Mexborough & Swinton Times, October 7th, 1932
Record at Mexborough After 87 Hours
The world’s non-stop endurance roller-skating record was broken at Olympia, Mexborough last weekend by the holder, Billy Wetherall of Warrington. Wetherall set up new record of 86 hours 50 minutes. He also broke the record attendance for the hall.
His attempt attracted large crowds from as far distant as Sheffield. Barnsley and Doncaster, and about midnight on Sunday, when he was nearing the record, over 1,000 persons were present to cheer him on. When he actually broke the record, the crowd, which covered over one-third of the rink besides the usual accommodation, rushed round him and some enthusiasts actually, hugged him.
Wetherall, a little fellow wearing horn-rimmed spectacles, was confident from the start of the attempt, which commenced quietly last Thursday morning. Contrary to the previous non-stop skaters, he took an interest in all that went on in the rink, and passed the quiet periods playing knick-knacks and rink hockey.
He was conscious throughout and amazingly fit at the finish, when he sat on a chair, took his skates off and watched a variety turn. His feet had scarcely a blemish; he had supervised that portion of himself personally though he never took a boot off, only changing the cotton wool under his toes.
Wetherall’s worst period was between four and 7 am, on Sunday, when he was in danger of falling asleep. His attendants had to follow him banging cans and drums to keep him awake.
Wetherell paid a tribute to the attendants mostly pit kids, who had taken a keen interest in him and to the crowd, with whom be became a favourite. He is to make an attempt on the new record at Peterboro’,in three weeks’ time.