1 year ago
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Sixteen World Championships medals, eight Olympic Games medals, seven national titles, five Sportswoman of the Year awards, one Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year award and the Order of Jamaica tells the riveting story of Jamaican sprint legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.
As she prepares for her swan song at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Fraser-Pryce stands as a stellar figure of admiration and a living tale of fearlessness and humility on the international stage.
She joins a delegation of Jamaican athletes under the guidance of technical director Maurice Wilson for the upcoming Olympics.
Wilson was also a team coach during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games where Fraser-Pryce announced her presence to the world.
He recalls that at the time Fraser-Pryce acted with the maturity of a veteran in spite of her inexperience on the Olympic stage.
“When Shelly-Ann came to the Olympics in 2008, one thing that was special about her that I noticed was that she never showed any fear,” he said. “Even when you’re talking to her, she didn’t appear like she was a rookie even though this was the first time she was running an individual event at the Olympics.”
However, it was not the all smooth sailing for Fraser-Pryce in her early career.
Following her qualification to the 2008 Olympics, there were public doubts regarding her chances at the international competition.
She had finished second at the National Championships in a time of 10.85 seconds, marking the first time in her career she had dipped below the 11-second barrier.
The opinion of some at the time was for the inexperienced Fraser-Pryce to be replaced with a more established athlete.
Speaking with The Gleaner in 2013, Fraser-Pryce addressed the criticisms which had been thrown at her feet.
“This goes back to 2008 when persons didn’t know who I was, but lots of them wanted me out of that 100m and to actually place someone else there, and the fact that this is where I am now after 2008 makes me wonder, what if persons don’t get the chance they deserve?”
Wilson remembered that period of time well, stating Fraser-Pryce was determined even when faced with the public’s opinion.
He said Fraser-Pryce handled the situation with poise and refused to allow the negativity to affect her relationship with her teammates.
“What I had noticed about her is that she is not influenced by external environment,” he explained. “At no time in my presence did she speak about it and the truth is that during that period, there was constant rivalry from a competitive standpoint but you’ll never hear Shelly speaking about anybody in any demeaning way.”
Wilson further stated Fraser-Pryce had the full support of the management staff and her teammates who felt she had earned her spot among the best athletes Jamaica had to offer.
“With earning your spot and making the top two, there can be no dispute in terms of you running because you would have commandeered your position as an athlete to represent your country.”
A living legend
Having announced the Paris Olympics will be her final time competing in the Jamaican colours, Wilson said Fraser-Pryce has more than established herself among Jamaica’s sporting giants.
He described her humility and overwhelming talent as the keys behind her success and the reason she was able to cultivate and resonate with a global audience.
“Obviously, the impact that Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has had, and obviously I would have to throw in the great Usain Bolt here, they brought fun to the sport.,” he said. “I think Shelly was able to put the performance and the personality package together to make her loved all over the world, not just Jamaica.”
He added, “We’re very blessed in Jamaica to have these two athletes, and to Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce specifically, she has done her part and I am sure the country will continue to recognise her accordingly.”
English (US) ·