Kishane Thompson's Coach Stirs Jamaica–US Sprint Rivalry With Jail Digs at Sha'Carri Richardson, Fred Kerley

MVP Track Club coach Stephen Francis has discussed the trends in Jamaican sprinting, as he subtly aimed a dig at Sha’Carri Richardson and Fred Kerley.

Stephen Francis, who coaches Shericka Jackson, Kishane Thompson and Tia and Tina Clayton, among other stars, noted that the Jamaicans have performed much better at this year’s World Championships, but he is unsure about how long it might last.

In the women’s 100m, Tina Clayton won a silver medal, while in the men’s race, Oblique Seville and Kishane Thompson finished first and second, respectively. In the 200m, Shericka Jackson and Bryan Levell won bronze medals in the women’s and men’s races.

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However, Stephen Francis also noted that fans always tend to compare the two sprinting giants, noting that it is only after something bad happens in the US that people will feel the need to claim that Jamaican sprinting is back.

He gave references to Sha’Carri Richardson, who was jailed after an altercation with her boyfriend, Christian Coleman. The 2022 world champion, Fred Kerley, was also arrested twice this season, following a confrontation with police officers in Miami and after an altercation with his ex-girlfriend, Alaysha Johnson.

“Nothing much has changed since last year, and last year they were saying it’s dead. All it takes is for a few Americans not to have the best situation…a couple of them to go to jail a couple of times for things to switch around,” Stephen Francis told Television Jamaica.

He also spoke about the worrying trends of sprinting in Jamaica, noting that the federation has to be keen on supporting the youngsters.

Stephen Francis added that when most of them complete their education, they tend to disappear when the country needs them the most.

“So, I would not say that things have happened that Jamaica has done decently. It is difficult to know if there is a trend for the future…all we can do is hope that we continue to facilitate the youngsters who are coming up to make good choices for themselves, and hopefully for track and field.

“Too many of our youngsters are falling by the wayside in terms of when they become 22 or 23, they are no longer able to contribute much, but it’s a cycle, and this year we have done well.”

The veteran coach also lauded Tina Clayton, noting that she has been brilliant and even set a personal best time, competing against some of the strongest women in the 100m.

He pointed out that for him, that is what matters when it comes to showing up and being impressive in a championship, surpassing their previous performances.

“We have always wanted to see athletes surpass what they had done; we always want to see personal best times. It was well done for her. In most cases, we have managed to accomplish that, so we have had a decent performance,” he pointed out.

Kishane Thompson settled for silver in the race, just like at the Paris Olympic Games, where he was forced to take second, as Noah Lyles claimed top honours, five thousandths of a second faster.