Thursday, August 26, 1999

Relay role reversal

Surin making noises about taking anchor from Bailey


SEVILLE, Spain -- All six members of the Canadian men's 4x100-metre relay team 
practised together for the first time yesterday, although there are rumblings 
that not all is hunky-dory.

There are rumours Bruny Surin, who stunned the track world with his silver-medal 
time of 9.84 seconds in the 100-metre final Sunday, wants to move from his traditional 
third leg on the team to the more glamorous anchor position in the relay event at the 
world track championships.

That spot normally is occupied by defending Olympic 100-metre champion Donovan Bailey.
Les Gramantik, the Canadian team coach, denied that Surin, 32, has demanded the anchor leg,
though he hinted that the Montrealer did make the suggestion -- at least to his teammates.

"I don't see a feud, maybe some issues the guys may need to sort out," Gramantik said.

Virtually everyone associated with the Canadian team, which has won the past two world 
championships and the 1996 Olympic title, wants to see the traditional order in place: 
Bailey at the anchor, Surin in the No. 3 slot, Ottawa's Glenroy Gilbert running the second 
leg, with one of the newcomers -- Trevino Betty, Brad McCuaig or O'Brian Gibbons -- at leadoff. 

If McCuaig recuperates from a sore knee, he likely will lead off.

Gramantik wants to see the big three in their usual positions, as does Gilbert, the 
inspirational leader of the squad. And Bailey wants to run the anchor. It just seems to be a 
matter of convincing the normally easy-going Surin to remain at the third leg.

"Would you rather cross the finish line third as an anchor or see the team win?" Gramantik 
said when asked what his message to the team would be. "Bruny's the best corner runner 
we've ever had. No one can run a curve like him."

Gramantik also is convinced that Bailey, despite having an off year, is still a top anchor 
because of his competitive spirit and the fact he is one of the fastest in the world 
on the fly.

Both Surin and Bailey are represented by Ray Flynn and Gramantik acknowledged that 
the Tennessee-based agent probably will have some input. Flynn, however, denied being 
involved.

"They're talking with the coaches and working it out among themselves," Flynn said. 
"I don't think I need to make an opinion. They've always worked it out in the past 
and it's worked out (for the best)."

Gramantik is confident that come Sunday's final, the guys will be on the same page.

"It's like a penalty shot. Is Wayne Gretzky going to take it? We know who is the best 
hockey player, but maybe it's better for the team if someone else takes (the shot)," 
he said.

We know how that worked out.