Forde urges coaches to step up

Two-time Olympian Lorna Forde says the time has come for Barbados to produce world-class athletes and reduce reliance on the United States and Jamaica.

The retired quarter-miler, who held the national women’s 400 metres record for 43 years before Sada Williams erased the mark two years ago, told Nation Sport, that local coaches needed to step up their game.

“I think the climate is conducive to Barbados producing top home-grown talent. If Jamaica can do it, I don’t know why Barbados can’t. I don’t understand.

“It is a shame that people like me, Sada and others who excelled, had to go outside to move to the next level. It is something that really has to be looked at and certainly our coaches have a big role to play.

“Her coach (Jamaican Stephen Francis) is one of the best in the world so you have to go for the best. Barbados may need to get some top-class coaches,” said the affable Forde, who is back home on a four-week holiday. (MK)