Big Trouble Ahead?!

[Don1]

The next 2 weeks are important for MVP athletes to peak as they are tapering.

To take them away to a generic/political camp is shooting ourselves in the foot.

But then, we specialize at that!

so they are special and should set their own rules? should every coach be allowed their own arrangements?

that itself is a recipe for dissension and turmoil.

The guy is a great coach but he should work with the program... period.

[Willi]

My thoughts as well, Don1.

It's really tragic that, after all these years, the JAAA and Franno still can't work out their personal issues! And these differences have been running for an overly long time (as Mosiah correctly pointed out, "even Stevie Wonder could" see this coming)!

While Franno was being a bit harsh with his reference to "a bunch of high school coaches," I also understand his feelings about being left out of the camp.

However, having said the above, I'm not sure if it is essential that he be in the camp, as not every athlete's personal coach will be in Jamaica's camp (from the little I know about such camps, it's mostly about practicing relay baton passes and also relatively minor workout drills).

This is really bad for team unity and also for Jamaica's image, already made infamous from that ill-conceived demonstration by some of our athletes back in 2000 at the Sydney Olympic Games.

The next 2 weeks are important for MVP athletes to peak as they are tapering.

To take them away to a generic/political camp is shooting ourselves in the foot.

But then, we specialize at that!

[Karl]

Franno is an ass!
He could be right and is a far superior coach to any and or all of the other coaches...but the work these other coaches have done over the years stand them in good stead. They have produced world class junior athletes and in some case world class senior athletes. They certainly are in a elite group.

...as to the competence of the medical personal...I just hope the silly Franno is not thinking he is better at what they do?!

On this...and I have backed him on some positions in the past...needs to just grow up and conduct himself as a more mature gentleman.

[Don1]

My thoughts as well, Don1.

It's really tragic that, after all these years, the JAAA and Franno still can't work out their personal issues! And these differences have been running for an overly long time (as Mosiah correctly pointed out, "even Stevie Wonder could" see this coming)!

While Franno was being a bit harsh with his reference to "a bunch of high school coaches," I also understand his feelings about being left out of the camp.

However, having said the above, I'm not sure if it is essential that he be in the camp, as not every athlete's personal coach will be in Jamaica's camp (from the little I know about such camps, it's mostly about practicing relay baton passes and also relatively minor workout drills).

This is really bad for team unity and also for Jamaica's image, already made infamous from that ill-conceived demonstration by some of our athletes back in 2000 at the Sydney Olympic Games.

agreed.

however since he has such a large group in the squad and they are very successful .. diplomacy and common sense should have prevailed and a role found for him... maybe he can't work with others... especially when he has such a low opinion of the admin and coaching staff.

[Historian]

If what's reported here is true this is a big problem.

Francis seems to be an ego maniac... high school coaches? no clue? nothing to be gained?

Success has gone to his head.

All the same he should be integrated into the coaching staff to advise on his athletes.

This is no time for big egos on either side.

My thoughts as well, Don1.

It's really tragic that, after all these years, the JAAA and Franno still can't work out their personal issues! And these differences have been running for an overly long time (as Mosiah correctly pointed out, "even Stevie Wonder could" see this coming)!

While Franno was being a bit harsh with his reference to "a bunch of high school coaches," I also understand his feelings about being left out of the camp.

However, having said the above, I'm not sure if it is essential that he be in the camp, as not every athlete's personal coach will be in Jamaica's camp (from the little I know about such camps, it's mostly about practicing relay baton passes and also relatively minor workout drills).

This is really bad for team unity and also for Jamaica's image, already made infamous from that ill-conceived demonstration by some of our athletes back in 2000 at the Sydney Olympic Games.

[Don1]

From: JamaicaWin.com
http://www.jamaicawin.com/Local%20Ne...july31-08b.htm

Discord and division in Olympic squad!
July 31 2008

Track & Field- News
On the eve of what is widely expected to be Jamaica ’s most successful Olympics ever, there is discord and division. Members of the MVP track and field club are heading to the pre-Olympic camp in China put on by the Jamaica Olympic Association/JAAA under protest, according to Coach Stephen Francis.

He said that the camp was put on by the JOA/JAAA to ensure that his athletes do not do well. “They put on this camp only after hearing in February that we were planning to have our own,” Francis said.

“The athletes believe that their current programme and training (with him) are geared for their success,” Francis said. “The athletes are being forced to go to the camp to work with a bunch of high school coaches who have no clue about what they are doing. There is nothing to be achieved there.”

