Athletics and Football (extract)

82 ATHLETICS of past and present days in any branch of sport, and, although in longer races the time test can be applied satisfactorily, the conditions of wind,weather, and ability of timekeeper prevent timing in short sprints from being an absolutelycertain guide. As far, however,as any line can be taken through times, there seems to be but very little difference between the merits in sprinting of the chief cracks during the last fifteen years. The next distance beyond the 300 yardssprint which is regu­ larly run is the quarter of a mile, althoughmanagers of athletic meetingswho desire a novelty, or ambitious competitors who flatter themselvesthat they will obtain some credit bymaking a record over a distance which no one has ever tried before, occasionally promote a race at some intermediate distance. As a general rule, however, it may safely be said that the ex­ perience which decided what distances should be regularly run wasnot at fault, for of the distances of 220 yards, a quarter- mile, half-mile,and mile, each brings forth a totallydistinct class of runner, who may excel at his own single distance and at that alone. Generally the quarter of a mile is a most interest­ ing race, as it gives an opportunity both to the man who has real sprinting pace and to the man who has stay and strength. As an example of how much reliance can be placed upon the popular manuals of sport, of which so many are published, we mayperhaps quote with advantage the sapient remarks contained in one of these publications which is now beforeus. i The quarter-mile race,' says our author, ' is about the severest course that can be run ; it requires both pace and stamina.' So far he is doubtless right, for runners have been known to ' run themselves blind ' before reaching the tape in this race ; that is, have been so exhaustedthat they could finish and feel the tape, and yet were unable to see anything. After stating, however,how severe the ' course' is, the practical direc­ tions given for preparation for the race are that the athlete ' should run the racing distance only once a day.' A moment's reflection should show even the uninitiated how absurd this advice is ; for it practicallyamounts to this : ' To make a man