National athletics coaching icon Stephen Francis is battling illness and has been hospitalised.

Francis, the co-founder and technical director of Jamaica’s most successful athletics club — MVP (Maximising Velocity and Power), has been ill for months, causing concern all over social media to the extent that persons posted that he had passed.

This has prompted the MVP club to issue a press statement clarifying Francis’ position.

“The MVP Track & Field Club is issuing this statement in response to public interest regarding our Co-Founder and Technical Director, Stephen Francis, who is currently receiving medical care in hospital,” said President Bruce James.

“Mr Francis is under the care of a dedicated team of medical professionals, and he and his family are grateful for the excellent treatment and support being provided. While there has been understandable concern regarding his well-being, Mr Francis has requested that the details of his medical condition, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis remain private. The Club respectfully asks that his wishes be honoured,” said the statement signed by James.

It continued: “Stephen Francis has devoted his life to the development of athletics in Jamaica and has helped shape the careers of Olympic, World Championship, and national athletes while making an enduring contribution to the growth and success of the sport in Jamaica and internationally. The many expressions of concern, prayers, and well wishes received have been deeply appreciated by him, his family, and everyone at the MVP Track & Field Club”.

“The Club also wishes to thank members of the traditional media for the professionalism, sensitivity, and restraint they have shown in respecting Mr Francis’ privacy during this time,” said James.

“At this time, our priority is to support Mr Francis and his family while ensuring the continued operations of the Club and the ongoing preparation of our athletes. We are confident that the systems, coaching staff, and leadership within MVP will continue to provide the high standard of coaching and athlete support for which the Club is recognised.

“We respectfully ask the public to refrain from engaging in or encouraging speculation regarding Mr Francis’ health, and to continue respecting his privacy. Should there be any information that Mr Francis or the Club wishes to share in the future, it will be communicated through official MVP Track & Field Club channels,” James noted.

“The Club sincerely thanks everyone for their understanding, compassion, and continued prayers,” it concluded.