Legendary track coach Stephen Francis dies

One of track and field’s greatest teachers is no longer with us. Iconic sprint coach Stephen Francis died on Saturday following a long battle with illness. He was 63 years old, having just celebrated his birthday a day before his death.

Francis’ health issues only became public knowledge a week prior, after word emerged that Francis had been hospitalized following a setback.

Known as an influential coach who was equally as fiery as he was astute, Francis established his credentials when he co-founded MVP Track Club in 1999. From there, Francis reshaped the Jamaican track circuit. He turned several promising talents into superstars and legends. Among his pupils at different points were Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Elaine Thompson Herah, Asafa Powell, Shericka Jackson, Sherone Simpson and, most recently, Kishane Thompson. Each of the mentioned names won Olympic medals. Many of them went on to become some of Jamaica’s greatest sprinters.

As a result of his hard work, Francis received the Order of Distinction. He later earned the Order of Jamaica for his vast contributions to track and field.