Jamaicans hail ‘Franno’ Legendary coach passes one day after turning 64

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.

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness, in leading the scores of tributes that have poured in, described Francis as a patriot.

“By guiding many of Jamaica’s legendary and most accomplished athletes to stardom, Stephen’s contribution to building Brand Jamaica is immeasurable and worthy of high praise.”

In a media release, Sport Minister Olivia Grange called Francis “unique”. She said that he took Jamaican sprinting to the next level and played a fundamental role in turning Kingston into one of the sprint capitals of the world.

“He was unique in the coaching talents he used to bring glory to our country and to improve the lives of the many athletes who benefited from his tremendous expertise and guidance,” she said.

“He played a leading role in the formation of the MVP Track Club and evolved into not just an excellent coach who positioned his athletes to dominate internationally, but one who encouraged them to give back to their families and communities,” she said, adding that Jamaica owes Francis a gigantic debt of gratitude.

In 2017, the Government conferred the nation’s fourth-highest honour, the Order of Jamaica, on Francis in recognition of his outstanding contribution to track and field through coaching, particularly for his work in building the MVP Track Club and guiding a host of Jamaicans to glory.

Francis was credited with the success of some of Jamaica’s biggest names in local track and field, including Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Asafa Powell, Elaine Thompson-Herah, Shericka Jackson, Tajay Gayle, Michael Frater, Melaine Walker, Sherone Simpson, Kaliese Spencer and Brigitte Foster-Hylton, and more recently Kishane Thompson and Tia and Tina Clayton.

Leader of the Opposition Mark Golding noted that Jamaica and the world have lost a giant of track and field.

“He revolutionised our sport by proving that world-class athletes could be developed right here at home in Jamaica.” The People’s National Party also lauded Francis, saying he was at the forefront of Jamaica’s sporting success, building a culture of discipline, high performance and belief that produced some of the finest athletes ever to wear the black, green and gold.

In its own release, the party’s Opposition Spokesperson on Sport, Wavell Hinds, said the country had lost one of the principal architects of Jamaica’s rise in international athletics.

“Coach Stephen Francis leaves behind a legacy that few can match. His commitment to excellence, his relentless pursuit of high standards, and his confidence in Jamaican talent transformed not only individual athletes but the entire landscape of track and field in our country,” the release said.

“His work demonstrated what is possible when talent is matched with discipline, vision and opportunity. The success that Jamaica has enjoyed on the world stage owes much to the foundation he helped build, and future generations of athletes and coaches will continue to benefit from his contribution.”

Fraser-Pryce sent out a statement, saying the loss was too difficult to put into words. She said Francis was not only a coach, but a steady source of guidance during some of the most defining moments of her 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,” a part of the statement read.

“While the world will rightly remember his remarkable achievements, I will remember the man who believed in me and whose impact on my life extends beyond the track.”