Asafa Powell honours Stephen Francis in heartfelt Instagram tribute after coach's death

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Retired sprint star Asafa Powell has publicly mourned Stephen Francis, the legendary track coach who shaped his career for more than two decades. Francis passed away late Saturday, only a day after marking his 64th birthday.

On Monday, Powell turned to Instagram to share grief he said he was still struggling to absorb. "I still can't believe this happened. I still can't believe you're gone. There's so much I want to say, but somehow I'm lost for words. I'm still trying to process it all, and it's hard to accept that you're no longer here," he wrote alongside a photograph of the pair.

Reflecting on their partnership of more than 20 years, Powell said Francis was far more than a coach in his life. "My heart aches as I say goodbye to the man who saw in me what I couldn't see in myself. For over 20 years, my coach was a father, a brother, a friend. He brought me from the countryside from Charlemont High School to Kingston, held a dream when I had none, and taught me to believe in myself, told me I could break records. I'm so grateful that I was a part of his dream and made it come true."

Powell also spoke of the steady belief, structure and mentorship Francis provided throughout his career. "Thank you for your guidance, your discipline, and for pushing me to become the athlete and the man that I am today. Some of my greatest moments of my career were possible because you saw something in me and never stopped believing. I will carry his spirit in every step I take. Your impact reaches far beyond the track. Your legacy will continue to live on, Jamaica's story in track and field is forever richer because of you, and your impact will continue to inspire generations to come," he stated.

He closed with a final farewell to the man who backed him long before the wider world took notice. "Thank you, coach…I'll never forget you. Thank you for believing in me before the world did," Powell added.