Canadian track coach Charlie Francis also mourned by masters
Closer to home, Charlie Francis was a friend of some American masters sprinters, including M65 Tony Craddock of Santa Barbara, who wrote me yesterday:
Yes, Ange (his wife) called me yesterday with the news. Charlie was one of my closest friends, and I’ll miss him and his keen intellect. A true genius, and one of the most intelligent men I’ve ever met, and great company. The real Charlie Francis was a gentle soul, far removed from his public media created image. And, of course, a brilliant coach.
The following article is closer to the truth about Charlie than most. I’ll be at his funeral in Toronto on Tuesday, and our hearts go out to his wife Ange, and James, his 11-year-old son (who looks and sprints just like Charlie, and is already a stellar soccer player).
4 Responses
Charlie will be missed…I have learned a lot from his website. It was required reading when I started this track journey.
RIP
I knew and trained with Charlie in Toronto, he was a great coach, innovator and a great mentor and father figure to his athletes. He was so much more than just the coach whose athletes used steroids. He should be remembered as a great coach, athlete and human being, rest in peace.
I was fortunate to attend his workshop in Sydney a few years back. And through that, a couple of books and videos I have learned so much about track.
A mighty track intellect who will be missed.
What a shame,poor Charlie never got his fair due,I learned so much from him.R.I.P.
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