Source (Loop News)
Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture Ron Redhead has expressed sadness on the passing of Coach Harvey Glance, whom Grenadians fondly remember for his contribution to the performance of Olympic gold medal winner Kirani James, on the world athletics stage.
Glance, a three-time US Olympian and 1976 Olympic gold medal winner, died on Monday at the age of 66 after suffering a cardiac arrest recently.
Glance’s coaching guided Kirani James to winning Grenada’s first gold medal at the Olympic Games in London in 2012 and a silver and bronze medal thereafter.
He first worked as an assistant coach at Auburn University (1990–91) and then became Head Coach.
In 1997, Glance became the track and field head coach at the University of Alabama.
While there, he established the ‘Crimson Tide’ as one of the best college teams in the United States, and was able to attract top athletes to the university including James.
Minister Redhead said, “I extend heartfelt condolences to the family, colleagues, and friends of Harvey Glance, one of our top-ranked athletic coaches, whose untimely passing has truly shocked the entire sporting fraternity.
Glance displayed the highest level of sportsmanship in coaching athletic greats such as our Olympic Champion Kirani James and many other athletes across the globe”.
Minister Redhead added: “On behalf of the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Culture, I offer deepest sympathy to all his loved ones, and I pray that the Almighty comforts you in this time of grief and immeasurable loss.”
Meanwhile, the Board of Directors and the Local Organizing Team of the Grenada Invitational have also extended condolences.
It says Harvey Glance has been Kirani’s only professional coach, in addition to being a father-like figure and mentor to Kirani.
Grenada Invitational says Track and Field have lost an outstanding ambassador for the sport and Grenada has lost a great friend and Kirani his coach.