Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 20, Number 4, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 September 1898 — The Czar as an Athlete. [ARTICLE]

The Czar as an Athlete.

The Czar, In spite of his insignificant physique, Is no mean athlete, and is a firm believer in all healthy exercise. Every morning, as soon as it is light, he runs a verst (about five furlongs) at a good speed, usually timing himself by a watch he carries In his hand. His average time for this distance Is a shade under three minutes—by no means a bad performance. He is a keen cyclist, and is seldom happier than when he is astride his favorite bicycle with a rook-rifle in his hand. He prides (himself on being able to bring down three rooks out of seven while riding at a good pace.