LeVaughn Flynn, Staff Reporter

Sports Minister Olivia 'Babsy' Grange (left) at the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday evening to welcome home Olympic 400 metre hurdles gold medallist Melaine Walker (right) and her MVP Track Club president Bruce James (second left). - peta-gaye clachar

Contrary to public comments by MVP track club coaches Stephen Francis and Paul Francis, president Bruce James said yesterday that the club would remain in Jamaica.

"There is a notion out there that MVP is leaving Jamaica. Leaving Jamaica is not an option at this time," said James after returning to the island yesterday evening with Olympic 400m hurdles champion Melaine Walker, who was a member of MVP.

Last Tuesday Stephen Francis said on local radio that he was considering moving his club to another country as he has had offers to train several international athletes which the Jamaican public may be uncomfortable with. His brother Paul echoed similar sentiments in a Gleaner article last Thursday.

"That (moving) is something that has to be thought about and it may happen sooner than later," Paul Francis said. "Stephen has been getting strong demand to coach other athletes and some of these athletes may not sit well with Jamaica."

James, yesterday, declined to name the athletes.

Sources at the University of Technology where MVP is based also told THE STAR that Francis was considering leaving in part to prevent his methods being 'stolen' by other coaches. There is also a contentious relationship between Francis and members of the Jamaica Amateur Athletics Association (JAAA) which may be influencing Francis' next move.

James sought to quash the idea of a divide between MVP athletes and other Jamaican athletes.

"There is a notion that there are MVP athletes and Jamaican athletes. Nothing could be further from the truth," he said.

"Anything we do we do for Jamaica. Every medal, all the sweat, everything they do for Jamaica."

Sitting next to James was JAAA president Howard Aris, who was caught in an uncomfortable position when Sports Minister Olivia Grange urged him to shake James' hand as a show of solidarity between the JAAA and MVP. Reluctant at first, Aris did so half-heartedly while saying, "There is no problem."

GIVING THANKS

Walker, meanwhile, fell into the arms of her parents Jenefer Wilson and Japheth Walker as she departed the plane. Walker had a stupendous season this year which included being unbeaten over 15 races. The most important of those wins was the one for the Olympic gold in Beijing, China.

"I have one thing to say, the job is over now," said Walker. "Right now I just want to give thanks. Thanks to God, my parents, my coach."

Walker had much to be grateful for as she won Jamaica's second Olympic gold medal in the 400m hurdles following Deon Hemmings' in 1996. As Hemmings did, Walker also won with an Olympic record of 52.62 seconds.

"Every time I stepped out there I said 'it's showtime'," added Walker, who typically had a pre-race routine similar to Usain Bolt whenever the public announcer called her name. "I want to win, but I also want to entertain my people."

A throng of supporters greeted Walker outside before she was whisked away in a promotional car by Jamaica team sponsor Digicel.

Olympic 400 metres hurdles gold medallist Melaine Walker (right) gets a warm greeting from friends, MVP Track Club assistant coach Shanikie Osbourne (centre) and athlete Alecia Cutenar shortly after her arrival at the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday. - peta-gaye clachar