Saint John Globe, Tuesday August 1st, 1922

"Criticize Hoover’s Rowing Style"

English Authorities Say Champion Has Poor Form.

British rowing critics give full credit to W.M. Hoover for his victory in the Diamond Sculls at the Henley Regatta, but they agree that his triumph was gained in spite of his style, instead of because of it. The Field says of Hoover:

"A greater contrast to orthodox methods than Mr. Hoover’s has never been seen in a winner of the Diamonds. His victory over the Beresford was even more astonishing than our own Kelly’s victory over Blackstaffe, for both the beaten men were sound, resolute scullers, whereas Kelly was the perfection of form and Mr. Hoover broke nearly all the rules. The American must be extraordinarily strong, and has no doubt developed by continuous practice different muscles from those in common use. No ordinary human arms could stand the finish he prefers.

"His body and his boat as well were carefully and precisely calculated to suit his natural style. The only chance any one had of beating him was to throw him out of stride, push him when he was tired and finally disintegrate his machine. Nobody could ever get near enough to do so, and his defeat of Baynes was almost as conspicuous a proof of pace as his victory over Beresford.

"Over one and a half miles he should be certain of boating and amateur alive. What he would do if he could enter for the Wingfields remains a problem. Judging by his perfect steering at Henley he would negotiate the difficulties of Putney just as easily. Distance does not appear to make him anxious. At the end of the regatta, when the rest of us were glad our homes were near at hand, Mr. Hoover took a taxicab and ordered it to drive to Scotland."