Last hurrah

KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC):

SPRINT ICON Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has announced that this week’s Jamaica Administrative Athletics Association’s National Championships will be her final appearance inside Kingston’s National Stadium, as she prepares to retire at the end of the 2025 season.

The five-time World 100-mete champion made the emotional revelation during a star-studded cocktail reception hosted by Nike in her honour at the AC Hotel on Monday night.

“In the next two days, it will be my final time gracing the National Stadium. Honestly, it’s one of those moments I’m looking forward to, because I have absolutely nothing to lose and all to gain.”

The event celebrated her legendary career and lasting impact on track and field, drawing luminaries including Prime Minister Andrew Holness, long-time sponsors GraceKennedy, through its CEO Frank James, Nike executives, MVP Track Club President Bruce James, and her family, husband Jason Pryce and son, Zyon.

Fraser-Pryce’s storied journey began at the 2007 World Championships in Osaka, where she claimed her first global medal as part of Jamaica’s 4x100m relay team.

From there, she soared to unprecedented heights, securing three Olympic gold medals, including historic back-to-back 100m titles in 2008 and 2012, a World Indoor 60m crown, five World Championship 100m gold, and 10 World Championship medals overall. She remains the third-fastest woman in history and a multiple-time National Sportswoman of the Year.

Reflecting on her roots, the sprint queen made it clear that she has always been driven by the passion to represent the black, green and gold on the international stage.

“I’ve always said that I’m the daughter of the soil. I’m a proud Jamaican because you have shown me love in the ups, in the downs, and it is you who have helped nurture me and give me that spirit of pride and unwavering support.”