Fifty Years of Progress 1880-1930

THE VALUE OF ATHLETICS competition will widen a woman's outlook, teach her the value of the team spirit, and help to make her a pleasant companion. In conclusion, a few words about the less .esthetic rewards of athletics– I refer to prizes. These material emblems do much to ruin the spirit and highest ideals of athletics. They mean nothing, especially in handicap races run in this country. I have always thought that the formal presentation of prizes at the conclusion of a day's sport is a per– nicious custom. How much nicer it is to do one's job and to go quietly away when the last race is run. Prizes exist because we have lost our sense of values. Nevertheless, I believe that the majority of athletes " love the game beyond the prize." And when your athletic career is over, it will not matter what events you have won or what you have lost-such minor things fade from our memories-but it should be a man's ambition to be remembered as a good sportsman, one who trained hard, went "all out" for his team, was chivalrous in victory and generous when defeated. For yourself you will have gained those qualities of mind and body which enrich you and help you in the greater battles of life, and you will be a worthy representative of the traditions of England. AN ATHLETIC INSPIRATION. "OOP HILL AND AGAINST THE WIND" WHEN C. A. Bradley, of Huddersfield, entered for the roo Yards Championship at Northampton in r 893, he was informed before the race that as the track was a shade downhill, and the wind was blowing in the same direction, if he made a record under those circumstances it would probably not be passed by the A.A.A. On hearing this, Bradley looked up from his reclining position in the dressing-room and exclaimed with great determination : " Then I'll run oop hill, and against the wind, and then nobody can say nowt against it." He did this, and won in ro sec.! In fact, on referring to the A.A.A. programmes, this anecdote is confirmed by a* opposite the roo Yards result in 1893, and the word" Uphill," which does not appear against any other performance in the r oo Yards. This anecdote may be, perhaps, an inspiration to members of the governing body and hon. secretaries of affiliated clubs. When they meet with difficulties, or are told that something is "impossible," they will be able to say : "Then we'll run oop hill and against the wind." 61