Jamaicans are growing increasingly concerned over Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s quiet build-up to the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. The sprint legend, who has already confirmed this will be her final competitive season, has kept a noticeably low profile on the track sparking worry among her supporters about her medal prospects.
Fraser-Pryce has not competed since June 27 when she sealed qualification for the global event by finishing third at the Jamaican National Championships. With only 52 days remaining before the Tokyo showdown, fans are wondering how prepared she is, especially with four Diamond League events having taken place since then none of which she has entered.
So far, the 38-year-old has competed in just one Diamond League event this season the Doha meeting in May along with a relay appearance at the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China. Her current season’s best stands at 10.91 seconds, the time she clocked during the Jamaican trials. While that performance earned her a place in Tokyo, it left fans questioning her form heading into the biggest stage.
In recent weeks, Fraser-Pryce has been seen attending social events, including a cricket match between the West Indies and Australia at Sabina Park. Although her presence at public events underscores her growing influence beyond the track as a philanthropist and mentor fans feel she is spending more time on post-retirement engagements than competition prep.
Supporters have taken to social media to voice their concerns, with some expressing frustration that she has only been visible as a “model and spectator” rather than an active competitor. Others understand she is transitioning to life after athletics but urge her to stay focused, pointing out that Tokyo won’t “run itself.”
As one of the most decorated sprinters in history, expectations remain high for Fraser-Pryce to close her illustrious career on a strong note. However, with limited races under her belt and time ticking, the worry among Jamaicans is whether she will be at peak form when the championships begin.
Despite the concerns, many still hold out hope that the “Pocket Rocket” has one more explosive performance left in her as she prepares to bow out on the world stage.
