Why? The Science of Athletics

WHY?-THE SCIENCE OF ATHLETICS Helps to the front round the first bend ; then, according to prearranged plan, they let Surjatta and Cerati take the lead in the back stretch, being careful themselves to drop in behind the Italian, so that it was not feasible for the Germans to form a running phalanx, which Lowe had said would be fatal t0 our chances. By the half distance Ross had taken a good deal of jockeying, in sheltering Helps ; he had, moreover, set the shattering pace which Lowe had advised, and was just about all in. Helps, however, was quite ready to look after himself from that stage of the race, and at once put out a feeler, which livened up the pace considerably. Helps then shot away from the surprised Germans, who were beginning to hedge him in,- and was still in the lead when he came to the last bend. Le Due, on the outside, came up .to the leader and it looked as though Helps was going on to the grass, in fact the Englishman eased to avoid fouling and the spectators gasped, but so exactly had the schedule been planned to suit Helps' capabilities that, although Dahlstrom had now joined Le Due, Helps raced round them and came right away down the home-stretch to win a grand race comfortably in 4 mins. 1.7 secs. I have given this story at some length, because it does illustrate conclusively what a big part brains play in the planning of a race. Ross that day showed that he had the heart of a lion, Helps proved his courage and produced his speed, but it was the wide experience and the admirable judgment of Douglas Lowe that lay behind the victory. Men who are going to be athletes must be taught to thirik clearly and concisely, they must learn to reason things out for themselves, for even the ability to take infinite pains in all their undertakings is not the whole genius of athletic success. As to how the brain functions , in relation to the rest of the body, that will appear from time to time as we discuss other problems.