Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has shared her reflections on her performance at the Brussels Diamond League, admitting that a poor start may have cost her a podium finish. The Jamaican sprint icon, who crossed the line in fourth place, remains optimistic as she builds momentum ahead of the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo.
Melissa Jefferson-Wooden continued her impressive run of form by winning the race in 10.76 seconds. World 100m champion Sha’Carri Richardson followed in 11.08, with Great Britain’s Daryll Neita securing third place in 11.15. Fraser-Pryce, though outside the medal positions, considered her effort valuable preparation for the challenges ahead.
Reflecting on the race, the 10-time world champion noted that her start was not as sharp as she would have liked. She intends to go back and review the footage to better understand what went wrong and how she can improve. Despite the result, she expressed gratitude for finishing healthy, highlighting that staying fit and ready for the bigger stage in Tokyo is her top priority.
Having competed at the highest level for over two decades, Fraser-Pryce emphasized that her career is not only about medals and records but also about the relationships and memories built along the way. She spoke warmly about the camaraderie shared among athletes across the globe, describing it as one of the most rewarding aspects of her journey.
As she prepares for what is expected to be her final World Championships, Fraser-Pryce is determined to leave a lasting mark. She previously secured a bronze medal in the women’s 100m at the 2023 edition in Budapest and will be looking to go even better in Tokyo. The veteran sprinter is channeling all her experience and focus into ensuring she bows out on top.
Her season has been deliberately light, with appearances at the Velocity Fest, World Athletics Relays, and select Diamond League events. These races, including her outing in Brussels, are part of a careful build-up strategy aimed at peaking at the right time.
For Fraser-Pryce, every race at this stage of her career carries significance not just for competition, but for legacy. With Tokyo fast approaching, she remains confident that the lessons learned in Brussels will sharpen her for one last shot at global glory.
