Today, MVP Track & Field Club announced that legendary coach Vincent Stephen Francis passed away on July 4, 2026, one day after celebrating his 64th birthday.
Francis helped shape generations of Jamaican sprinting greatness, coaching athletes including Asafa Powell, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Michael Frater, Sherone Simpson, Shericka Jackson, Kishane Thompson, and twins Tia and Tina Clayton.
In a statement, MVP Track & Field Club said: "Stephen was a visionary coach, mentor and leader whose unwavering commitment to excellence transformed the landscape of athletics in Jamaica and inspired generations of athletes. His exceptional ability to develop talent, combined with his relentless pursuit of excellence and deep belief in the potential of those he coached, helped shape the careers of Olympic and World Championship medal winners, world record-breakers, and numerous other athletes, while establishing a standard of coaching that earned worldwide respect."
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, athletes, and everyone whose lives he impacted.
Financially - I’m going to win.
Career wise - I’m going to win.
Mentally - I’m going to win.
Emotionally- I’m going to win.
Physically - I’m going to win.
Family wise - I’m going to win.
With love - I’m going to win.
In my life - I’m going to win.
Affirm it!!
🕊️ BREAKING NEWS
MVP Track & Field Club has announced the passing of its legendary Co-Founder and Technical Director, Stephen Francis, who died on the evening of July 4, 2026.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in track & field history, Francis guided countless athletes to Olympic and World Championship success, including Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Asafa Powell, Elaine Thompson-Herah, Melaine Walker, Nesta Carter, Shericka Jackson, Brigitte Foster-Hylton, Kishane Thompson, Shericka Williams, Sherone Simpson, Michael Frater, Stephenie Ann McPherson, Germaine Mason, and many more.
Known affectionately as "Franno," he revolutionized Jamaican sprinting, proving that the nation's greatest talents could be developed into global champions at home. His legacy will endure through the generations of athletes he mentored and the lasting impact he had on the sport.
Our deepest condolences go out to Paul Francis, the Francis family, the MVP Track & Field Club family, and everyone whose lives he touched.
Rest in peace, Stephen ‘Franno’ Francis 💔🙏
Co-founder of the MVP Track Club in 1999, he played a pivotal role in revolutionising athletics in Jamaica and worldwide.
He guided countless athletes to major championship medals, including Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Asafa Powell, Elaine Thompson-Herah, Melaine Walker, Nesta Carter, Shericka Jackson, Brigitte Foster-Hylton, Kishane Thompson, Shericka Williams, Sherone Simpson, Michael Frater, Stephenie Ann McPherson, Germaine Mason, and many more.
Stephen Francis leaves behind an irreplaceable legacy and will forever be remembered as one of the greatest coaches of all time.
Thank you for everything.
Sha’Carri gets an A grade from me today! Came back from being injured last year and seems to be more technically sound than ever! 👏🏾🥳 10.83 and 10.79 and split 6.95 to 60m 🔥 only up from here