Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has led tributes to her former coach Stephen Francis, who died on Saturday night.
Francis coached Fraser-Pryce to numerous Olympic and World Championship gold medals.

What happened?

Fraser-Pryce joined the University of Technology, Jamaica-based MVP Track and Field Club in 2006, where she was coached by Francis.

She won her first Olympic gold medal in the 100m at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Why it matters for Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce

Fraser-Pryce credits Francis for her success, saying he was a steady source of guidance throughout her career.

He challenged her to dream big and demanded excellence in every race.

Fraser-Pryce left the MVP club in 2020 and retired from athletics at the Tokyo World Championships last year.

What comes next?

Fraser-Pryce will remember Francis as a man who believed in her and had a significant impact on her life.

She says his philosophy of success through consistency, discipline, and self-belief will stay with her forever.

Elaine Thompson-Herah, another prominent athlete coached by Francis, also paid tribute to him on social media.

Thompson-Herah won gold medals in the 100m and 200m at the Rio and Tokyo Olympics.

She left the MVP club in 2021 but has spoken highly of Francis's coaching and influence.

Usain Bolt, a Jamaican sprint legend, also paid tribute to Francis despite being coached by Glen Mills.

Bolt acknowledged Francis's significant contribution to Jamaican athletics.

MVP Track and Field Club president Bruce James said Francis changed the trajectory of Jamaican athletics for the better.

He proved that Jamaican athletes could achieve greatness with the right guidance.

Fraser-Pryce's tribute to Francis is a testament to the impact he had on her career and life.

She will always remember him as a coach who believed in her and pushed her to be her best.

On Saturday night, the athletics world lost a great coach and mentor.

Francis's legacy will live on through the athletes he coached, including Fraser-Pryce and Thompson-Herah.

His influence on Jamaican athletics will be felt for years to come.

The athletics community will miss him, but his memory will continue to inspire future generations.