Elaine Thompson-Herah Leads Tributes to Coach Stephen Francis

Elaine Thompson-Herah led tributes to coach Stephen Francis, who died on July 4, 2026.

What happened?

Francis, the co-founder and head coach of the MVP Track & Field Club, passed away after celebrating his 64th birthday.

Why it matters for Elaine Thompson-Herah

Thompson-Herah shared throwback photos and videos with Francis on Instagram, expressing her gratitude for his guidance.

Elaine Thompson-Herah was among the athletes who benefited from Francis' coaching, which spanned decades.

What comes next?

The athletics community will remember Francis for his remarkable accomplishments, including developing some of Jamaica's greatest track and field athletes.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce described Francis as "more than one of the greatest athletics coaches" and praised his influence on her career.

Fraser-Pryce said Francis challenged her to dream beyond her circumstances and instilled in her the confidence to achieve greatness.

The MVP Track Club confirmed that Francis was receiving medical care in hospital before his death.

Kerron Stewart, a former Olympic medallist, also paid tribute to Francis, sharing a photograph of him on social media.

Francis' legacy will be remembered through the numerous athletes he coached, including Asafa Powell, Thompson-Herah, and Fraser-Pryce.

The date of Francis' death, July 4, 2026, will be marked as a significant loss for the athletics community.

Elaine Thompson-Herah and other athletes will continue to draw inspiration from Francis' coaching and legacy.