By Laurie Foster
The MVP Track Club super coach, Stephen Francis has guided
athletes who have churned out elite level medals in a way unthinkable prior to
the 2008 Beijing Olympics. All this has been accompanied with a style that has
been described as “dictatorial”, “autocratic” and having little regard for
opinions other than those given birth by him. His alleged confrontational and
“my way or the highway” stance has had its well-chronicled problems. His
undoubtedly brilliant coaching career has been clothed in controversy. 
Against this background, this writer sought out MVP
stalwart, Brigitte Foster-Hylton, the club’s first recruit in their “train at
home” initiative, to get a perspective on the much-maligned Francis. She speaks
of her introduction and first impressions. “I was from the outset very
impressed, I found him to be very committed, willing to make sacrifices and go
the extra mile to ensure our success.” She also gave her new coach credit for
steering her to accomplish her first objectives – becoming a professional and
making the team to the Sydney Olympics.
Asked about Francis’ strengths, the 2009 100mh world
champion said,”He is extremely intelligent and
always seeking new knowledge to
improve our performance, he is a technical expert enjoying success at the highest
level in a range of events….a great motivator and knows what it takes to bring
out the best in his athletes not only through technical preparation but also by
keeping them focused, motivated and driven.” What about his weaknesses? Foster
responded, “he gives too much of his time and resources to his athletes
particularly those who are less fortunate, until they have made the break
through.”
The obviously inspired former Commonwealth and Pan American
champion who admits that Francis’ coaching methods were integral to her
national record of 12.45 and her outstanding achievements of 2009, was
requested to address the public perception of Francis and the battering he has
received. Again she was stout in defence
of a coach whom she thought was principle-based, “I don’t agree that he gets a
battering…. once you are successful at the highest level in a very competitive
business and have strong opinions and are outspoken, there are persons who will
disagree with you….. I think as a society we need to be able to disagree
without being disagreeable.”
The feeling was that there must have been patches of
difference in opinion and Brigitte was asked how free she felt to express
herself. The now retired Foster was prepared, “ I have never had a difficulty
finding a resolution to a difference of opinion…if it was important we would
decide who should make the decision, and
once that decision was made we would both support it with our best efforts. I
never felt constrained in discussing any issue or views I had with him,”
It was necessary to delve into that often discussed ‘’my way or the highway attitude.” Foster never
Lastly, her advice to a young athlete seeking to join MVP?,
“He is an excellent coach who can help to achieve their true potential but it
requires discipline, hard work and respect for his program.”
In her view there was no single reason for the exodus of
athletes to join the Racers group, “Every heart knows its own sorrows and each
person has to do what they think is best…..”
It is obvious that Brigitte Foster-Hylton has unswerving
respect for and total commitment to her coach.
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Laurie Foster is a Sports Journalist with first class credentials and a long time friend. You can find him on Facebook | Laurie Foster or read his weekly column in the Sports Globe - Foster's FairPlay
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