Lt. Weber Makes History
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Lt. Weber Makes History
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Date
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June 25, 1936
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1
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13
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en
LT. WEBER MAKES HISTORY
Lieutenant Fred R. Weber achieved the most unusual distinction of earning a place on two different Olympic aggregations when he was selected a member of the U.S. Modern Pentathlon team. "Fritz" had been previously chosen for the U.S. Olympic Epee team. He is the first man in the modern era of sport to win a place on two distinct Olympic teams.
The five events in the modern pentathlon are shooting, fencing, swimming, running, and horseback riding. These are supposed to represent the hazard that a modern courrier would have to overcome, and Army officers from all nations show a marked predeliction for this competition although civilians have occassionally done well. Three men represent each country.
Lieutenant Charles F. Leonard and Lieutenant Alfred D. Starbird complete the United States team. Both have been seen in epee tournaments often this year, as the fencing event is conducted solely with this weapon. Lt. Charles "Chuck" Symroski, who will be remembered as a fine foil fencer of recent West Point teams, was named as an alternate.
Lt. Leonard led the field with a low gross score of 13 points, while Lts. Starbird, Weber, and Symroski each scored 17. Starbird and Weber were selected over Symroski on the basis of their greater experience, although "Chuck" won the final riding event on June 7th to earn the tie.
The selection of Weber raises a nice question for the Olympic Committee. The pentathlon through five successive days is probably the most gruelling test in the Olympiad, even for an exceptionally strong competitor like Weber, and it is unlikely that "Fritz" can maintain his highest point of efficiency for the epee team events. Therefore the chances are that the fencing team will thereby lose one of its great bulwarks of strength for the international games. Fred will probably enter the individual events, however.
