KINGSTON — Stephen Francis, a Jamaican track and field coach, died on July 4, 2026, at the age of 64. The MVP Track & Field Club announced his death on July 5, 2026, but did not disclose a cause of death.

Francis co-founded the Maximising Velocity & Power Track & Field Club in 1999. He coached several Olympic champions, including Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Elaine Thompson-Herah, Shericka Jackson, Asafa Powell, and Kishane Thompson. Sada Williams also trained under Francis at MVP.

Andrew Holness, the Prime Minister of Jamaica, offered his condolences regarding Francis's death. "Jamaica has lost a remarkable son whose impact will be felt for generations," Holness said. He added, "That choice helped shape one of the greatest legacies in track and field and inspired countless athletes to believe in themselves and pursue excellence."

Bruce James, president of the MVP Track & Field Club, stated that Francis changed Jamaican athletics. "Stephen Francis 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," James said.

Mia Mottley, the Prime Minister of Barbados, also commented on Francis's passing. "For so many boys and girls across the Caribbean, his work proved that small islands can still shake the world," Mottley said. World Athletics issued a statement in response to Francis's death. Francis received the Order of Jamaica in 2017, one of the country's highest civilian honors.