Sport: En Route

Last week’s developments among the 334 U. S. Olympic athletes en route to Berlin on the S. S. Manhattan:

¶ Harassed by lack of funds, the Olympic Committee proudly announced that it had refused an offer of $100,000 from a cereal company in return for permission to advertise the inclusion of its food on the training table. Reason for the refusal was “amateurism.”

¶ Two months ago Runner Gene Venzke sold an article to the Saturday Evening Post, asked permission to accept a check for $400. The Amateur Athletic Union refused, said the Satevepost might donate the money to charity. Last week the A. A. U. named the charity: the U. S. Olympic Committee, which will pay $400 to get Runner Venzke to Berlin & back.

¶ On board the Manhattan were nine tons of milk, 1,600 Ib. of peanut brittle. Athletes complained about their food the first day out, got permission to drink & smoke.

¶ Installed on board were tracks, jumping pits, a boxing ring, etc. Track Coach Lawson Robertson promptly advised his charges not to run on deck. First serious indisposition of the trip: appendicitis for Harold Smallwood, 400-metre champion.

¶ When members of the fencing, field hockey and women’s swimming teams were found “roistering” in the bar, Chairman Avery Brundage threatened to put off the boat at Cobh, Ireland, anyone whose conduct endangered the morale of the U. S. team. Said Chairman Brundage: “We have a responsibility to the American public. . . . This is no joyride. . . .”