Athletes in Action

SPRI~TI~G (z) TIIr: finish of the complete right leg-stride is sho\\·n in Figs . 3, + and 5 opposite . In Fig. 3 the right leg is at the full extent of its stretch, and the nature of Jonath's action, with the feet passing close above the track, is \\·ell portrayed . The arms have finished their rcspccti,·e forward and backward swings and the hands are once again coming down to hip-level in preparation for the commencement of the next forward stride. .1'\otice that the body is wdl balanced ahove the runner's centre of gravity. Fig. 4- shows a beautifully balanced position, for the completion of the stride, a fraction of a second before the forward part of the sole of the right foot reaches the track . It should here be emphasised that the manner in which Jonath lifted the knee straight forward in Fig. r has allO\ved the right foot and lower leg to swing through naturally to stride-length, as is seen being completed in Fig. + This is a far better method than that of reaching out consciously for stride-length with the leading foot . On the other hand, the fact that the l.nce pick- up \vas not exaggerated in Fig. I accounts for the rather unfortunate l.ick-up, in a wasteful effort, of the left foot in Fig.+· ::\otc the easily relaxed position of the body and low arm- carriage at the end of the stride . Fig. 5 shows the transition stage between one stride and the next, and it will be seen that the arms arc again coming strongly into action . N IJ.)