Mikkola Sorry to See Big Ten Ban Javelin

Track Coach Jaakko Mikkola expressed deep regret and indignation yesterday when asked to comment on the Big Ten's sudden action in abolishing from their conference the javelin throw, one of the oldest field events in history, an event originated by the ancient Greeks.

The javelin was given the permanent toss by Big Ten officials for two main reasons: (1) the event has proved detrimental to participants, resulting in innumerable sore muscles and dead arms and (2) it is dangerous for spectators.

In reply to the first point, that the event is harmful to participants, Coach Mikkola said, "If a javelin man throws with the right form he will not get hurt, but many don't use the right form because it hasn't been explained to them by anyone. It all depends on the position of the elbow," Jaakko said while demonstrating what he meant with his right arm.

In regard to the event's being dangerous for spectators, Coach Mikkola said, "There isn't one event that isn't dangerous if isn't properly run. The javelin throw is usually held in the center of the field in a roped-off space; and since a throw goes only 20 or 30 feet off its course, there is hardly any chance for speciators to be injured if they stay put and aren't careless."