Barbara Ellington, Lifestyle Editor
Brigitte Foster-Hylton
Flow is a member of the Columbus Communications Inc., a CARICOM-based telecommunications provider now up and running in Jamaica. They are the first to offer digital cable TV, digital landline and ultra high-speed broadband Internet service with just one connection. But like most other corporate entities operating in Jamaica, Flow has made a commitment to give children opportunities through long-term school outreach programmes.
Flow has decided to give back to the communities across the island and education is their avenue chosen focus. Their commitment is to provide all public high schools with ultra high-speed, broadband Internet service free of cost wherever they offer services.
And who better to be their spokesperson than international star of track and field, Brigitte Foster-Hylton.
Foster-Hylton has charted a successful course from her humble beginnings in St. Elizabeth, to lofty tracks on the international competitive scene. Fans may have their favourite but for the svelte and finely-toned athlete, the high point of her career was when she made the Olymplic team in 2004.
In her new lane as Flow's spokesperson for its education thrust, Foster-Hylton will be the role model for imparting their message on the importance of a sound education. She will help them understand how to win in the race of life by adopting good attitudes and values.
Excellent Attributes
Foster-Hylton is seen by Flow to possess the attributes of determination, focus, drive, commitment and discipline. All are vital ingredients to making it to the top. Flair caught up with the track star as she prepared for the second of two daily workout sessions on the field at the University of Technology.
Her complexion is flawless and she commands attention with beautiful hazel eyes.
BE: Was it a difficult decision for you to become the spokesperson for Flow?
BFH: No. I saw it more as a privilege. Flow is established and I have seen their work elsewhere in the Caribbean. My time is limited with my hectic schedule but they understand it and will work with me because they want me to be successful.
BE: Describe your training schedule.
BFH: I train six days a week, twice daily at 5:30 in the mornings and again at 3:30 to 4:30 in the afternoons. In the mornings, I focus on cardio and in the afternoons it's strength training, technique and hurdles. Sundays I relax. I am preparing for the Grand Prix circuit next year.
BE: What's the secret to your success?
BFH: It's my drive to be the best, my work ethic and the fact that I leave no room for failure. I put in the effort because I know it's all within my will. But I have a great coach, excellent family support, a husband who is my biggest fan and from whom I draw inspiration.
BE: You describe the highest point in your career as qualifying for the 2004 Olympics, what was the lowest?
BFH: My lowest point was when I tore my calf muscle in Athens, Greece. I was warm and feeling competitive and to see my calf go only moments before the race, I wondered, 'Why me?' Depending on the severity of an injury, it can keep you out of competition for the entire season.
BE: You know first-hand about training conditions in Jamaica. But with all that's lacking, we continue to be a dominant force, internationally, in the sport. How do you account for that?
BFH: Some people say it's our culture. I am from St. Elizabeth and I believe coming from the rural parts plays a role with our outdoor and very active type of lifestyle, even in the games we played. Plus, we skipped and played. Dandy-shandy and walked a lot.
BE: Many sceptics have looked at world record holder Asafa Powell's success and said, "Just wait. It's only a matter of time till they catch him taking performance-enhancing substances." Do you ever feel tempted to use them?
BFH: I don't ever feel tempted and as far as I know, no Jamaican athlete is doing it. To protect myself, I am very careful and have a close, tight circle of friends. I am aware that there are persons who would like to sabotage me but I watch what I eat and where I go. I would not do drugs because my husband and family are proud and I could not look them in the eye afterwards.
On the other hand, I don't let the negatives bother me; once we perform well, people will speculate. Just because others have done the drug thing, we are speculated about. We have confidence in our programme; our coach is our guide and we can stay on top without drugs. Our coach is our drug.
BE: Do you have a job outside the track and how long do you plan to stick with athletics? Will you follow in Merlene Ottey's footsteps?
BFH: This is my full-time job. However. I am not staying around as long as Merlene Ottey. When I'm not loving it any more, when I have no zest or motivation, I will leave track and field. I am 32 now but I'm a late bloomer in the sport so I have lots more to give. When it no longer excites me, I will know what to do.
BE: How do you account for athletic longevity?
BFH: It depends on your lifestyle and how you care for yourself. I don't live the night life; I have to rest, maintain my diet, limit injuries and exercise. I follow my routine but I can relax a bit during the holidays. I try not to eat things like chocolate, ice cream and pastries, even though I like them. I stay away from sugar and all sweet juices. I will have a little sorrel sweetened with Splenda but I drink two 1.3-litre bottles of water daily. I also eat vegetables, meat and carbohydrates such as brown rice, yam, sweet potato and dasheen. I try not to eat after 7:30 p.m. and if I have to, it's low-sugar fruits.
BE: How do you make time for your husband and family?
BFH: My husband has a busy schedule, both socially and at work, but he understands that I don't have much free time. Sunday is family time when we relax together, go to church, visit friends and just chill.
BE: Do you have any other athlete in your family?
BFH: My brother Lovell Palmer is the captain of the Harbour View Football Club but the other two are not athletes. I think I got this from my mother who used to run in her youth but was not encouraged to pursue it.
BE: What do you hope to leave with the children after your initial two-year contract with Flow ends?
BFH: I want them to know that they can achieve anything and be the best they can be, but they should not fear failure. There is no shortcut to anything good in life. I also want them to understand that popular figures in dancehall and dons are not necessarily the ones to emulate and there are more sustainable goals in life.
BE: What more would you like to see in the athletic arena in Jamaica, as far as modern advancements go?
BFH: The talent is here but support is lacking in our school systems. Until you make the breakthrough as an athlete, you are on your own. When I first came into it, there was no plan, no channel of support and not one of the athletes from my camp can say they got support. The circumstances change when you make the breakthrough but at that time, you no longer need it because everyone finds you then. Corporate Jamaica is doing better now but there is more to be done.
FACT FILE
For those who are still curious, yes, all that glorious hair is hers, and she keeps it looking great by conditioning weekly and wrapping it during training to protect it from the elements.
Brigitte Foster-Hylton holds the national record of 12.45 seconds in the 200m hurdles.
She is married to Patrick Hylton, the group managing director of the National Commercial Bank (NCB).
She has a bachelor's degree in speech communication and is still considering her options post her career on the track.
She uses Iman cosmetics.
Like most women, Foster-Hylton likes nice clothing but her thing is designer bags - particularly Louis Vuitton and Prada. For shoes, she goes with what fits and looks good.
Her favourite sun glasses are by Roberto Cavalli.
Favourite sports outside of track and field are soccer and netball.
Favourite fragrance is Baby Doll Paris by Yves Saint Laurent.
Favourite place of all to visit is Switzerland.
The athlete she most admires is Merlene Ottey for her longevity.
Favourite glossy magazine is Oprah.
Our track star loves to listen to all types of music.
(Find out how Brigitte met Patrick in next Monday's Flair).
Brigitte during training session at the University of Technology. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
