- Ben Johnson, Charlie Francis at the peak of their careers
Two days ago, Ben Johnson’s former coach and mentor, Charlie Francis, died at the age of 61. The vast majority of Canadians, who are old enough to remember him, think of Francis as the man who made one terribly destructive decision. The decision that sent Canada hurdling toward absolute elation and crushing disappointment at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. But don’t blame Francis. He only did what he had to do. (more…)