Tributes follow death of Jamaican sprint coach Stephen Francis, co-founder of MVP Track Club

The Upper House of Parliament paid tribute Friday to iconic track and field coach, Stephen Francis, who died last week. State Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator Abka Fitz-Henley led the tributes and credited Francis for leaving a career in finance, where his expertise were highly pursued, and "daring to change the face of track and field in Jamaica and across the world." While further noting that Francis co-founded the Maximising Velocity and Power Track & Field Club, more popularly known as MVP, Fitz-Henley hailed the impact of the club. "As we in the Parliament pause to pay tribute to the work of a great Jamaican. there is no doubt that the club founded by Stephen Francis and his associates, has galvanised Jamaica's sprinting dominance across the globe. MVP members have achieved a remarkable tally across the Olympic Games, World Championships and World Indoor Championships," Fitz-Henley commented. He reiterated that under the guidance of Francis, the club has contributed more than 110 medals to Jamaica at major global championships, including over 37 Olympic medals and 75 World Championship medals. "We hail Stephen Francis' work which has transformed how Jamaica is viewed whenever a major track and field competition beckons. But for me Sir, Stephen Francis' greatest contributions may be contemplated in a dual manner. Firstly, the countless lives he transformed. His ability to take people who were not regarded as ‘Champs stars’, but seen as average talent or people who were unknown and nurture them into world beaters and superstars on the global stage," Senator Fitz-Henley said. Minister Fitz-Henley also highlighted the role Francis played in the journey to stardom of several high profile athletes including Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Asafa Powell, Shericka Jackson and Brigette-Foster Hylton. "None of what I alluded to just now would have likely been possible without guidance of Stephen Francis, who was one of a kind. For me, his greatest contributions to Jamaica, how his work, his unique expertise and his dedication to seeing his mentees being the best they can be, was able to consistently lift the Jamaican psyche and bring an outpouring of happiness to a nation, which from time to time encounters sombre moments," Fitz-Henley said. Opposition Senator Lambert Brown also paid tribute to Francis, noting his contribution to coaching former world record holder Asafa Powell along with the hurdler Melanie Walker and the fastest woman alive over 200 metres, Elaine Thompson Herah. "He was a genius. He was the world's greatest track and field coach of all times. He was also brilliant at academia. He dominated the Schools Challenge Quiz competition. He was two degrees but the enigma choose track and field and turns his hobby into a business venture," Senator Brown commented. Government Senator and prominent attorney-at-law Christian Tavares-Finson lauded Francis for his commitment to developing Jamaica's youth. "Indeed, many of his greatest accomplishments occurred quietly, away from television cameras and newspaper headlines. While others celebrated victory, he was already preparing for tomorrow’s challenge. While others admired success, he remained focused on continuous improvement. That relentless pursuit of excellence became his signature. It is perhaps fitting that a man who dedicated his life to developing others rarely sought personal acclaim," Senator Tavares-Finson commented.

KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC) – Trinidad and Tobago sprint legend Ato Boldon has described the death of former Jamaican athletic coach Stephen Francis as one of the most significant losses the global track and field community has experienced in decades. Francis, who died on July 4 at the age of 62, was the co-founder and head […]

KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC) – Legendary Jamaican track and field coach Vincent Stephen Francis has died following a brief illness. Francis, the co-founder and head coach of MVP Track & Field Club, passed away on Saturday, one day after celebrating his 64th birthday. He had been battling health issues in recent months, with the club confirming […]

