UNDER Stephen Francis, Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce and Elaine Thompson-Herah became two of the greatest sprinters in history, and they were among the many who paid tribute to his impact following his death on Saturday night.

Fraser-Pryce joined the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech)-based MVP Track and Field Club after leaving Wolmer’s Trust High School For Girls in 2006.

She announced herself to the world in 2008 when she won gold in the women’s 100m in Beijing, becoming the first Caribbean woman to win the event. It was only the beginning of her success under Francis as she added a number of medals, including Olympic gold in the 100m in 2012, and world titles in 2009, 2013, 2015 and 2019.

Fraser-Pryce left the club in 2020 before ultimately retiring at the Tokyo World Championships last year. She says Francis was key in making her a legend of the sport.

“He was not only my coach but a steady source of guidance during some of the most defining moments of my career,” she said. “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.

“Everything we accomplished together was built on sacrifice in the relentless pursuit for greatness. His standards were uncompromising because he believed his athletes were capable of extraordinary things.

“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. As Jamaicans, we grieve together but we also celebrate a lifetime of extraordinary and immeasurable impact and influence. His philosophy was built on the premise that success was earned through consistency, discipline and self-belief. Those lessons will remain with me always.”

Thompson-Herah, after leaving Manchester High, joined Francis’s MVP in 2011, which had already produced 100m stars Fraser-Pryce and Sherone Simpson.

She turned out to be one of Francis’s greatest athletes, winning gold in both the 100m and 200m at the Rio Olympics in 2016 before repeating the feat at the Tokyo Games in 2021.

Thompson-Herah also established herself as one of the fastest women in history, clocking 10.54 seconds in the 100m — just 0.05 seconds shy of the world record of 10.49 set by American Florence Griffith Joyner — and 21.53 seconds in the 200m. Only Griffith Joyner and Jamaican sprint superstar Shericka Jackson have run faster over the half-lap event.

Thompson-Herah left MVP at the end of 2021, after a reported fallout with Francis, though Francis in 2024 said he “had a lot of sympathy for Elaine” following her struggles with injuries since leaving the club.

“I’m lost for words right now,” she said on her official
Instagram account while posting photos and videos of herself and Francis. “Thanks for paving the way, the greatest to ever do it. Rest in peace to an ICON, you will be surely missed.”

Several of Francis’s current and former athletes also shared tributes and condolence following his passing. Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt, despite being coached by Glen Mills at Racers Track Club, also paid tribute.

MVP Track and Field Club president and close friend of Francis, Bruce James said he “changed the trajectory of Jamaican athletics for the better. He proved that Jamaican athletes, guided by Jamaican coaches, supported by Jamaican management, and training in Jamaica, could become the very best in the world.

“His vision, uncompromising pursuit of excellence, and belief in the potential of our athletes transformed not only countless individual careers, but also the standing of Jamaican athletics on the global stage. His legacy will endure for generations.”

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says Francis played a significant role in “building Brand Jamaica”.

“There is no doubt that Stephen was a patriot who wanted the best for his country,” Holness said. “His work impacted a host of lives in positive ways.

“Stephen made the bold decision to leave a career in finance so he could dedicate his life to coaching. That choice helped shape one of the greatest legacies in track and field and inspired countless athletes to believe in themselves and pursue excellence.

“Jamaica has lost a remarkable son whose impact will be felt for generations. Stephen knew how much we appreciated his work and his Herculean contribution to our island and to global track and field in general.”

Sports Minister Olivia Grange also credited Francis for helping to build Jamaica’s athletic legacy globally.

“Stephen Francis is responsible for a large part of the pride and joy which Jamaicans feel when our athletes do well on the international stage,” she said. “He was a unique person who used his talents to bring glory to our country, and to improve the lives of countless athletes who benefited from his guidance and tremendous expertise. Our country owes Stephen a debt of gratitude.”

The Garth Gayle-led Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA), which Francis was critical of during his time, says he’s one of the greatest coaches in the sport’s history.

“Stephen Francis was a titan of track and field whose visionary leadership and unparalleled coaching brilliance transformed the landscape of Jamaican track and field,” the statement said. “As the co-founder and head coach of the MVP Track Club he revolutionised local training — proving that world-class athletes could be nurtured and achieve global dominance right here on home soil.

“Beyond the medals and world records, Coach Francis was a mentor, a father figure, and a fierce advocate for his athletes. He instilled a culture of resilience and excellence that inspired generations of young Jamaicans to dream without limits. His immense contributions to our national sporting heritage will forever be etched in the annals of history.”