The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

LONDON, England — Out of a clan of nine siblings, all of whom competed in athletics, sprinter Warren Fraser said he’s not surprised, but rather relieved that the first member of their family has survived the injury bug and is now competing in the Olympic Games.

“We’ve had a history of getting injured and so when that starts to take its toll on your body, its just had to come back from being hurt and being on top where you always were,” said Fraser, who noted that he’s blessed that he didn’t follow in the footsteps of his family members. “I wanted someone to be here before me, but I’m here so I have to represent everybody now.”

Going down the line of siblings that competed before were Brad, Everette, Floyd, Ron and Dion. Each one of them, with just as much talent or even more than Warren, fell off the scale with a series of hamstring injuries. With the exception of Everette, who is now coaching in Nassau, all of the others are no longer involved in the sport.

“We always talk about this, but they already gave me the title of the fastest boy,” Fraser said. “But they have all taught me in so many ways. They have all taught me everything I know from track to every day life. So as far as I’m concerned, I’m the fastest out of the bunch, but we fight over who is the good looking. It’s just a lot of fun when I hang out with them.”

Although Everette had the longest career, Ron was probably the one that everybody felt would have succeeded.

“It ain’t work out that way, but I think one day after I get back home, we’re going to have a run off to see who is really the fastest,”

Fraser said. “They’re going to be out of shape, but I know it will be a lot of fun. I can’t wait to match up against them, especially after I had this Olympic experience.”

Talking about the Olympic experience, Fraser said it’s a “lifetime experience” for him being in London.

“I’ve been practicing with everybody and I’m just glad that I made it. I’ve been practicing with everybody and I just thank God for this experience. It just feels so good.”

The 21-year-old graduate of Temple Christian now attending Clemson State University said it’s a good feeling to know he’s going to get a chance to run with some of the big names in the sport.

“I’ve been working on my blocks, trying to fine tune everything,” he said, “I just feel ready. My body is feeling good. I’ve been getting the massages from the team doctors and the medical staff, so I’m feeling great.”

And with the word “Olympian” attached to his name, Fraser said he’s hoping to go out on Saturday in the first round of the men’s 100 metres and represent the Bahamas, his family and his school with pride.

“I’m getting a little anxiety now, but I’m more relaxed,” he said. “I’m just getting ready to peak. I felt good coming out of the blocks, so I expect nothing more than a PR (personal best). Once I PR, I have to wait and see what happens after that. But I am prepared to go through the rounds. If I get into the final, it will be an added plus for me. But I’m going to fight and try hard to get as far as I can.”

With his oldest sister Cookie already here to watch him compete and a cousin Cara on the way, Fraser said he’s prepared for the time of his life.