Impressions of Northern Athletes and Athletics

as it were, a mirror reflecting and exemplifying the virtues and obligations of a life of rectitude – one who has subjugated the animal propensities with little or no exertion; while over the more insidious spiritual inclinations he predominates with obvious ease. Therefore, when athleticism develops great strength and energy, an indomitable will, enhances the perspicuity of the mind, and imparts a feeling of genuine confidence – converts the irresolute, pusillanimous being into an ideal man, it inevitably follows that a nation of athletes would be unconquerable, just as the Romans were in the heyday of their power. The Duke of Wellington’s testimony is familiar to every school-boy. Indeed, the Latin aphorism, “Mens sana in corpora sano” (a sound mind in a sound body,) is quite a sufficient reason why we should be a Race of Athletes. 3 THE ART OF REALISING OUR ATHLETIC POTENTIALITIES John O’Groat Journal , Friday 20 September 1912 Just those minds which in any considerable measure distinguish themselves are generally characterised the pre-eminent vigour in which they possess some peculiarities, so it is with the corporeal constitutions. It is certain that some individuals are destined champion athletes: we cannot essentially all be champions, but is our duty try and not relax our endeavours until the culmination point of proficiency attained. In the first place it is incumbent upon the novice to understand as far as possible his inherent capacities, and thus be enabled to determine both the category athletics and the nature of the best training curriculum for which he is naturally adapted. Should he be of comparatively slender proportions, it would, of course, grossly indiscriminate to attempt the impossible, viz., the pursuit proficiency in the heavy-weight category. However, my own achievements corroborate the fact that those aspirants 5 ft. 6 ins., and weighing 10½ st., may entertain sanguine anticipations of acquiring exceptional proficiency in this department. It is apparently infeasible to achieve any very conspicuous success in both sprinting and distance running. Hence before announcing one in preference the other, the inceptor should ascertain carefully whether he is innately invested with the attributes of the sprinter of the distance runner. Those who are long-winded, and comparatively inure fatigue, should adopt distances varying from 440 yards [402.34m] one mile [1609.34m]; whereas those short stature, strong in limb, and capable of exerting themselves once to the highest degree, should pay special attention to sprinting. Incidentally, the running distances over one mile is emphatically pernicious.