The Sunday Gleaner dated 24th August 2008, carried an article entitled: “Frater’s Father Upset”. In the article Lynden Frater, father of Olympian Michael Frater, expressed his displeasure at the lack of recognition for his son’s exploits over the years. He is quoted as saying: “…Jamaica at large has not really recognized what he (Michael) has done for the country.” He also referred to an occasion where Michael reportedly had to use Asafa Powell’s pass to get into the stadium at the IAAF World Championships in Osaka, Japan last year. If this is so Jamaicans deserve an explanation from the JAAA.
The Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association should take care of the athletes in the best possible way. In addition, the government and private sector should support them not just when they are wining, but always. As it regards recognition from the wider Jamaica, I am not sure what he is asking for. People will always have their favorite and always love and gravitate towards a winner. This is not to suggest that Michael is not a winner in his own right, but there will be “greater and lesser” men among us.
