Jamaican sprint legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce expressed immense pride in her nation’s return to sprinting dominance at the World Athletics Championships 2025 in Tokyo. After a disappointing outing at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Jamaica bounced back strongly with three medals, sparking hope and joy among fans and athletes alike.
Oblique Seville stormed to gold in the men’s 100m, leading a Jamaican one-two finish alongside Kishane Thompson, while Tina Clayton impressed with a silver medal in the women’s final. Fraser-Pryce, who also lined up in the 100m final, hailed the resurgence as a moment that places Jamaica “right where we belong.”
Reflecting on the turnaround, the 38-year-old recalled how last year Jamaica managed just one sprint medal in Paris after injuries derailed her and Shericka Jackson’s campaigns. “Tonight, we had three ladies in the final and Tina walking away with silver and a personal best. That’s a huge accomplishment for us as a team,” she said.
Although Fraser-Pryce finished sixth in the final, clocking 11.08 seconds behind winner Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, her compatriot Clayton, and other sprint stars, she remained upbeat. For the decorated sprinter, simply reaching another world final at this stage of her career was a triumph.
She emphasized the importance of relationships and shared experiences in athletics, acknowledging that only one person can win gold but every athlete’s journey carries meaning. “We all have stories, challenges, and setbacks. Standing on that line together shows that every competitor is a winner in their own right,” she noted.
The “Mommy Rocket,” as she is fondly known, has hinted that this might be her last individual championship appearance. However, when pressed on whether Tokyo marked the end of her glittering career, Fraser-Pryce kept fans guessing. “You are wicked to me,” she laughed, before explaining that her focus is on enjoying the moment and preparing for the 4x100m relay, where she aims to help Jamaica secure another medal.
As a two-time Olympic champion and five-time world champion, Fraser-Pryce has cemented her place among the greatest sprinters of all time. Whether Tokyo is her swansong or just another chapter, her pride in Jamaica’s revival and her contribution to its sprinting legacy remain undeniable
