As the countdown begins for the 2025 World Athletics Championships, all eyes are on Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce as she prepares for her final global appearance on the track. After nearly two decades of dominance, resilience, and a legacy that has defined women’s sprinting, she has chosen to close her career on her own terms under the guidance of a new and unexpected coach, Andre Wellington.
For much of her journey, Fraser-Pryce’s story has been shaped by powerful coaching partnerships that elevated her to legendary status. From her early years at MVP Track Club to her remarkable resurgence with Elite Performance, coaching has been central to her success. Now, at the twilight of her career, she has decided to take a different path by entrusting Wellington with her last chapter.
Wellington is not yet a household name in global athletics, but within Jamaican track and field circles, he commands deep respect. A former athlete himself, he built his reputation through nurturing young talent and has worked with some of the most promising sprinters emerging from Kingston. His career has included stints at top track clubs and guiding medal-winning juniors. But to be handed the responsibility of leading a sprinting icon in her farewell season is a challenge of a different magnitude.
What makes Wellington’s approach distinct is his philosophy. Rather than rigid programs and traditional systems, he operates with a servant-leadership style. He prioritizes listening, adapting, and providing an environment that allows the athlete to thrive according to their own rhythm. For a seasoned competitor like Fraser-Pryce, who has unmatched knowledge of her own body and mind, this collaborative model is proving invaluable.
At this stage, the metrics of success extend beyond medals. For Fraser-Pryce, the goal is to finish with dignity, joy, and fulfillment. For Wellington, success will be measured in the way she carries herself, the freedom with which she runs, and the pride with which she concludes a career that has inspired generations.
As the world watches her final strides on the global stage, Wellington will remain in the background quiet, steady, and influential. His fingerprints may not be obvious in the headlines, but they will be etched in every performance Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce delivers in her farewell season.
