Stephen 'Franno' Francis, MVP Track Club Co-Founder and Sprint Mentor, Dies at 64

Stephen "Franno" Francis, a towering figure in Jamaican athletics, has died at the age of 64, just one day after celebrating his birthday.

As co-founder and technical director of MVP Track Club, Francis played a central role in nurturing some of the fastest athletes the island has produced. His roster of protégés includes Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Elaine Thompson-Herah, Asafa Powell and Shericka Jackson.

Francis changed the landscape of Jamaican sprinting by proving that world-beating talent could be developed at home. Under his guidance, the country claimed a steady stream of medals at the Olympic Games and World Championships.

The government recognised his impact on sport and nation-building when he was conferred with the Order of Jamaica in 2017.