NATIONAL sprinter Kerron Stewart says her support is behind fellow athlete Michael Frater on the back of last November’s successful election as third vice-president of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA).

Stewart, 28, told the Jamaica Observer yesterday that having an active competitor among the JAAA executive is “definitely good” for the movement towards better welfare for athletes and improved rapport between them and the local body.

“Definitely, I endorse Michael being a part of the JAAA. It’s a good thing for the athletes because we can better relate to each other. Having somebody there to look out for us is definitely good for all athletes,” said the Olympic and World Championships individual silver medallist.

While over the years many have been critical of the JAAA’s administrative and management infrastructure, the former John Mills All-Age and St Jago High student made it clear she feels Frater could be the one to bring about positive changes.

“He’s a strong person and has an understanding of stuff like that. I just encourage him and hope that he does the right things and continue to do whatever he can to help us. He is a good guy and he has my support for sure,” added the Hi-Lyte Sport drink ambassador.

Despite the backing of Stewart and many others in the local track and field arena, Frater’s move onto the electoral ticket of president Dr Warren Blake was in apparent defiance of his former head coach Stephen Francis.

Frater’s favourable reputation among the electorate was quite telling as he garnered the highest number of votes (204) of any elected official at the annual general meeting. His success at the polls, however, ultimately led to him parting ways with the highly-acclaimed MVP Track Club.

The 30-year-old Frater, the 2005 World Championships 100m silver medallist who is recovering from a recent knee surgery, has since expressed the possibility of him joining the Glen Mills-conditioned Racers Track Club.

— Sanjay Myers

FRATER… third vice-president of JAAA