Lindel Frater (senior), father of World Championship silver medallist Michael Frater, was among those paying tribute to coach Stephen Francis, yesterday.

"I have always thought Stephen Francis to be a very, very good coach. He has been coaching Michael since he was in class four at Wolmer's. Stephen always got the best out of him." the elder Frater told a CVM television interviewer by telephone following his son's surprise silver medal performance in the 100 metres at the World Championships in Helsinki.

Frater, who clocked 10.05 seconds in crossing the line behind the American Justin Gatlin, is a member of Francis' Kingston-based MVP track club. For track and field analysts, the 22 year-old's success is further proof of the viability of home-based track and field coaching.

In June, Francis gained accolades for his work with 100-metre world record holder Asafa Powell, who reduced the world mark to 9.77 seconds at a Grand Prix meet in Athens, Greece.

Frater (senior) said he had even tried to link up his older son Lindel, also a sprinter and a former Pan American champion, with Francis.

". I have tried to get Lindel to come home (to train with Francis) but he chose to stay in Texas," he said.

He said he had been in touch with his son throughout the campaign in Helsinki thus far, speaking to him before and after every round.

"This morning (yesterday) when I spoke to him I told him that he must believe in himself. (that) he is up against good runners (but) he is as good if not better than any of them. And that he should do his best because when man has done his best, angels can do no better," he said.

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