Retired Jamaican sprint legend Asafa Powell has shared a heartfelt tribute to his longtime coach. Stephen Francis, saying he is still struggling to accept the loss of the man who transformed both his career and life.
Francis passed away late Saturday, just one after celebrating his 64th birthday.
In an sincere post he share on his instagram on Monday, Powell admitted that the news left him speechless.
“I still cant believe this happened. i cant believe you’re gone, theres so much wanna say, but somehow lost of words. I’m am trying to process it all. its painful for me to accept that you are no longer here”.
Looking back on more than 20 years together, Powell said Francis was more than a coach, he described him as a father figure, mentor, brother and friend who recognized his potential long before anyone esle did. he wrote alongside a photo of the two.
My heart aches as i say goodbye to the man who saw in me what i couldn’t see in myself, he took me from Charlemont High School in the countryside to Kingston, believed in me when i didn’t yet see believe in myself, he inspired me to dream of breaking world records,” Powell wrote.
Powell also reflected on the lasting influence Francis had, saying he legacy stretches well beyond the track and will continue to share generations of Jamaican athletes.
Closing his tribute, Powell thanked the celebrated coach for standing by him from the very beginning.
“Thank you, Coach. I’ll never forget you. thank you for believing in me before the rest of the world did.” he wrote
