MVP Track & Field Club Confirms Stephen Francis Is Hospitalized, Asks Public to Respect His Privacy

The MVP Track & Field Club has confirmed that Co-founder and Technical Director Stephen Francis is currently receiving medical care in hospital, issuing a statement Tuesday in response to what it described as public interest in his condition.

 

In the release, signed by club President Bruce James, MVP said Francis is under the care of "a dedicated team of medical professionals" and that he and his family are grateful for the treatment and support being provided.

 

The club said Francis has personally asked that details of his diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis remain private, and asked the public to honour that wish.

 

"While there has been understandable concern regarding his wellbeing, Mr Francis has requested that the details of his medical condition, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis remain private," the statement said.

 

The club described Francis as having devoted his life to the development of athletics in Jamaica, crediting him with helping shape the careers of Olympic, World Championship, and national athletes, and said the volume of prayers and well wishes received had been deeply appreciated by him, his family, and everyone at MVP.

 

MVP also thanked members of the "traditional media" for the professionalism, sensitivity, and restraint shown in respecting Francis's privacy during this time.

 

On the club's operations, MVP said its priority is supporting Francis and his family while ensuring its work continues without disruption, expressing confidence that its coaching staff and leadership will maintain the standard of athlete support for which the club is known.

 

The statement closed with an appeal to the public to refrain from speculating about Francis's health, noting that any future updates would be communicated only through official MVP channels, and that "no further comment will be made at this time."

 

The release was issued from MVP's headquarters at 237 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6, and signed by Bruce James, President, on behalf of the club's executive, which also includes Stephen Francis as Vice President, Adrian Laidlaw as Secretary, and Paul Francis as Head Coach/Treasurer.