Why? The Science of Athletics

336 WHY?- THE SCIENCE OF ATHLETICS of I 7 years of age, produced the phenomenal high jump record of 5 ft. I I I/4 ins. But that was not all, for Moll was a fine stylist, but two other boys cleared 5 ft. 6 ins., and I think three more went over 5 ft. 3 ins. Now, Moll himself was doing nearly half a foot better than ever he had done before, the two who tied for second place were three or feur inches above their form, and of the other three I doubt if one of-them had ever before done more than 5 ft. Not one of them ever did ,as well again, and I ascribe their form that day simply to the climatic condi– tions prevailing. In a previous chapter mention was made Pfrysiological of the fact that the plants which contain th~ Effect most vitamins seem to be those that thrive in air and strong sunshine, which gives them plenty of both light and neat. It was said also that African natives derive Vitamin D from the strong sun which shines upon their well-nourished and well-bathed bodies. Air and sunshine are just as necessary to civilized athletes as to plant life and uncivilized savages. To-day there is a great health movement for sun-bathing, and, provided it is not carried to excess, the custom is entirely beneficial. The maintenance of an optimum body heat is necessary for the proper functioning of our physio– logical processes (this with special reference to the muscular system of the athlete), while the exposure of the body to light, sun-warmth and air enables the skin more readily to perform its normal functions. It may be said that the presence of a really hot sun should be the athlete's only excuse for loitering about the training ground thinly clad. On the other hand, I have had boys, who have remained in training practically all the year round, practising on my ground at Biddenham with no clothing other than a pair of silk shorts while the watery sun and the sharp breezes of October or March bit at their beautifully bronzed young bodies. I need hardly add that they were stripped out only while actually working, but they were in hard condition and the cold,