Jamaican sprint legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce returned to Kingston to a grand celebration after concluding her final appearance at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. The 38-year-old, who had announced earlier this year that 2025 would be her final season on the global stage, ended her career with a silver medal in the 4x100m relay.
Fraser-Pryce, known as one of the greatest sprinters of all time, competed in both the women’s 100m and the 4x100m relay at the championships. Her final appearance in Tokyo held great sentimental value, as it was the city where her illustrious career began in 2007. Despite missing the podium in the 100m, she still qualified for the final, which she considered a huge accomplishment given the level of competition.
Upon her return to Jamaica, the sprint icon was greeted with cheers, flowers, and a celebratory cake. Grace Foods, the company that organized the event, expressed their gratitude for her unmatched contribution to athletics. “From the track to motherhood and beyond, Shelly-Ann continues to show us what hard work, discipline, and grace look like,” they said in a tribute.
Reflecting on her career, Fraser-Pryce spoke about the emotional significance of retiring in the same city where her journey began. “It’s really a great feeling. I started my career here in Tokyo, and to have this historical moment is truly phenomenal,” she said. Her statement emphasized the importance of perseverance, as she mentioned that despite not achieving the desired result in the 100m, she felt blessed to have ended her career with a medal.
Fraser-Pryce’s career has been defined by not only her impressive medal count, which includes eight Olympic medals, but also by her lasting influence on Jamaican athletics and global track and field. From humble beginnings in Waterhouse to becoming a global sprinting icon, Shelly-Ann’s legacy continues to inspire athletes worldwide to dream big and never give up.
