Stephen Francis will head a list of personal coaches travelling with Jamaican athletes to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Francis, one of the world’s most successful coaches, will have among his charges Elaine Thompson-Herah and Stephenie-Ann McPherson.
Thompson-Herah, under Francis’ guidance, won the Rio 2016 sprint double. She is aiming to defend both titles at the Tokyo 2020 games. Fellow Jamaicans Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, the Doha 2019 world 100m champion, and Shericka Jackson are also strong contenders for the sprint double.
Great Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith is another contender for the double. Bahamian Shaunae Miller-Uibo and American Gabby Thomas will be hot in the half-lap event.
In searching for her first global individual medal, McPherson enters with an excellent chance in the women’s 400m. She is coming off back-to-back 400m wins, Gateshead Diamond League in 50.44 and the Hungarian Athletics Grand Prix in 49.99.
Francis also guided Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce to back-to-back Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympic Games.
Kerrylee Ricketts is the coach and husband of Shanieka Ricketts. He guided her to her first global medal, silver, at the Doha 2019 World Championships.
Venezuelan world champion Yulimar Rojas is Rickett’s biggest threat in the women’s triple jump.
Natoya Goule, who is enjoying an outstanding season, will have her coach Mark Elliott in Tokyo.
Shawnterry Manboard is the other personal best.
Meanwhile, the team coaches are Coaches Maurice Wilson, Paul Francis, Julian Robinson, Renaldo Walcott, Gregory Little and Jerry Holness.
He is going to cause ….mek mi shut it… grhhh
Why aren’t they in tokyo yet? Track starts a week from today.