Jamaicans from all sectors yesterday hailed legendary track coach Stephen Francis, who passed away late Saturday at the age of 64 – one day after his birthday.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Tributes poured in from across the athletics community on Sunday following the death of legendary Jamaican track coach Stephen Francis, with some of Jamaica's biggest sprint stars, including Elaine Thompson-Herah and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, honouring the coach who helped shape their careers. Francis died late Saturday, a day after celebrating his 64th birthday. READ: Stephen Francis, legendary Jamaican track coach, has died The co-founder and head coach of the MVP Track & Field Club had been battling health issues in recent months. The club confirmed last week that he was receiving medical care in hospital as concern grew throughout Jamaica's athletics fraternity over his condition. Over a coaching career spanning decades, Francis helped develop some of the country's greatest track and field athletes, including Asafa Powell, Fraser-Pryce, Thompson-Herah, Shericka Jackson, Brigitte Foster-Hylton, Melaine Walker, Michael Frater, Sherone Simpson, Kerron Stewart and Tajay Gayle. In a series of Instagram stories on Sunday, Thompson-Herah shared throwback photos and videos with Francis from the early stages of her career, alongside the message: “Where it all started. I'm lost for words right now.” She shared another image of the legendary coach with the caption: “Thanks for paving the way. The greatest to ever do it. Rest in peace to an icon, you will be surely missed.” Fraser-Pryce also paid an emotional tribute, describing Francis as “more than one of the greatest athletics coaches”. “We have lost a visionary, a mentor and a man whose influence transcended the track,” Fraser-Pryce said. “He was not only my coach but a steady source of guidance during some of the most defining moments of my career. He challenged me to dream beyond my circumstances, demanded excellence with every race and instilled in me the confidence and resilient spirit that shaped the woman I would become.” She said Francis' uncompromising standards were rooted in his belief that his athletes were capable of extraordinary achievements, adding that he helped shape an era that transformed Jamaican athletics by producing World and Olympic champions while inspiring generations of young Jamaicans to pursue greatness. “His legacy is etched into every medal won, every record broken and every young Jamaican athlete who dares to dream,” the retired sprinter said. Fraser-Pryce added that while the world would remember Francis for his remarkable accomplishments, she would remember “the man who believed in me and whose impact on my life extends beyond the track”. She ended her tribute by extending condolences to Francis' family, including his brother Paul, and the entire MVP Track Club, wishing them “strength, comfort and peace”. Former Olympic medallist Kerron Stewart also remembered her longtime coach, sharing a photograph of Francis on social media with the simple caption: “Rest well.”

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Wolmer's Trust has paid tribute to distinguished alumnus and legendary sprint coach Stephen Francis, describing him as “a giant and genius” whose enduring legacy extends beyond his record-breaking success in athletics to inspiring confidence that world-class champions can be developed in Jamaica. Francis died late Saturday, a day after celebrating his 64th birthday. READ: Stephen Francis, legendary Jamaican track coach, has died In a statement issued on Sunday, the Trust highlighted Francis’ outstanding academic and leadership record at Wolmer's Boys School. He captained the school's victorious 1982 Schools' Challenge Quiz team before continuing his studies at the University of the West Indies, Mona, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Management Studies. He later obtained a Master of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Michigan Business School. The Trust said Francis went on to build a legacy of excellence as founder and head coach of the MVP Track Club. “Arguably the most successful sprint coach in the history of track and field, Stephen gifted the world an admirable life of unparalleled technical expertise and competencies crowned in brilliant successes,” the statement said. Despite his laudable successes and deserving accolades, the Trust said Francis remained grounded and humble. “He was forthright and honest, and never played to the gallery. He was impatient of mediocrity and proved his words through performance, and that in and of itself is an example to leaders at every level,” the statement said. According to the Trust, Francis' most enduring contribution was not simply the championships won under his guidance, but the confidence he inspired in Jamaicans by proving that athletic greatness could be cultivated at home. “It is safely rooted in his proving to his countrymen, and especially to the youth of our country, that great things can be ‘made in Jamaica’. “Stephen shattered that myth, adding to the growing sense of self and of confidence which Jamaica must harness if it is to make its way in an increasingly competitive world, unforgiving of failure. That truly is his legacy and contribution. It transcends medals and championships; it goes to the essence of the Jamaica and Jamaican we must sculpt from now, for the future,” it said. Wolmer's Trust also extended condolences to Francis' brother, Paul, the entire Francis family, the MVP Track Club family, and people around the world who love track and field and embraced Stephen as part of that love.