Stephen Francis, Influential Coach Who Transformed Jamaican Sprinting, Dies at 64
His MVP training group produced Olympic champions and world record holders, and he was awarded the Order of Jamaica in 2017.
- Influential Jamaican track coach Stephen Francis died in Kingston on Saturday at age 64, his club, the Maximising Velocity & Power Track & Field Club, announced on Sunday.
- Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness recalled Francis' "bold decision" to abandon a finance career for coaching, a choice that transformed the nation's athletics on the island of 2.8 million.
- The MVP Track & Field Club, which Francis co-founded in 1999, produced Olympic champions Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Asafa Powell, along with silver medalist Kishane Thompson and dozens of other international medalists.
- World Athletics said it was "deeply saddened" by Francis' death, describing how his vision reduced Jamaica's talent drain; Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley noted his work inspired Caribbean athletes including medalist Sada Williams.
- MVP president Bruce James stated that Francis proved Jamaican athletes, guided by local coaches and management, could become the world's best, ensuring his legacy will permanently shape the landscape of athletics.
39 Articles
39 Articles
Francis changed trajectory of athletics in Jamaica for better MVP Track Club pays homage to legendary co-founder, technical director and coach ‘Franno’
Francis changed trajectory of athletics in Jamaica for better MVP Track Club pays homage to legendary co-founder, technical director and coach ‘Franno’
The 64-year-old coach was a key player in the development of athletics in the country and guided stars such as Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Asafa Powell and Shericka Jackson, among others.
Jamaican coach Stephen Francis, whose sprinters amassed dozens of Olympic medals, died at age 64, announced the MVP...
Associated Press News
Stephen Francis, influential coach who transformed Jamaican sprinting, dies at 64
Stephen Francis, the influential Jamaican sprint coach whose athletes won Olympic and world titles and helped turn the small Caribbean island into the dominant force in global track and field, has died.
Government, Opposition pay tribute to legendary coach Stephen 'Franno' Francis
The Government and Opposition have expressed profound sadness at the passing of decorated Jamaican track and field coach Stephen ‘Franno’ Francis, describing him as one of the country's greatest sporting figures whose legacy will endure for generations.Francis died in hospital late Saturday night, a day after celebrating his 64th birthday.In a tribute, Prime Minister Andrew Holness hailed the iconic coach and businessman as a patriot whose contr…
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