PAT ON THE BACK

Herewith a salute from the editors to men and women of all ages who have fairly earned the good opinion of the world of sport, regardless of whether they have yet earned its tallest headlines

Mrs. Natalie Christman, 64-year-old Farmingdale, L.I. grandmother, has been a taxi driver 28 years, built her home by remodeling a chicken coop. This summer she saved up $525, made it do for a 2,304-mile cycle trip through seven European countries to fulfill a lifelong ambition. Next year she plans a trip to Alaska, this time by car.

Guy Zimmerman is world champion horseshoe pitcher for 1954. The Danville, Calif. plumber, who has been pitching shoes seriously for 23 of his 46 years, claims world records for consecutive ringers (74), number of ringers in 100 competitive pitches (94) and overall tournament record average (88%), has won 12 California state titles.

Mary Mills, Gulfport, Miss. junior high school freshman, is queen of Mississippi's amateur golfers at 14. Mary took up the game three years ago under the tutelage of Johnny Revolta, the old pro, and hopes to become a professional herself some day. Her biggest moment to date was an impressive 12 and 11 victory in the finals of the state women's amateur. Mary shot 13 birdies and 12 pars for 25 holes, setting a course record of 67 for 18 holes en route to her triumph at Jackson's Colonial Country Club.

Mrs. Joan O'Shea, pretty 29-year-old native of Berkshire, England, grew up around horses, started galloping them 15 years ago for her father, trainer Harry Whiteman. She came to this country in 1951 as one of the few exercise girls on American tracks, though they are common in English racing. Joan loves the hard work and long hours of an exercise rider and has no thoughts of giving it up for a quieter existence. She travels with the Harold Goodwin stable along with her husband, Joe O'Shea, who is assistant trainer for Goodwin horses.

FOUR PHOTOS