Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, often hailed as the greatest female sprinter in history, began her 2024 season cautiously. At 37, the risk of overworking is high, so her late start wasn’t initially a concern. However, as the National Trials loomed and she withdrew from a scheduled meet, apprehension grew. Her first appearance of the season ended up being at the National Championships. She had previously announced that the Paris Olympics would be her final Games—not necessarily her last race—and reaffirmed this with certainty.
Fraser-Pryce, arguably, the greatest female sprinter in history, but without doubt one of the finest to have graced the synthetic tracks across the world, emerged from the vibrant but volatile community of Waterhouse, Kingston, to become one of Jamaica’s finest ambassadors. Her career is a testament to hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. This article does not seek to recount her numerous achievements—these are readily available online—but rather to reflect on the circumstances surrounding her decision to exit the Olympic stage.
With two decades of senior competition and 18 years of unparalleled success at the highest level, her accomplishments are beyond dispute.
- First Caribbean Woman to Win the 100m at the Olympics
- Second Fastest Woman Alive
- 10 World Championships Gold Medals (including six individual titles)
- One of Three Women to Defend the Olympic 100m Title
- Eight Olympic Medals (three of which are Gold)
- 16 World Championships Medals
These are just a few of the incredible feats that have earned her global acclaim. Her transition from a second tier Girls Championships athlete to the pinnacle of world athletics has been nothing short of meteoric.
Shelly-Ann’s early days were marked by challenges and controversies, including disputes surrounding her selection in 2008. Yet, she overcame all odds to become the first Caribbean woman to win the prestigious 100m event at the Olympics. Leading an unprecedented sweep of medals for Jamaica, her victory in Beijing was truly phenomenal. Competing against—and defeating—her childhood heroes on the world’s grandest stage was a testament to her mental strength and fortitude.
Her dominance on the track, despite numerous injuries and setbacks, speaks to a focus and resilience unmatched by most. Even her transition from the MVP Track Club to the Elite Track Club, which could have disrupted the rhythm of any athlete, only seemed to sharpen her resolve.
Despite having clocked a Jamaican record of 10.70 seconds during her time at MVP, Shelly-Ann felt she still had more to achieve. At the 2019 Howard Aris Memorial Lecture, she spoke passionately about her comeback. It wasn’t a boast but a prophecy grounded in the belief in her ability to face challenges and overcome them.
And she delivered. Shelly-Ann ran under 10.70 seconds on nine separate occasions—more than anyone else in history—all achieved after becoming a mother. Such a feat defies belief and underscores her remarkable talent and determination.
With the 2024 Paris Olympics chosen as her point of exit from this particular competition, I would have liked to see our foremost administrators of track and field address this occasion with an approach worthy of the icon and her contributions to sports. The Jamaica Athletic Administrative Association (JAAA) and the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) are the two bodies vested with the responsibility to ensure that the send-off for one who has given more than yeoman’s service to the sport and the nation over the last eighteen years, is worthy of her exploits
A collaborative approach involving the athlete and her team, combined with government support, should be the order of the day. Injuries or unforeseen circumstances wouldn’t derail such a well-laid plan. With guidance from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and World Athletics, a tribute worthy of Shelly-Ann’s legacy is more than achievable.
There’s still time to plan a special send-off. The fact that Jamaica may not have previously given such recognition to its athletic legends is no reason to hold back now. We should establish a standard that ensures future generations know how to honour those who have given their all for the country and sport.
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce deserves nothing less than a spectacular farewell—one that celebrates her stellar career and cements her place as a true Jamaican icon.
