Coach Mills happy for recognition

IN 2006, The Gleaner honoured Stephen Francis, Fitzalbert Coleman, Maurice Wilson, Raymond 'K.C.' Graham, Dennis Johnson, Glen Mills, Michael Fennell, and Neville 'Teddy' McCook, for their extraordinary contribution to Jamaica's continuing prominence in international athletics.

Glen Mills, coach for world and Olympic record holder Usain Bolt, as well as 100-metre World champion and the second-fastest man ever in 200-metre, Yohan Blake, was happy for the recognition.

"The Gleaner is an entrenched institution in Jamaica with a very long history, so it was good to get such a prestigious award from such an institution," Mills stated.

"The Gleaner is a worldwide newspaper, because it is online and everyone in the world knows about it. It has also been the leading publication for years, so it means something to know that such an institution saw it fit to acknowledge my contribution to this country."

Early recognition good

The international coach said it was good that people are recognised while they are alive for the efforts they make to the development of the nation.

Mills has been a sprint coach for more than 40 years. He was head of the Jamaica national senior track team from 1987 to 2009, and is now the head coach of the Racers Track Club, whose members include Bolt and Blake.

Mills has also coached Kim Collins, Dwain Chambers and Ray Stewart

Since 1979, The Gleaner Honour Awards have been recognising the initiative, accomplishment and courage of individuals or organisations that have contributed significantly to improving Jamaica's quality of life, whether in arts and culture, public service, sports, education, science and technology, health and wellness, entertainment, voluntary service or business.

The 2011 winners will be announced in November.