Britain (AAA)

The English Open Athletics Championships took place at the traditional time, early July, on the classic stage of Stamford Bridge in London. Around 22,000 spectators filled the stands on the second day, when most of the events were held. True to English weather, the conditions varied, with occasional showers. Athletes from other European countries, including Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, and Hungary, also participated. However, the absence of German athletes was noted with regret.

Payne Prevails in London’s Summer Marathon

The fiercest contest of the meet was occured in the 440-yard hurdles. Italy’s rising star Luigi Facelli from Milan defeated Olympic champion Lord Burghley, who had earlier secured the high hurdles title. The clocks stopped at a world-leading 53.4 for the long hurdles, equivalent to 53.1 over the metric distance. Burghley finished second in 54.6 (54.3 metric), narrowly missing a place in the top six of the world rankings.

Amid the summer heat, London also hosted a marathon. Breaking away after 20 miles, Harry Payne cruised to victory in 2:30:58, securing second place in the world rankings. The route began in Windsor, with the gruelling 42 kilometres ending at Stamford Bridge.

Szepes Sets Hungarian Javelin Record

Béla Szepes travelled from Hungary to London to demonstrate the prowess of Finno-Ugric nations in javelin throwing. The silver medallist from the Amsterdam Olympics hurled the spear to  66.70 (218-10), which not only won him the English title but also earned him an impressive third place in the world rankings. His trip to England was far from wasted, as the result also became a Hungarian national record.

Double Champions Shine

John Hanlon secured double victories in the 220 and 440 yards (21.9, 49.1), while Cyril Ellis triumphed in the half-mile and mile, with the latter being his third consecutive win. Ellis edged out Italy’s Ettore Tavernari in the 880, who earlier that spring had managed to best Jules Ladoumègue.

During breaks, the band hired for Stamford Bridge played jazz. If we must have music at sporting events today, at least let it be jazz.