Frater delighted with accomplishment after Worlds silver medal

Jamaican Michael Frater on his way to winning 
the silver in Helsinki (Photo by Youngs Photoreflect)

by Gary Smith
Caribbean Net News Correspondent
Email: gary@caribbeannetnews.com 

Friday,  December 16, 2005

TEXAS, USA:  Jamaica's Michael Frater has relished the performance which brought him the silver medal at the 10th IAAF World Championships in the 100-metres, stating that it is his "biggest accomplishment" in his career thus far.

"My biggest accomplishment since TCU was finishing second in the World Championships this past summer," Frater told Frogs website in an interview.

"It was an awesome feeling. You only dream about this so when it becomes a reality, it feels so surreal. I just can't believe it sometimes," he added.

Finally he's his own man 

Frater, the surprise second place finisher in Helsinki in a time of 10.05, was not even on the radar going into the championships. 

However, his explosive start and determined finish not only held off St Kitts and Nevis' defending champion Kim Collins for the silver, but finally stepped out from under the shadows of training partner and world record holder Asafa Powell, who did not compete. 

"My life has changed tremendously, especially after the World Championships," said the former junior star.

"There are good financial possibilities for a professional track athlete. I've worked hard to get where I am today and know that I'm also very fortunate to be doing something I love."

Weathering the storm in transition

The former Texas Christian University (TCU) indoor and outdoor All-American says the transition from the collegiate level to being a professional sprinter has been difficult, but fortunately, for him he's been harvesting on the circuit for the past two years. 

"For me, I've been very fortunate," Frater said in regards to his performances on the European circuit.

"When you compete in college, it's about helping your team achieve its goal. Now, the focus has shifted where the pressure of success and financial stability lies solely on the individual. 

"It's more difficult and requires strict self-discipline if you want to be successful. The last two years in the professional circuit has been good to me," the reigning world champion silver medallist said. 

No sibling rivalry between the Fraters

Michael, the younger brother of Sydney 2000 Olympic Games 100m semi-finalist Lindel Frater, reveals that the preparation for the professional level has been more demanding now that he's not competing as a collegiate, while playing down the talks of a sibling rivalry

"There is no spare time between school and training Now that I'm no longer competing for TCU, training goes up a level or two as it becomes more focused and intense. 

"I usually spend four hours a day on the track, fine-tuning certain things. I also do special workouts (i.e. weights) for an hour and a half several days a week to prepare for a professional meet.

"Lindel is four years older than me so there has never been sibling rivalry between us," Michael said when asked about the rivalry between himself and Lindel.

"It never crossed my mind to compete against him or to out-perform him. He has accomplished many things on his own; yet, has always been supportive of my goals and me."

Taking it in strides, with future in mind

The 23-year-old Frater, will be graduation from TCU later this month with a degree in political science and a minor in history and then he plans to take the next step, which also includes next March's Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia and life after track and field.

"I will finish school at TCU in December with a degree in political science and a minor in history. I think it's important to take care of school first before anything else.

"I will be competing in the Commonwealth Games next March (2005). It'll be in Melbourne, Australia, this year. It's a pretty important international event prior to the World Cup, which is also taking place next year.

He added that: "When my track career is over, I plan to attend law school in the U.S."

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