Oblique Seville on How Coaches Glen Mills, Stephen Francis and Lance Brawman Have Redefined Modern Sprinting

Oblique Seville has opened up on the influence of three legendary sprint coaches—Glen Mills, Stephen Francis, and Lance Brauman—saying they have redefined what it means to excel in modern sprinting. 

After clinching gold in the men’s 100 metres at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Seville said it is their collective guidance that has shaped his rise and set a new standard for elite track athletes.

Speaking in a recent video uploaded on World Athletics documenting his Tokyo 2025 100m journey alongside countryman Kishane Thompson, Seville revealed the impact the three coaches have had in redefining modern sprinting, considering all three medalists -Seville, Thompson and Lyles - are under their guidance.

“If you check the statistics in track and field, it’s the same code, different athletes—Steven Francis, coach Lance,  Glen Mills,” Seville said.

Oblique went on to explain how Francis and Mills in particular, have put Jamaica on the sprinting map. 

“Through the years in Jamaica, these coaches have had athletes prove themselves over and over throughout the years. So it’s actually something good for us here.”

Mills, head coach at Racers Track Club and famous for coaching Usain Bolt to multiple world and Olympic titles, has also guided Yohan Blake and Kim Collins among others.

 His ability to deliver world titles with different athletes and remain consistent over decades has earned him legendary status.

Stephen Francis, founder of MVP Track Club, has likewise built a reputation for producing champions across multiple disciplines—including sprints and hurdles.

 His pupils include Elaine Thompson-Herah, Asafa Powell, Shericka Jackson, and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, among others. 

Under Francis, athletes have repeatedly shown up at major global competitions, proving not just raw talent but tactical maturity.

Lance Brauman,who is Noah Lyles’ current coach , has also played a role in the modern sprinting scene, particularly through technical excellence and helping athletes reach the very top of their speed and form. 

He coached Tyson Gay to a World Championship sprint treble in 2007, and under his guidance, the retired American sprinter also became the joint-second fastest 100m runner of all time with a 9.68 record set in 2009.

The young Jamaican star explained that they aren’t just producing one breakout; they have consistently elevated athletes to medal-winning form. “We are just rewriting history,” Seville said—meaning that this new generation under those coaching trees is building on decades of excellence.