of Northern Athletes and Athletics

But apart from energy, the fifth key, viz.:- great volition and physical strength, is, of course, absolutely requisite. In my book, this splendid subject constitutes the chapter entitled “Augmentation of Volition and Physical Power,” and occupies about thirty pages. By a process as beautiful as it is unerring, the most impotent individual can be nurtured up into ideal manhood –to that state in which strength and vitality are unbounded, when the chest is expansive, the limbs massive, responsive, and flexible, the muscles vibrating when actuated by the will, the memory powerfully retentive, and the perception acute and clear – with all subservient to a steady unwavering volition. I conclude by including in the sixth key the art of ensuring the efficacy of athleticism, and also the cultivation of a scientific style in all feats. Brilliant technique is essentially necessary to comparatively light men. We hear far too much about that odious word “impossibility,” “which is to be found only in the dictionary of fools.” _________________ Answers to Correspondents “Interested,” “Northie,” D.M. (Wick). – Have posted you a private letter. A.G. - Being 5 ft. 9 ins. [1.75m]. You should measure - chest (nor.) 42 ins. [106.68cms]; do. (ex.) 45 ins. [114.3cms]; waist, 30 ins. [76.2cms]; hips, 39 ins. [99.06cms]; thigh, 24 ins. [60.96cms]; neck, calf, and biceps, 16 ins. [40.64cms]. Yes. Thanks. “Heather.” – see next week’s article. Good wishes heartily reciprocated. __________________ Note. – Correspondents should give full particulars of their case, also full name and address, with nom-de-plume . When a private reply is desired a stamped addressed envelope must be enclosed. Correspondence strictly confidential, and all communications destroyed when answered. __________________ 4 POSSIBILIES IN ATHLETICS John O’Groat Journal , Friday 27 September 1912 The object of this article is obviously far-reaching, inasmuch as it may inspire and help the aspiring athletes who may be involved in difficulties regarding the degree of success they should achieve at particular ages and stages. In the first place, there must be no unreasonable expectation in respect to possibilities, because it is incumbent upon the novice to practise moderately, and carefully study athletics at