Frankie Wright (left) and his coach Danny McFarlaneOKAHOLMA, USA - Danny McFarlane's first real break in coaching seems set to be realized this weekend at the US Indoor Nationals. McFarlane, Jamaica's Olympic silver medalist in 2004 has taken on American Frankie Wright, a former long jumper. In less than two years, MacFarlane has turned him into one of the US' leading quarter-milers.   

McFarlane said he always wanted to find someone who listened, and Wright, who he first saw a year-and-a-half ago, has been doing very well so far since joining his Rock Track Club.

He has also coached former Jamaica junior quarter-miler Maris Wisdom, who he said got hurt, and could not continue because the financial support. McFarlane has also been coaching himself for over a decade now.

According to McFarlane, in Wright he has "found an athlete, who I am working with him now for a year-and-a-half. And right now, he is the fastest American at sea level, and second fastest American (behind Gil Roberts – 45.39) going into the US trials this weekend (February 25-26 in Albuquerque, New Mexico). So, we are looking forward to it (US Trials) and basically that was my goal from day one ... To get somebody who is willing to listen and work with me."

"Basically I took him from nowhere in a year-and-a-half," he said of the former Oklahoma long jumper.

Now McFarlane is targeting a top two finish at the US Nationals. But according to him, this would be the second of the three goals he has set for the indoor season. "The first goal was to quality for the US trials, after running 46.22, a personal best, in his first race. (It is) faster than what he ever ran outdoor," adding they were going to leave everything unto the Most High as Wright should be ready.

"Hopefully we can get the top two, but if we can't so be it. But we are shooting for the top two," he added while saying that was the second target.

Once those are out of the way, the third goal is to win the World Championships title over 400m before taking on the outdoor season.

Danny Mac is also hoping to add some Jamaicans to his Rock Track Club group one day. However believes he will soon have to leave his Oklahoma base for Atlanta or Florida. He said this is because it would be easier to get his country men and women, but also because he believes the conditions are better to work for 400m and 400m hurdlers. He said it would be more comfortable as it would allow him to be in and out of Jamaica easier. His website dannymcfarlane.com can explain more about his plans.

Meanwhile, Wright has nothing but high praises for McFarlane, who he believes is more than a coach.

"He is pretty good. He is like my friend, mentor and coach," said Wright who added "from day one, he a person that really believes in me. He knew I had the talent to run fast because when I was at the University of Oklahoma I used to run just the relays, a few 4x4s."

"Since day one he always said, you stick with me, and I can get you to run pretty fast and that is pretty much what's going on right now," added the 27-year-old.

Wright, who made it clear his personal best 45.72 was done running by himself, said he too is confident going into Nationals this weekend.