He went on to say that even the medical personnel are inadequate.

Francis said that he will not be going to the camp and will probably not see his athletes until after the Olympics. “I will be working with the other athletes from the other countries,” he concluded.

Ten members of the MVP were selected on the Olympic team: Asafa Powell, Michael Frater, Nesta Carter, Andre Wellington, Markeino Buckley, Sherone Simpson, Shelly-Ann Fraser, Bridgette Foster-Hylton, Melaine Walker and Sherika Williams.

President of the JOA, Mike Fennell told JamaicaWin.com that the camp is mandatory and athletes who want to participate at the Games must be at the camp. “If you do not want to participate in the Olympics then you do not have to attend the camp,” Fennell said. Earlier this week, Ludlow Watts, manager of Jamaica ’s track and field contingent said every athlete is expected to attend the camp, bar none.

The camp in Tianjin , about 80 kilometres outside of Beijing , opens today with the first training sessions scheduled for Friday morning and evening. The coaching panel is: Technical leader Donald Quarrie, Head coach Glen Mills, coaches Bertland Cameron, Michael Clarke, Fitz Coleman, Edward Hector and Maurice Wilson.

The medical staff is: Head of Medical team Dr Primanand Singh, Dr Warren Blake, Dr Herb Elliot; Physiotheripist Patricia Lue-Chin and Gaynor Downer; Chiropractor Michael Douglas; Masseurs Everald Edwards and Gavin James and sports psychologist Kadija Richards.

Earl Bailey
Editor - www.JamaicaWin.com

If what's reported here is true this is a big problem.

Francis seems to be an ego maniac... high school coaches? no clue? nothing to be gained?

Success has gone to his head.

All the same he should be integrated into the coaching staff to advise on his athletes. - make that should have been- any cooperation now is impossible.

This is no time for big egos on either side.

[Mosiah]

I saw this coming. But even Stevie could! Wonder, that is.

I could be wrong but... ykw, mek mi cool.

[Historian]

From: JamaicaWin.com
http://www.jamaicawin.com/Local%20Ne...july31-08b.htm

Discord and division in Olympic squad!
July 31 2008

Track & Field- News
On the eve of what is widely expected to be Jamaica ’s most successful Olympics ever, there is discord and division. Members of the MVP track and field club are heading to the pre-Olympic camp in China put on by the Jamaica Olympic Association/JAAA under protest, according to Coach Stephen Francis.

He said that the camp was put on by the JOA/JAAA to ensure that his athletes do not do well. “They put on this camp only after hearing in February that we were planning to have our own,” Francis said.

“The athletes believe that their current programme and training (with him) are geared for their success,” Francis said. “The athletes are being forced to go to the camp to work with a bunch of high school coaches who have no clue about what they are doing. There is nothing to be achieved there.”

He went on to say that even the medical personnel are inadequate.

Francis said that he will not be going to the camp and will probably not see his athletes until after the Olympics. “I will be working with the other athletes from the other countries,” he concluded.

Ten members of the MVP were selected on the Olympic team: Asafa Powell, Michael Frater, Nesta Carter, Andre Wellington, Markeino Buckley, Sherone Simpson, Shelly-Ann Fraser, Bridgette Foster-Hylton, Melaine Walker and Sherika Williams.

President of the JOA, Mike Fennell told JamaicaWin.com that the camp is mandatory and athletes who want to participate at the Games must be at the camp. “If you do not want to participate in the Olympics then you do not have to attend the camp,” Fennell said. Earlier this week, Ludlow Watts, manager of Jamaica ’s track and field contingent said every athlete is expected to attend the camp, bar none.

The camp in Tianjin , about 80 kilometres outside of Beijing , opens today with the first training sessions scheduled for Friday morning and evening. The coaching panel is: Technical leader Donald Quarrie, Head coach Glen Mills, coaches Bertland Cameron, Michael Clarke, Fitz Coleman, Edward Hector and Maurice Wilson.

The medical staff is: Head of Medical team Dr Primanand Singh, Dr Warren Blake, Dr Herb Elliot; Physiotheripist Patricia Lue-Chin and Gaynor Downer; Chiropractor Michael Douglas; Masseurs Everald Edwards and Gavin James and sports psychologist Kadija Richards.

Earl Bailey
Editor - www.JamaicaWin.com