Impressions of Northern Athletes and Athletics

the beginning. The amount of science thus ensured will sufficiently show the wisdom of this advice. The influence of circumstances and the degree of experience attained is evidently the data or source from which facts have to be drawn: we must not think that all persons who are of equal age should accomplish feats equally good; because, even apart from bad hereditary transmissions, or natural weakness, all the various employments exercise different effects upon the constitution. Therefore, upon this fact we may consider the case of a youth of 16, possessing average abilities, and free from natural ailments. What a Youth Should Accomplish After a year’s systematic application to the feats of throwing the 14 lb. [6.35k] hammer and putting a shot of like weight, he should accomplish 85 ft. [25.91m] and 34 ft. [10.36m] respectively. If possessed of unusual strength and proportions he might exceed these, figures, because the heavier the body, the greater the distance, given a goodly amount of skill. But should the beginner be somewhat weak and slender, he must not be discouraged if he fails to equal these distances. When over the above age he may increase the above-mentioned figures at the rate of about 12 ft. [3.66m] and 4 ft. [1.22m] respectively for each additional year. This advancement however, may not be realised when heavier implements are being used. These performances indicate general merit and predict much future success. The actual possibilities with the lighter hammer and stone for a youth of 16 are about 90 ft. [27.43m] and 35 ft. [10.67m] respectively. If the aspirant has practised properly for two or three years his efforts should compare favourably with these, otherwise something is maladjusted – he has wandered from the path leading to genuine success, and should at once correct the anomaly or mistake by having instructions from some reliable source. With regard to leaping, 4 ft. 4 ins. [1.32m] and 16 ft. [4.88m] in high and long leap respectively would be very encouraging to the novice of 16 years; while a yearly improvement of 4 ins. [10.16cms] and 1 ft. [30.48cms] in these feats would soon render him very proficient. It is specially stated, however, that although the beginner may fail to reach these figures, he should not of course, act weakly and immediately forsake athletics. Incidentally, the novice is strongly advised to note in a diary all his performances, as it is most interesting and encouraging to know exactly the degree of improvement recorded during different seasons. In the light-weight department of athletics, skill can generally be acquired sooner than in the opposite category. Hence at the age of 18-19 years there has been a good opportunity to become proficient. The Mature Athlete’s Possibilities