HOME	AUGUST 28st, 2004

AUGUST 28

Almost the entire population of Grenada was at a standstill on Monday afternoon to watch the island's world-rated quarter miler Alleyne Francique seek a medial in the 400 metres final of the 2004 olympics games in Greece.

Francique was offered a handsome pay cheque of one million E.C dollars if he won the gold medal to create history for the island. The U.S-based track start who is the world's 400 metres indoor champion took the 4th spot as a trio of american runners blew apart the field to take all three medals at stake in the race. Hours before the race started, hundreds of Grenadians from all over the island openly displayed their patriotism by wearing the country's national colors while others wore Francique T-shirts.

The race was televised live on all local networks via the Grenada Broadcasting Network (GBN) Television channel 11. Jeremy Wariner took the gold medal in 44.0 secs flat and was followed home by countrymen Otis Harris Jr (44.16 secs) and Derrick Brew (44.42 secs). The 27-year old Francique ran a personal best of 44.66 seconds out of lane eight (8) and gave a good account of himself. The world's indoor 400m champion said after the race in a brief interview that he worked hard, tried his best and really wanted to win a medal for his country regardless of the color.

He showered praises and thanks to God for his success thus far, his coach Pat Henry who he also credits for his performance, his training partners and to his supporters. To many Grenadians, Francique is still regarded as a winner and a hero who has helped Grenada earned its place in the international world of athletics.

On Monday after the completion of the much talked about 400m final, Grenada Today spoke with a number of persons who commended the international quarter miler for his efforts and his achievements. Several persons said they believe that Francique has done an outstanding service for the island and urged Grenadians to rally behind him.

One local sports enthusiast told our news desk that he believes in Francique and is confident that come next Olympic games in Beijing, China that Francique will be a great force to be reckoned with and will bring home the gold. Some disappointed fans of the Grenadian world-rated athlete told Grenada Today that they strongly believe that Francique's lane assignment was responsible for the outcome of the race and that the Americans were lucky.

Francique left Grenada in 1998 to attend the junior college in New Jersey for two years before he transferred to the Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Mitchell announced that government has decided to appoint Francique a sporting ambassador for his achievement.