President Christopher Samuda says the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) is making plans to celebrate the legacy of Jamaican sprint icon Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce when she retires from athletics later this year.

The 37-year-old announced recently that this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris will be her last event in track and field.

Since 2007, Fraser-Pryce has established herself as one of the most successful athletes in history with eight Olympic medals, including three gold, 16 medals at the World Athletics Championships, which includes 10 world titles, and ranks as the third fastest woman in history with 10.60 seconds in the 100m.

Samuda told the Jamaica Observer that the the JOA plans to present her with a special award to recognise her accomplishments in the sport.

“We will honour and announce those plans after the Games,” he said. “We’re going to have discussions with her because we like to have dialogue with those we are honouring just to ensure they are comfortable with what we are going to be doing. But certainly, we’ll be honouring her and it won’t simply be an occasion that will be marked by tributes and conversations in term of her history and so on, but what we want to do is making it very meaningful. In fact, I’ll make the disclosure in the months to come. She will be the first recipient for an order we’ll be giving.”

Samuda has also commended Fraser-Pryce for her impact on and off the track.

“For us at the JOA, what is perhaps more important is she’s a daughter, mother, wife and a human being e summer’s Olympic Games in Paris will be her last event in track and field.

Since 2007, Fraser-Pryce has established herself ndowed with a humanity that embodies goodwill and an affectionate smile that comes from the heart,” he said.

“Those are the attributes that we celebrate and she embodies as a spirit that makes her a gold medallist. A gold medallist is important but what is important is she’s a standard-bearer because not all gold medallists are standard-bearers. So, the JOA salutes her and honours those attributes and we know that her legacy will be lasting and will inspire generations of youth who want to aspire toward the international stage and become sporting ambassadors.”

Samuda encourages Fraser-Pryce to continue to make what he describes as a positive impact on the sport by taking on an administrative position.

“Shelly has the credentials to be a very good administrator,” he said. “I know she will have a lot to contribute to track and field and they certainly can benefit from her expertise in terms of her ability to unite persons and bring consensus to athletes on critical issues; that’s a hallmark of a very good administrator. I have no doubt she has the credentials to do so and I encourage her to take those positions and make a difference.”