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The Question: As a former Olympian, what should the United States do to win the Olympics in 1956?
RALPH HILL, 5,000-Meter Run
Second, 1932
"By creating more interest in events in which we are traditionally weak. College meets should schedule events more nearly parallel to the Olympics. Business and industry should cooperate with athletes. This can be done by staggering hours and work weeks to allow time for training."
PARRY O'BRIEN, Shot-Put
Winner, 1952
"I've seen the Russians in action. They are geared for victory, to prove their way of life is better than ours. The games will be in November, when our athletes have had little or no competition. The way to victory is a revised competitive schedule so our athletes will be at their peak."
LOUIS TEWANIMA, Marathon
Second, 1912
"Young men now do not work hard to keep the body strong. They eat, play, smoke and drink too much. If young men want to win Olympics, they should begin now. They should get up early, go to bed early, run all the time. Young men must eat good food and have a clean mind."
BOB MATHIAS, Decathlon
Winner, 1948 and 1952
"We'll have to perform much better to win more medals than the improved Russian team. Their women are far ahead of ours in track and other events. We must field an all-round team. Not just an outstanding track team, but top teams in weight lifting, gymnastics, etc. in which Russians excel."
JOHNNY HAYES, Marathon
Winner, 1908
"Sorry to say that we have an excellent chance of losing to the Russians. Not enough of our young men devote the time and effort needed to excel in track and field events. Training is not fashionable. We have some good men, but not enough. What should we do? I'm not a magician."
HORACE ASHENFELTER, 3,000-Meter Steeplechase
Winner, 1952
"By developing incentive among our athletes. Money has never won a 100-meter dash. If we can give our athletes greater incentive I think we can win. This can come through increased recognition and more intense publicity of the amateur events which make up the Olympic Games."
CHARLIE MOORE, 400-Meter Hurdles
Winner, 1952
"By fostering enthusiasm at the family, school, college and postcollege levels. I received great support from my father, Cornell University and the N.Y. Athletic Club. Impress on athletes that there is no greater thrill than to climb the victory stand and receive victory wreaths."
JOSEPH PEARMAN, 10,000-Meter Walk
Second, 1920
"Material should be scouted now. Former Olympians should locate and help coach promising youngsters. Bernie Wefers of the N.Y.A.C. helped me with my arm action. I learned to hold my head down from George Goulding, Canada's champion. Jack Moakley showed me how to place my feet."
ILLUSTRATION
EIGHT PHOTOS
