Jamaica's Relay Coach Michael Frater Issues Worrying Update Ahead of Men's 4x100m at World Championships

Jamaica’s men’s 4x100m relay coach Michael Frater has raised a major concern ahead of the competition at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

The heats of the men’s 4x100m relay are scheduled for Saturday, September 20, with the final set for Sunday, September 21.

Michael Frater revealed that team chemistry has to be one of the greatest challenges they are facing right now, with Bryan Levell’s absence also being a huge blow for the team.

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The world record holder explained that Levell was more focused on making a mark in the 200m, and he even missed the relay camp in Tottori Prefecture, Japan, just before the championship. He has yet to receive confirmation whether Levell will join the relay after the 200m final.

Frater revealed that preparations for the World Championships began a bit late, and they now have to work with a limited number of athletes.

He revealed that having camps would have played a huge role in securing a solid relay team, but they started a bit late, and they are now facing the consequences.

Michael Frater added that the athletes might have all the speed needed, but if there is no chemistry and expertise in baton exchanges, then they have not made any progress.

“We just need a group of say eight to 10 athletes. Throughout the year, we have had three or four relay camps to get everybody together. So, at any given time, we have four guys who are versatile with the baton, who will go out there, because foot speed is great, but it doesn't win races,” Michael Frater told Television Jamaica.

“I think going forward, that's what we need. So, we are not going to be scrapping at the last minute, as to who is not available. You know, if we were able to get some camps done before then, we wouldn't be in a situation like this now.”

Michael Frater added that without the expertise of passing the baton, that is where countries like Japan, Spain and Canada always beat them.

He disclosed that they might not have the fastest of the athletes, but the fact that they have perfected baton exchanges gives them an upper hand.

He noted that for many years, since Usain Bolt’s retirement, they have struggled to make a mark in the relay due to having the speed but having poor baton exchange techniques.

“Everything comes back to practice exchanges, and we have fast guys, but that’s not necessarily going to win races. We see the likes of Japan, even Canada, who won the Olympics,” he added.

“I think for the most part, we've always had poor guys who are faster on foot speed and better than them, but they've always been able to come out ahead of us in the last few years.”

However, Michael Frater remains confident that they will be able to work on a series of things with the few hours remaining, and once they perfect their baton exchanges, then they will be the team to beat.

He revealed that at the Diamond League Meeting in London, during their camp, there was a lot to learn, and that is what they will implement in Tokyo.

“So, I mean, as I said, we have been getting in some solid sessions. We wanted more people to be available, but you know, I think we have a solid group of guys who, once we practice and we get the exchanges down, I think we have as good a chance as anybody,” he added.

Jamaica’s men’s 4x100m relay is in heat one against Kenya, France, Canada, Poland, Germany, the United States and Belgium. The first three of each heat qualify for the final, with the two fastest non-automatic qualifiers also making the final.