Jamaican sprint icon Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has brought down the curtain on an illustrious 18-year career, signing off in a manner that perfectly mirrored how her journey began. The 38-year-old officially retired after the conclusion of the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, marking the end of an era in women’s sprinting.
Fraser-Pryce wrapped up her career with a silver medal in the 4x100m relay, a fitting send-off after finishing sixth in the 100m final earlier in the competition. Remarkably, her final chapter mirrored her international debut in 2007, when she competed in the World Championships in Osaka. Back then, she also finished sixth in the 100m before helping Jamaica to silver in the relay.
Reflecting on the symmetry of her career, Fraser-Pryce described it as a moment of gratitude and fulfillment. She recalled being uncertain about her identity and future when she first broke onto the scene but explained how her growth both on and off the track shaped her into the confident woman and athlete she became. Her message to the next generation was clear: success should be achieved on one’s own terms, fueled by self-belief and perseverance.
The sprint legend has had her share of challenges in recent years, particularly in 2024, when injuries and personal setbacks hampered her performances. She even withdrew from the 100m semi-finals at the Paris Olympics, raising doubts about whether she would compete again. However, 2025 proved kinder, with Fraser-Pryce enjoying a rare injury-free season that allowed her to compete at the highest level one last time.
Although she did not add another 100m title to her collection in Tokyo, her legacy remains untouchable. She departs the sport with 17 global medals, including five world titles and two Olympic golds in the 100m. Widely regarded as one of the greatest sprinters in history, she has been celebrated not only for her blistering speed but also for her resilience, longevity, and role as a trailblazer for women in athletics.
As she bows out, Fraser-Pryce leaves behind an enduring legacy of excellence and inspiration. Her journey, which began with uncertainty and ended with grace, stands as a powerful reminder that greatness lies not only in victories but also in the courage to stay true to oneself
