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Tributes continue to pour in for the late legendary track and field coach and co-founder of the MVP Track Club Stephen Francis O.J  . 

The influential master sprinting tactician  who guided several athletes to olympic and world titles and helped turn the small Caribbean island into a sprinting powerhouse, died on Saturday night in hospital at the age of 64.

Prime Minister The Most Honourable, Doctor Andrew Holness offered his condolences, stating on X, that Jamaica has lost a remarkable son whose impact will be felt for generations, another Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados said Francis helped turned talent into discipline, promise into excellence, and Caribbean speed into a language the world could not ignore.

Leader of the opposition Mark Golding noted that Jamaica and the world have lost a giant of track and field . 

World Athletics, the sport’s global governing body, said it was deeply saddened by Francis’ death, describing how his vision reduced Jamaica’s talent drain and intensified the island’s passion for track.

Among those adding tributes was also the President of the Jamaica Olympic Association- Christopher Samuda. 

Joa Boss Christopher Samuda 

Among the athletes Francis coached were Olympic Champions Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Elaine Thompson-Herah, Melaine Walker , Shericka Jackson, Sherone Simpson, Tanya Lawrence, in addition to World Champion Bridgette Foster -Hylton. 

On the men’s side, former men’s 100-meter world record holder Asafa Powell, Olympic silver medalist Kishane Thompson, Nesta Carter, Michael Frater, Tajay Gayle, Germaine Mason and dozens of other international medalist.