In 1988 a talented young track and field athlete took a break from his studies at the University of Alberta.
Today, as Detective Andre Francois looks back, he says, “It was a huge honor to have been picked to participate in the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, Korea.”
He went on to explain, “Training became a daily commitment; I took a year off of school just for that purpose. I was representing St. Vincent – the first year they ever participated in the Olympics.”
There were eight people on the track team, and Francois was picked to be Team Captain. Francois remembers the anticipation of the opening ceremonies while waiting to be part of the Parade of Nations.
“All of the training, all of the sacrificing of personal time, all of the regional, national and international competitions had brought us all together for that moment,” noted Francois.
“What was really exciting about 1988 was that for the first time there were no Olympic boycotts. I was so proud to be there and to be surrounded by the best athletes from 180 countries around the world,” he continued.
Asked what the closing ceremonies were like, Francois said, “They were lots of fun because I’d made so many great friends; the pressure was off and I truly enjoyed the experience.”
Today, Francois is still very involved in track and field, competing as a Masters athlete in sprinting (Edmonton in 2005 and Sydney in 2009).
“I’m a huge fan of the Olympics; the games are very exciting to watch,” he said. With years of experience in track and field, Francois is a valuable mentor for young athletes. He coaches provincial, national and international-class athletes, providing guidance and advice.
“It’s a privilege for me to coach today’s young athletes,” he notes. “The coach who got me into the sport 25 years ago is still actively coaching today; he’s an inspiration for me,” said Francois.
Francois will compete in the world indoor Masters Championships in Kamloops in March. “Competing in the Olympics was an incredible, once in a lifetime experience. Athletics has helped me maintain my health and fitness which has been beneficial in my career as a police officer,” he concluded.