Wallasey A.C's international long jumper, Len Platt, travelled to London last Saturday for the A.A.A. championships at White City Stadium, but did not show anything like his normal form and was unplaced in his main event, the long jump, which was won with a leap of 23ft. 5½ins.
Last, season Len cleared 23ft. on three occasions with a best effort of 23ft. 6ins. which would have won all this season's major championships.
Platt fared much better in the hop, step and jump when he gained, fourth place with an excellent effort of 45ft., which is his best jump this season for this event.
His loss of form in the long jump this season is not easy to explain, particularly as he trained harder during his winter off season than he has ever done before.
Although he has been persistently troubled with an ankle injury which must have been at least a psychological handicap in view of the pounding to which a long jumper's foot is subjected on the take-off board, the answer may well be in the fact that for the past 12 months he has been endeavouring to change his jumping style.
This seems to have resulted in his being caught between two stools, not having mastered the new technique while at the same time his performance using his natural style has been affected.
Applications for membership will be welcomed by General secretary Carl Gee, 78 King Street, telephone Wallasey 5129 or for the' Ladies' Section secretary Jean Massey. 200, Seaview Road, telephone Wallasey 6455.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 18/07/1953
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