Fraser-Pryce says national championships will be her last
Legendary Jamaican sprinter and philanthropist Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce on Monday signalled the ending of her unmatched career, after announcing that this week’s National Senior Championships will be her last.
The iconic athlete, who was speaking at a special and intimate ceremony organised by her longtime sponsors Nike at AC Hotel, thanked her supporters and those who have contributed to her success on and off the track, while committing to continuing her work and efforts towards the development of track and field in Jamaica.
“In the next two days, it will be my final time gracing the National Stadium and it is honestly one of those moments that I’m looking forward to. You know why? Because I have absolutely nothing to lose and all to gain because it is your love and it’s your support and it’s your encouragement that has kept me,” said Fraser-Pryce in the presence of family members, close friends, longtime sponsors, select media and government officials.
“It is the ways you have celebrated me, it is the ways you have showed up for me. And as I stand on the track in the next two days, it’s not just about the track, but it’s what’s possible. It’s how we continue to shift and change the narrative of our own female or elite sprinting. It’s about your time; honouring your time,” Fraser-Pryce added.
“When I stand on that track on Thursday, it’s not for me, It’s for you, for the love, for the support, for the encouragement, for the resilience, for the prize, for the purpose, and the passion that you have given me, you have inspired me.”
Fraser-Pryce is viewed as the most successful female sprinter in history and has contributed significantly to the development of student athletes through her Pocket Rocket Foundation.
Joining in the celebration were officials from sponsors Nike and GraceKennedy as well as Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Sports Minister Olivia Grange, Opposition Leader Mark Golding as well as other government and business leaders.
The National Senior Championships, which will be used to select Jamaica’s team to the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, gets underway at the National Stadium on Thursday and culminates on Sunday.
Fraser-Pryce is scheduled to feature in the women’s 100m prelims on Thursday at 6:50pm.
