Impressions of Northern Athletes and Athletics

The question of the mature athlete’s possibilities is most comprehensive; but the characteristics of the body must be considered from the same standpoint. Obviously, a man of about 6 ft. [1.83m] with a corresponding bodily weight can anticipate greater success, especially in hammer-throwing than can a 5 ft. 6-8 in. [1.68-1.73m] man, weighing only about 11 stone [154 lbs.; 69.85kg] However, athlete of 5 ft. 9 ins. [1.75m] and weighing about 13 stone [182 lbs.; 82.55kg] can hope to attain exceptional success in the more strenuous feats, and, provided he be very scientific, resolute, and possessed of copious energy has, indeed, favourable opportunities of approaching or even lowering records. One of the most vindicative examples that might be quoted to confirm this fact, is that already an athlete of 5 ft. 4 ins. [1.63m] and 10½ st. [147 lbs.; 66.68kg] weight has thrown a 17 lb. [7.71k] hammer 100 ft. [30.48m]. This little prodigy was Duncan Macdonald, Conon Bridge. Although my own achievements have been unapproached by any athlete of 10 st. 10 lbs. [150 lbs.; 68.04kg], nevertheless, I am confident that were any sensible and discriminate fellows to trace my footsteps they would assuredly equal or even beat my efforts. This should entirely confute any misgivings which men of similar proportions may have in regard to supposed impossibilities. In the light-weight category of athletics conspicuous height and weight are not essential, as many well-known leapers and runners are, and have been of comparatively short stature. Uncommon height, however, would be advantage in both instances: in the former, because a tall man would naturally leap higher than could a much shorter one, assuming that both possessed an equal amount of natural spring; and to the latter, because the stride would be necessarily greater when properly cultivated. _______________________ Answers to Correspondents “Mac” – Considering degree of experience, throws rather poor. At 18 you should clear at least 100 ft. [30.48m] and 40 ft. [12.19m] with 14 lb. [6.35kg] hammer and put. Cigarette smoking at root of evil; stop it. “Aspirant,” – Ralph Rose’s height is 6 ft. 7 ins. [2.01m] and weight near 20 st. [280 lbs.: 127.01kg] 5 GENERAL PRACTICE IN ATHLETICS John O’Groat Journal , Friday 11 October 1912