Helsingforscast

The political earth shook, a piece of the international sky fell on her tail feathers (see p. 23), but little Finland last week made no move to abandon her preparations for the 1940 Olympic Games, into which she has already sunk $10,000,000. Despite rumors that the Games might be transferred to Detroit, the proud Finns announced that they would not relinquish them until the last possible moment.

Meanwhile, in the U. S. the Amateur Athletic Union, in its November issue of Amateur Athlete, forecast for its track fans what to expect should the Olympics be held at Helsinki next summer. Reviewing the 1939 track year, the A. A. U. took the top six performances in each of 20 events, tabulated them (on a point system, of 10-5-4-3-2-1), and concluded that the U. S. --with a total of 209 3/10 points--still has the best track & field athletes in the world. Ranking second was Finland, with 108 points--34 points better than third-place Germany, 94 better than sixth-place Britain.

Though the U. S. won more firsts, Finland had the outstanding performer: 29-year-old Taisto Maki, who broke two world's records-- two miles (8:53.2), 5,000 meters (29:52.3)--once held by famed Paavo Nurmi.

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