In 2014, then Wolmer’s Girls’ sprint hurdles standout Janeek Brown was awarded a scholarship from track and field superstar Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce through her Pocket Rocket Foundation. And 10 years later, Brown brought immense joy to Fraser-Pryce as teammates at the Paris Olympics in the summer.

The 26-year-old Brown made her Olympic debut in the French capital in August, making the semi-finals of the women’s 100m hurdles.

The former national record holder surprised many in June at the National Athletics Senior Championships when she finished third in 12.61 seconds to book her spot on the Olympic team.

The 2024 season represented a comeback for Brown who hadn’t competed in the event since 2019, when she represented Jamaica at the Doha World Championships and competed at several Diamond League meets.

The former multiple NCAA champion with the University of Arkansas, who has a personal best of 12.40 seconds, returned to Jamaica in 2022 to train with the Stephen Francis-owned MVP Track Club after several issues regarding her personal life became public.

Brown’s impressive return this year was especially pleasing for compatriot and Wolmer’s Girl alum Fraser-Pryce who believes her story is one of triumph.

“I think that was very special for me because Janeek is very talented and we’re all aware that she’s had her challenges. But to be able to come back from her own obstacles and be able to make it on Team Jamaica and be able to stand at the Olympics is truly remarkable,” Fraser-Pryce said.

“For me at the Pocket Rocket Foundation, we believe in lasting change and not lasting change in one day or one year, but continuous change and that takes time and effort. I’m truly grateful to be able to witness that evolution for her.”

Fraser-Pryce, herself, knows about overcoming challenges as well. The 2008 and 2012 100m Olympic champion claimed bronze in the 100m at the Rio 2016 final, despite suffering from a major toe injury. She also defied odds after giving birth in 2017, going on to claim nine medals at major championships including world 100m titles in 2019 and 2022.

She’s optimistic Brown can continue to overcome her difficulties and become a dominant force in the coming years.

“I hope that she continues to rise and use whatever obstacles she’s currently facing as a stepping stone to the next level. Delay is not denial, so there’s always a moment and I hope that this will have heightened her expectations and her desire to do more in terms of hurdling,” said Fraser-Pryce.

Brown was one of eight recipients of the Pocket Rocket Foundation Scholarship in 2014. This year, the foundation awarded scholarships to 20 student athletes who compete in athletics, football, netball, cricket, basketball, volleyball, table tennis, and hockey.

Fraser-Pryce is hoping that, like it did with Brown, the foundation will continue to impact the lives of Jamaica’s talented youth.

“What we’re excited about is just the diversity, it’s not just athletes in track and field. We’re also excited that they’re not only from Kingston but outside of Kingston, so we’re really focused that what the Pocket Rocket Foundation is doing spreads not just to Kingston but throughout Jamaica,” she said.

“We believe that athletes just need a chance, students need a chance, they need a seed of hope and we’re able to plant that seed and to watch it watered, nurtured to the point where we’re able to be so proud of what they’ve been able to do outside of their different sports.”