Legendary Jamaican track and field coach Stephen Francis, whose athletes helped establish Jamaica as a global sprinting powerhouse, has died at the age of 64.

The Maximising Velocity and Power (MVP) Track and Field Club, which Francis co-founded in 1999, announced that he died late on Saturday at hospital, one day after celebrating his birthday.

No cause of death was disclosed, although local media reported that he had been receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness.

In a statement, MVP co-founder and president Bruce James described Francis as a visionary whose coaching transformed 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.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in the sport, Francis developed some of Jamaica’s most celebrated athletes, including Olympic and world champions Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Elaine Thompson-Herah, Shericka Jackson, Olympic long jump champion Tajay Gayle, and former 100-metre world record holder Asafa Powell.

His contributions to Jamaican sport were recognised in 2017 when he was awarded the Order of Jamaica.

Jamaica’s Sports Minister Olivia Grange said Francis’ influence extended far beyond the medals won by his athletes.

“Stephen Francis is responsible for a large part of the pride and joy which Jamaicans feel when our athletes do well on the international stage. He was a unique person who used his talents to bring glory to our country and to improve the lives of countless athletes who benefitted from his guidance and tremendous expertise. Our country owes Stephen a debt of gratitude,” she said.

Opposition Leader Mark Golding described Francis, affectionately known as “Franno,” as a giant of the sport whose impact permanently changed Jamaican athletics.

“He revolutionised our sport by proving that world-class athletes could be developed right here at home in Jamaica,” Golding said. “Beyond the medals, ‘Franno’ gave our young athletes belief, discipline and opportunity. He showed that with vision, structure and hard work, coaching and athlete preparation right here in Jamaica set the global standard.”

Tributes also came from across the Caribbean.

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley said Francis’ legacy reached far beyond Jamaica’s borders, noting that his work with Barbadian sprinter Sada Williams helped propel her to historic success.

“Jamaica has lost one of its great builders of sport, and the Caribbean has lost a man whose work gave all of us reason to stand taller,” Mottley said.

“Stephen ‘Franno’ Francis helped turn talent into discipline, promise into excellence, and Caribbean speed into a language the world could not ignore.”

She extended condolences to Francis’ family, the MVP Track Club, his athletes, the people of Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, saying his legacy would continue to inspire future generations of athletes.