Impressions of Northern Athletes and Athletics

PART I 1 IMPRESSIONS OF NORTHERN ATHLETES AND ATHLETICS John O’ Groat Journal , Friday 30 August 1912 Being at liberty to contribute to this popular paper a few concise articles pertaining to northern athletes and athletics generally, with a view of enhancing the popularity of athletics in the north, it is with peculiar pleasure that I take advantage of this opportune concession by giving in the first place my impressions of northern athletes, particularly those of Caithness. Several years have elapsed since I intruded into the athletic realms of fertile Caithness – that land of corn and bere - which has nurtured innumerable specimens of manhood approximating, if not equaling, the Sir John Sinclair type, characterised by conspicuous intellectual and physical capacities, as was and is evinced by their athletes destined to shed lustre upon their native land. Caithness Breeds Brain and Muscle. It did not require the acuteness of an expert physiognomist to discern that the generality of Caithness athletes exemplified the harmonious blending of physical and mental culture which is one among a thousand proofs, when our faculties are exercised discriminately, that we are far from being the deteriorating race which so many pessimists (I almost said sociologists) would have us believe. Moreover, I have almost invariably found the northern athlete an unbiased and enthusiastic sportsman, always ready to congratulate his successful rival, and wearing a smile, even although the Fates should be ever so propitious. Very rarely, indeed, have I observed him indulge in any inconsistent practices in the athletic field. Such objectionable practices include the following:- Putting the shot at a tangent from the extremity of the stance, so as to increase the distance. Adopting inept or illegal methods of delivery. Whilst running deliberately incapacitating a fellow-competitor by bringing the spiked running shoe in contact with his heels. Deliberately keeping before him so as to prevent his getting away. Assuming a facetious attitude, indulging in idle talk, or having recourse to designing insinuations – all calculated to disconcert the susceptible rival. Disputing the decision of the judges when, say, tieing with a fellow long- leaper, so as to gain an extra half inch. When contesting a race, pulling at the circumambient rope in order to ensure