KINGSTON, Jamaica — Former Calabar High School star athlete, Javon ‘Donkeyman’ Francis has confirmed that he has decided to train in Texas, United States with Coach Darryl Woodson at his Training Ground Elite group for the 2018/2019 season and beyond.

The disclosure was made through a release from JAD Professional Management Limited today wishing to clarify Francis’ position as it relates to his professional career.

JAD explained that Francis believes that the move will further help with his development in becoming a world class 400 metre athlete.

Francis thanked Akan Head Coach, Michael Clarke, who is said to have been not just a coach but a mentor to the athlete for the past seven years from junior to senior level.

“I am really thankful to Mr Michael Clarke and the entire Akan and Calabar family for the work they put in to get me where I am. I always felt comfortable working with them and will forever be grateful,” Francis said.

“At this point in my career, I felt it necessary to make this move simply for track & field reasons and believe it will impact my career positively,” he added.

The release outlined that the decision to transition to Coach Woodson is a significant step and one that he did not take lightly.

“This was done after careful consideration and discussion with his family, close friends and his management team. He believes that this step can only be beneficial to both himself and coach Woodson, the release stated.

Francis’ training partner and Akan Club member quarter-miler Kavon Nelson was recently gunned down at his home in Kingston.

At the time of Nelson’s murder Francis took to social media to express his grief on his training partner’s untimely passing.

“RIP to my best friend, otherwise my training partner,” Francis posted on his Facebook page. “I never know this day would come. You are a brother to me and someone who love and care but I just want to say I love you from the bottom of my heart you will still be in my heart bro.”