Influential Coach Who Transformed Jamaican Sprinting

By the Editorial Team · Monday, July 6, 2026

Stephen Francis, the Jamaican coach who helped build the MVP Track & Field Club and guided multiple Olympic champions, died at age 64. His passing marks the loss of a transformative figure who elevated Jamaica and the Caribbean on the global sprinting stage through his training and mentorship.

Stephen Francis, the Jamaican track and field coach credited with transforming Jamaica into a global sprinting powerhouse, died late Saturday at the age of 64, his training club announced. The cause of death was not disclosed.

Francis co-founded the Maximising Velocity & Power Track & Field Club (MVP) in 1999, which grew to become one of the premier training centers in the sport, producing numerous Olympic champions and world record holders. Under his guidance, the club nurtured a generation of elite sprinters who helped elevate Jamaica’s international standing in athletics.

Among the notable athletes coached by Francis were Olympic champions Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Elaine Thompson-Herah, Shericka Jackson, and former men’s 100-meter world record holder Asafa Powell. He also trained Olympic silver medalist Kishane Thompson and several other internationally decorated competitors.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness paid tribute to Francis, highlighting his pivotal decision to leave a career in finance to devote himself to coaching. Holness noted this choice came at a time when many of the island's top athletes sought training opportunities abroad, and credited Francis with establishing a legacy that bolstered confidence among Jamaican athletes and coaches alike.

“Stephen Francis changed the trajectory of Jamaican athletics for the better,” said Bruce James, president of MVP. He emphasized that Francis demonstrated the potential for Jamaican athletes to achieve global success while training at home under local guidance.

Francis was recognized formally in 2017 with the Order of Jamaica, one of the country’s highest civilian honors, for his contributions to the nation’s track and field success.

His influence extended beyond Jamaica’s borders. Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley acknowledged that Francis inspired athletes throughout the Caribbean region, including Barbadian Olympic medalist Sada Williams, who trained at MVP. Mottley praised Francis for showing that small island nations can compete and succeed on the world stage.

Francis’s death marks the loss of a key figure in the development of Caribbean sprinting and a mentor to numerous athletes who have left their mark on international track and field competitions.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.