Caribbean Times 6th Issue - Monday 3rd October 2016

14 c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g
Monday 3rd October 2016
Sprinter Miguel Francis bent on switching allegiance
By Vanroy Burnes
Sprinter Miguel Francis seems bent
on switching his allegiance to the United
Kingdom. The Montserrat-born athlete
was speaking on the Jamaican Sports-
Max program last week and from where
he is based.
According to the 200-meter specialist,
his decision was based on a number
of factors to include personal matters.
He noted that the uncertified yasco track
which the consultant said was hard like
the pitch road combined with the harsh
and irresponsible criticism by the Antiguan
public since the news broke, making
it impossible for him to represent this
country again.
Francis also indicated that after seeing
how the British athletics federation
treats their athletes with preparation aspects
and the facilities were all part of the
process why he intended to switch. He
noted also that all of families are in the
United Kingdom and that will be easier
for him.
The athlete said he was never pressured
by the British, but was told by
them he should have moved earlier, he
also noted that it was he who approached
them and not them approaching him.
The sprinter said he is willing to meet
with the Minister to sit and talk even to
hear him out contrary to reports by his
camp, he was not aware of a meeting was
set up and camp denied.
On the question of the Yasco track,
Francis said after running 19.68 seconds
on the track and find out later that the
track was not certified did not go down
well with him since this was a world
leading time and at this time the results
cannot be ratified. The 200 meters sprinter
is appealing to Government to follow
through with their plans to upgrade the
track not only for him but for future athletes.
He also noted that the upgrade will
allow for us to host major event like
CARIFTA; he said the track upgrade
was in the making for a long time, but he
is not sure why it took so long. On the
question of Usain Bolt, Francis said he
would like Bolt to stay on a little longer
because he would like to run with him in
an Olympic final before he retires.
In conclusion Francis said he is confident
the British federation will embraced
him. The Antigua & Barbuda Athletics
Association will have to clear Francis for
his transfer.