KINGSTON, Jamaica — Tributes poured in from across the athletics community on Sunday following the death of legendary Jamaican track coach Stephen Francis, with some of Jamaica’s biggest sprint stars, including Elaine Thompson-Herah and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, honouring the coach who helped shape their careers.

Francis died late Saturday, a day after celebrating his 64th birthday.

READ: Stephen Francis, legendary Jamaican track coach, has died

The co-founder and head coach of the MVP Track & Field Club had been battling health issues in recent months. The club confirmed last week that he was receiving medical care in hospital as concern grew throughout Jamaica’s athletics fraternity over his condition.

Over a coaching career spanning decades, Francis helped develop some of the country’s greatest track and field athletes, including Asafa Powell, Fraser-Pryce, Thompson-Herah, Shericka Jackson, Brigitte Foster-Hylton, Melaine Walker, Michael Frater, Sherone Simpson, Kerron Stewart and Tajay Gayle.

In a series of Instagram stories on Sunday, Thompson-Herah shared throwback photos and videos with Francis from the early stages of her career, alongside the message: “Where it all started. I’m lost for words right now.”

She shared another image of the legendary coach with the caption: “Thanks for paving the way. The greatest to ever do it. Rest in peace to an icon, you will be surely missed.”

Fraser-Pryce also paid an emotional tribute, describing Francis as “more than one of the greatest athletics coaches”.

“We have lost a visionary, a mentor and a man whose influence transcended the track,” Fraser-Pryce said. “He was not only my coach but a steady source of guidance during some of the most defining moments of my 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.”

She said Francis’ uncompromising standards were rooted in his belief that his athletes were capable of extraordinary achievements, adding that he helped shape an era that transformed Jamaican athletics by producing World and Olympic champions while inspiring generations of young Jamaicans to pursue greatness.

“His legacy is etched into every medal won, every record broken and every young Jamaican athlete who dares to dream,” the retired sprinter said.

Fraser-Pryce added that while the world would remember Francis for his remarkable accomplishments, she would remember “the man who believed in me and whose impact on my life extends beyond the track”.

She ended her tribute by extending condolences to Francis’ family, including his brother Paul, and the entire MVP Track Club, wishing them “strength, comfort and peace”.

Former Olympic medallist Kerron Stewart also remembered her longtime coach, sharing a photograph of Francis on social media with the simple caption: “Rest well.”