mbs 106

MY BREATHING SYSTEM

almost unknown and where tlie influence of fashion is so powerful.

Of course, sonie progress has been madę during tiie Jast century, e.g., the cricketer has dropped his top hat, but I fancy a lawn lennis player or an oarsman would fear just as much to enter a church naked as to appear upon his ground or boat dresscd only in a swimming belt, evcn if thc sun wcre shining ever so much. It is conśidered as shocking if an amateur in a s!eeveless jersey rows or sculls on the Thames.

What an outcry tliere would be if a crew appeared with no jcrseys on at all, as is often thc case on the Sound. the lakę of Ziirich, or elsewhere on the Continent outsidc France ! But such crews, after a few weeks' practice in the sun, would look quite properly clad in thcir dark brown skin.

When Continental oarsmen and scullers liave mastered the English style and techniąue, the Copenhagen and Grass-hopper crews, and the big Sinigaglia,* will be very formidable because they are healthier than the English. They have listened to thc ćtdvicc of the hygienists, and understand the proper use of fresh air and sunshine.

For Sprinters.

During the run itself tliere should be a minimum of respira-tion, but before and immediately after a maximum should be indulgcd in. Many sprinters hołd thcir breath whilst they are down on all fotirs, waiting for the sliot or word of command from the starter. This is a great mistake. Breaths as complete as possible should be taken. When “ Are you ready ?” has sounded, a very fuli inhalation should be taken, and on " Go ” a steady, slow expiration startcd, which should last for as much of the ioo yards as possible.

• This was written before the grcit Italian scullcr won the Diaroonds at Henley. UnJortunately. he was killed in the war.

ICÓ