Jamaican sprint legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has withdrawn from the Olympic 100m semi-final at the Paris 2024 Games, marking the end of an era for the 37-year-old athlete. Fraser-Pryce, a five-time world champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist in the 100m, had successfully advanced from her heat but chose not to compete further.
Despite this setback, Fraser-Pryce may still add to her impressive tally of 24 global medals as a member of Jamaica’s women’s 4x100m relay team, which secured gold at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Known for her extraordinary speed and competitive spirit, she remains the third-fastest woman in history with a personal best of 10.60 seconds.
Fraser-Pryce aimed to achieve a remarkable fifth consecutive Olympic podium finish in the 100m, having narrowly missed a third title in Tokyo, where fellow Jamaican Elaine Thompson-Herah claimed gold. Earlier this year, Fraser-Pryce announced her intention to retire, bringing to a close a stellar 17-year career that began at the 2007 World Championships with Jamaica’s 4x100m relay team.
As she nears the conclusion of her illustrious career, Fraser-Pryce’s legacy as one of the greatest sprinters in history is firmly cemented, inspiring generations of athletes around the world. Her contributions to athletics and her consistent performances on the global stage have left an indelible mark on the sport.
