Gentry Bradley does not mince words when it comes to athletics, more so when he is asked about sprint events. Bradley ran alongside Maurice Green and other stalwarts during his prime. He is currently the sprint coach of Qatar athletic team.
Comparing the athletic scenario between his era and the present, the American says that things are more in favour of the runners today, and it will not be long before one can see even better timings. “The tracks are fast and the equipments are much better. The younger generation should give their best,” the 39-year-old says.
Bradley boasts of his new find, Nigerian-born Qatari athlete Samuel Adelebari Francis. He says he could be “one of the best in the coming years”.
“It is for him to deliver, and he has all the potentials to make him as the best,” Bradley informs about Francis, who clocked sub-10s in a recent competition.
So, what makes a champion sprinter? Bradley says: “One has to be hungry (for success), and I find this quality on Francis. He is always hungry,”said Bradley, adding that attitude also plays a crucial role in the success of an athlete.
“One has to stay grounded and keep the attitude back home. Attitude could be a lethal weapon that can destroy an athlete. Sadly, I find the present crop of athletes with a lot of attitude. They put on an attitude after their first major win, which is unfortunate,” Bradley says.
However, Bradley, who won 200m silver medal at the 1998 IAAF World Cup in Johannesburg, feels that it would take a while to see athletes of high international standards like Carl Lewis, Green and others in one race.
Talking about the ongoing meet, Bradley is pleased as such events in this part of the world gives chance to the athletes to showcase their talent and also give them an opportunity to make the cut for bigger leagues around the world.
“This is one of the big events here. Apart from winning medals, it also gives the athletes a ticket to the World Championships.”
