made waves at the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) Nationals Championships in June 2024. He clinched an effortless win in his only event the previous season by clocking an astounding 9.77 seconds in the 100m finals. Not only was this world-leading time his personal best, but this was also the 9th fastest time in history.

In just his second as a professional, the 23-year-old has now secured his spot as the 4th fastest Jamaican, trailing behind Asafa Powell with 9.72 seconds, Yohan Blake with 9.69 seconds, and legendary track icon Usain Bolt with a personal best of 9.58 seconds. What a feat he has achieved! But was that it? Of course not. Later in August 2024, Thompson won a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, finishing the 100m race in 9.789s, just 0.005s behind Noah Lyles, who clocked out in 9.784s.

And that’s how Kishane made waves in the track and field world. And yet again, he kicked off the 2025 season with a blazing 6.48s 60m run in Spanish Town, Jamaica, the fifth-fastest by a Jamaican. Despite a stellar performance, the young athlete has been prone to several injuries. If his performance indicates what’s to come, Jamaica might continue its legacy in track and field, undeterred. But let’s talk about who helped him unleash his potential to the fullest.

Who is Stephen Francis? Kishane Thompson’s coach

Jamaica has given the world numerous track and field stars. Chances are that a few of them have been molded by Stephen “Franno” Francis himself. In 1999, Francis founded the Maximizing Velocity and Power (MVP) Track Club. Under his tutelage, several big names like , , , , and now Kishane Thompson as well have all thrived. From a single glance at the icons he has created, it’s no surprise that many believe spotting talent is Francis’ calling card.

The legendary coach is notorious for reaching out to athletes who either don’t make it in the top 3 or, for some reason, don’t get to compete. This pattern has been displayed quite often, most recently, with Kishane Thompson. But why does Francis do this? He believes in creating a champion rather than approaching one. He has previously clarified that he isn’t one to coach a ready-made athlete.

While it would be difficult to list out the number of medals Francis has helped Jamaica win, it is glaringly obvious that his ability to create an Olympic champion is unmatched. Did you know Stephen Francis holds an MBA in finance from the University of Michigan and a BSc in management studies from the University of the West Indies? Would we have still seen Jamaica’s dominance on the track post the 90s?

While we might never find the answer to that question. But what’s that thing that made Francis believe that his mentee, Kishane Thompson, can be the next Jamaican star?

Why does Stephen Francis believe Kishane Thompson can be Jamaica’s next sprint star?

When Kishane Thompson stepped on the track at the JAAA National Championships, he only had one goal on his mind—crossing the finishing line as an Olympian. The 23-year-old put that theory into motion by breezing past his competition in the 100m semi-finals with 9.82 seconds on the clock. He had made it through to the finals with a new personal best. But he still wasn’t done.

He blazed through to the finish line in the finals, taking up the top spot with 9.77 seconds on the clock. He ran 2 seconds faster than Ferdinand Omanyala, who set a world lead with 9.79 seconds. Thompson credits Francis for this win. “My coach instructed me just to run the first 60 meters, nothing more—after that, shut it down.” The legendary coach had to tweak his approach for the sprinter.

And coach Francis once said, “Kishane has what it takes to shock the world. This is just the beginning for him,” one step closer to the goal, right? Thompson continues, “I am just listening to my coach because I have been hurt so many times, and it is because of him that I am here right now.” At the National Championships last year, Kishane Thompson had clinched an easy win in the 100m heats with 9.91 seconds.

Despite winning, he didn’t compete in the semi-finals, puzzling many of his fans. However, Francis explained that this was always part of the plan. To ensure the sprinter didn’t injure himself, he decided that they would showcase his impressive talent in a controlled manner. After his performance at the 2024 championships, Francis believes that Thompson could easily surpass his personal best and clock in at 9.6 effortlessly.

The co-head coach of the MVP Track Club in Jamaica also said, “Based on what I saw him do in the final, I think if he had maintained that speed he had between 40 and 80, he probably would have run 9.6 or thereabouts.” Why so? Stephen Francis praised Thompson’s blazing speed, especially his 9.77s run at the Jamaican Olympic trials, making him the ninth-fastest sprinter ever. Though he missed Olympic gold in Paris by just five-thousandths of a second to Noah Lyles, Francis is confident his best is yet to come.

Who else has Stephen Francis coached besides Kishane Thompson?

Stephen Francis has coached some of the biggest names in Jamaican sprinting, shaping multiple Olympic and World Champions. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, one of the greatest female sprinters in history, dominated the 100m for over a decade under his guidance. Asafa Powell, a former 100m world record holder (9.77s and 9.74s), set the standard for consistent sub-10-second performances, cementing Jamaica’s sprinting dominance.

Elaine Thompson-Herah, a double Olympic champion in the 100m and 200m (2016 and 2021), became the second-fastest woman in history under Francis’ coaching. Shericka Jackson, a powerhouse across the 100m, 200m, and 400m, has also thrived under his mentorship, collecting Olympic and World Championship medals. Now, with Kishane Thompson in the mix, Francis continues to shape Jamaica’s sprinting legacy.