Athletics (British Sports Library)

20 ATHLETICS objection to allowing a youngster to take part m athletics is the fear that he may shorten his life by developing that mysterious condition known as " athlete's heart." In the first place, let us admit at once that there are certain youngsters whose physique makes doubtful the wisdom of letting them take part in any form of sport ; on the other hand, many a weakly child has been turned into an exceptionally strong man by the proper practice of athletics under strict supervision. Where there is any doubt about the matter it should be cleared up by having the child examined by a doctor who is himself a sportsman. The sound boy has nothing to fear and everything to gain from participation in athletics, always pro– vided that he is supervised and not allowed to overdo things. The late Michael Murphy, who was chief athletic coach to America and a keen observer, writing of the so-called " athlete's heart," said : " The heart is an automatic organ, and as such it more readily adjusts itself to the strain put upon it than any other part of the body. Naturally, constant exer– cise will enlarge the heart; but it is an enlargeme!).t which takes place gradually and in the same propor– tion that the other organs of the body are enlarged. The larger and stronger the heart the slower will be