Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, September 14, 1995 TAG: 9509140086
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: From Associated Press reports
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Bannister, who in 1954 became the first athlete to run the mile in less than four minutes, said it was possible black athletes' muscles were better adapted to hot climates and therefore better at providing energy quickly. He also suggested they could have better power-to-weight ratio because they have less fatty tissue under the skin. Bannister, a 66-year-old retired neurologist, gave no evidence to support his position.
Bannister, speaking in Newcastle, England, at a conference of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, noted the vast number of all-black sprint finals and a high proportion of black athletes in other events at the recent world track and field championships.
``Perhaps there are anatomical advantages in the length of the Achilles' tendon, the longest tendon in the body. I do not know the true reasons,'' Bannister said.
``As a scientist rather than a sociologist, I am prepared to risk political incorrectness by drawing attention to the seemingly obvious but under-stressed fact that black sprinters and black athletes in general all seem to have certain natural anatomical advantages.''
Winning streak over for Globetrotters
The Harlem Globetrotters' 24-year, 8,829-game winning streak is over.
It ended Tuesday night in Vienna, Austria, with a 91-85 loss to a team led by Basketball Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who scored 34 points. It was the Globetrotters' first loss since Jan.15, 1971, when they lost 100-99 to the New Jersey Reds.
The Globetrotters are touring Europe, and are facing Abdul-Jabbar's team in an 11-game series.
``The guys are really upset about the loss. After being part of the team for over 300 straight wins, it is a strange feeling to lose a game. But I give credit to Kareem's team,'' said the Globetrotters' Reggie Phillips.
by CNB