Athletics (British Sports Library)

26 ATHLETICS . a covering of newspaper beneath the sweater will serve the purpose admirably. The question of clothing assumes important proportions also in connection with the preparation for the school track and field sports. These sports, it must be remembered, and also those at the Service colleges and the universities, are held at an unsuitable time of year when the weather is all against the athlete. It is significant that Oxford and Cambridge have both lately taken a leaf from America's book, and that Blues nowadays always turn out for training clad in sweaters and _long trunks to their ankles, and only strip out to vest and shorts either for trials or competition. There is a very good reason for the introduction of this practice. Apart from the danger of chills, it must always be remembered that cold weather has dis– tinct effect upon muscles, and that many a strain that has spoiled a good athlete is directly traceable to the fact that his limbs were not properly warmed up before he made the big effort which produced the strain. It is, further, of significance that even in hot summer weather the very efficient American and Scandinavian athletes always keep their sweat~rs and trunks on and their shoes unlaced, so as not to cramp their feet nor restrict the blood flow, until the very last second before they have actually to