Professionals

Last week came more press-agenting of a certain Florida town as the confluence of all roads. Enterprising swimming pool managers tempted thither two distinguished amateur natatory females, Gertrude Ederle, famed near Channel-swimmer, and Aileen Riggin, Olympic fancy-diving champion in 1920.

On and after Jan. 1, they will lose their amateur standing and become "swimming coaches." Said Miss Charlotte Epstein, manageress of the Women's Swimming Association contestants: "They have our heartiest good wishes. . . . We feel that as teachers and coaches they will . . . further our aims and ideals. . . . We hope to develop worthy [amateur] successors to Gertrude and Aileen before long."

In becoming professionals these two followed the lead of Miss Helen Wainwright who in June, 1925, became swimming teacher at Portsmouth, N. H. (TIME, June 22, SPORT) .