Impressions of Northern Athletes and Athletics

more than Sutherland. The missles [sic] used by Sutherland were absolutely genuine, being weighed in a grocer’s scales in presence of several games’ officials, and the hammer was also of the regulation length, namely, 4 feet 2 inches [1.27m]. Sutherland does not, however, claim his putt to be a world’s record on account of the ground being slightly declivitous. Nevertheless, he has intimated that in order to stimulate athletics generally he has determined to challenge A. A. Cameron, the Scottish and world’s champion, to contest a number of “heavy” feats with the view of creating new records and annexing the heavy weight championship. Sutherland attributes his prowess to (1) methodical training; (2) indefatigable assiduity and perseverance; (3) abstemious habits; (4) teetotalism; and (5) great concentration of will. Apart from his athletic ability, he is the author of a book entitled “Scientific Athletics,” which will be published in a short time. Throwing the 16lb. [7.26 kg] Hammer (open) – 1, J. W. Sutherland, 117ft. [35.66m]; 2, John Sutherland, Gillock, 79ft. [24.08m]; 3, A. Lockie, Brabsterdorran, 73ft. 5in. [22.38m]. Confined to Club – 1, John Sutherland, Gillock, 73ft. [22.25m]; 2, A. Lockie, 71ft. 3in. [21.72m]; 3, Donald Mackay, Bowermadden, 70ft. 3 in. [21.41m]. Putting the 16lb. [7.26 kg] Ball – Open – 1, J. W. Sutherland, 48ft. 10in. [14.88m]; 2, Alex Jack, Smerral, 31ft. 2in. [9.50m]; 3, A. Lockie, 30ft. 6in. [9.30m]; Confined to Club – 1, John Ross, Hilliclay, 32ft. 5in. [9.88m]; 2, A. Jack, 31ft. [9.49]; 3, D. Mackay, 30ft. 4in. [9.25m]. 2 J. W SUTHERLAND v. A. A. CAMERON Challenge Withdrawn By Anon, but with letter from J. W. Sutherland inserted John O’Groat Journal, Friday 23 August 1912. We have received several enquiries since last issue regarding the credentials of J. W. Sutherland, the young Rogart athlete, who beat the world’s record for putting the ball at Bower Sports. To these the assurance is tended that Sutherland is not only a bona-fide athlete worthy of the best traditions of the north, but is a most exemplary and cultured gentleman. His feats at Bower were accomplished under our own observation, and were just as stated in the report. His challenge to A. A. Cameron, the world’s champion “heavy-weight” exponent, was no idle boast, for at practice Sutherland assured us he could throw the 16 lb. [7.26 kg] hammer 120 feet [36.58m]. The “pit” at Bower was too deep for him, and he could not get the “hammer” away with freedom and comfort, but he did manage 117 feet 1 inch [35.69m] for all that. At Dundee the other day Cameron is stated to have accomplished one of 1912’s “items” by throwing the 16 lb. hammer 117 feet [35.66m], and afterwards beat Knox by putting the 16 lb. [7.26 kg] ball 44