In this country easily the greatest number of athletes fall into the long distance category.
This is due probably to the fascination cross-country has for the athlete who has not shown any exceptional ability at other events, and also extensively due to the lack of tracks and impedimenta for field-events and, in the majority of cases, to a deplorable absence of athletic training during the educational period.
It is therefore with mixed feelings, that one hears that 42-year-old Jack Holden, superb athlete though he is, will possibly be this country's best hope in the Olympic Games next August, when he represents us in the Marathon.
At the last Olympic Games in Berlin in 1936 Wallasey was capably represented by Alan Pennington in the 100 and 200 metres events. Next year it seems, however, that there will not be a Wallasey contestant, although provision has already been made to include in the Olympic team any athlete who displays first class form even to within a week or two of the Games themselves. Potential representatives have been notified during the past week and training will start forthwith for about 150 selected candidates.
There are several Wallasey athletes who, a bit young for next year's Games, should be making the 1952 Games their target. Meticulous training, perfecting style and increasing their robustness will bring them up to the required standard. Those who have just left school or are about to leave school should remember that by 1952 they will still be well under the average age of Olympic Games competitors and training must progressively go on all the time.
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Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 08/11/1947
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