Iconic Track and Field Coach Stephen Francis Dies; Tributes Flow

Tributes are pouring in for legendary track coach and businessman Steven Francis, affectionately called ‘Frano’, who died on Saturday. He was 64.

 

Co-founder and technical director of the MVP track club, Francis was widely regarded as one of the architects  of Jamaica's sprinting dominance, who shaped the careers of multiple Olympic and world champions, including Asafa Powell, Shelly-Ann Fraser Price, Elaine Thompson, and Shericka Jackson.

 

Prime Minister Andrew Holness recalls how Francis made the bold decision to leave a career in finance so he could dedicate his life to coaching. The Prime Minister also says that choice helped shape one of the greatest leg legacies in track and field and inspired countless athletes to believe in themselves and pursue excellence. He adds, "Jamaica has lost a remarkable son whose herculean efforts were noted and loaded.”

 

In 2017, Francis was bestowed with the fourth highest honour, the Order of Jamaica." Meanwhile, culture minister Olivia Graange describes Francis as a giant of sport, adding, "The JP hails him as a legend." Grange said, “Our country owes Stephen a debt of gratitude. I was really shocked at the news of his passing. Stephen Francis an iconic coach who also understood the business side of sports.”

 

State Minister at the Office of the Prime Minister Abka Fitz-Henley told CVM, “Vincent Steven Francis was astute and diligent in his craft. His success brought major pride and joy to us collectively as a nation. And he his work in consistently guiding some of our most stellar men and women to glory is unparalleled not just in Jamaica but across the globe. Mr Francis had a unique ability to bring the most unheralded track and field participant to a status of international acclaim. On this, the regretful occasion of him being visited by Quietus, the Jamaica Labor Party salutes his contribution to our country, and we give thanks for his life and work which were characterized by distinction.”

 

Opposition leader Mark Golding has joined the chorus of tributes following the passing of legendary track coach Steven Francis.

 

Golding on his socials shared he was deeply saddened by the news describing Francis as a giant of track and field who revolutionized the sport by proving Jamaica could develop worldclass athletes at home.

 

He notes Francis' role as co-founder of the MVP track club where his leadership produced dozens of Olympic and World Championship medals.

 

Golding adds, "Beyond the medals, Francis instilled discipline, belief, and opportunity in young athletes, leaving a legacy that will endure for generations."

 

And the Opposition Spokesman on Sports, Wavell Hinds, described Francis as one of the principal architects of Jamaica's rise in international athletics, noting his relentless pursuit of excellence and confidence in local talent, transformed the nation's sporting landscape. The PNP also extended condolences to Francis's family, the MVP, and the wider sport fraternity.