It
has been 17 years since Jamaican sprinting icon Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce stunned the world with a golden run at the Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

That unexpected 100m triumph heralded the beginning of a career that is underlined by historic accomplishments, consistency, resilience, and grace, but 23 Olympic and World Championships medals later, the “Pocket Rocket” is getting ready to make her final strides in a career that has placed her at the top of athletics history.

Fraser-Pryce was toasted by Nike, a brand that has supported her career from the onset, during an intimate function at AC Hotel Kingston on Monday, where the now 38-year-old mother used the opportunity to thank her longtime sponsors and supporters, while announcing that this week’s Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association National Senior Championships will be her last.

“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,” said Fraser-Pryce, who will line up in the 100m heats which get underway on Thursday at 6:50 pm.

Fraser-Pryce paid homage to her supporters, who she credited for providing motivation for an unmatched career, while making it clear that she understands her role in impacting lives and moving the sport forward — a passion that she continues to manifest through her Pocket Rocket Foundation.

“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. It is the ways you have celebrated me, it is the ways you have shown 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.

“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 pride, for the purpose, and the passion that you have given me. You have inspired me, your love, walking on the street, hearing our kids. When we talk about impact and we talk about legacy — legacy and impact go hand in hand, because I want for this generation to understand that, yes, we want the Government to show up. We want private sector to show up, but what about us? It starts with us,” Fraser-Pryce stated.

The event — which brought together members of Fraser-Pryce’s family, government and business officials, former athletes, sport administrators, as well as close associates and friends — featured live entertainment and décor celebrating the achievements of the sprinter.

Nike’s Brett Holts, VP, global running, recognised Fraser-Pryce as one of the brand’s longest partnerships and underlined her impact on the sport.

“You have established yourself as the most victorious female track and field athlete in history, period. In that same conversation, you also reminded us that above all, it’s winning that matters most,” said Holts.

“You have always been a true winner. So while your speed will undoubtedly leave a legacy on the sport, I truly believe that it is your strength that will genuinely shape the future generation of the sport, and inspire those athletes that will follow in your footsteps. Nike is committed to standing by you and build that future together. Thank you for your immense contributions to Nike. Most importantly, thank you for exemplifying to all of us the true meaning of strength,” Holts added.

MVP Track Club president and Fraser-Pryce’s former agent Bruce James as well as Wolmer’s Trust High School for Girls principal Colleen Montague reminisced on their long relationship with the athlete while GraceKennedy’s CEO Frank James highlighted the success and partnership throughout her longstanding ambassadorship with the company.

Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness was also full of praise for the sprinter, whom he described as an example of commitment and purpose.

“We honour the incomparable Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, one of the greatest sprinters, the world has ever known,” Holness said.

“Her achievements are legendary, Olympic medals, World Championships, and an unparalleled legacy in the women’s 100 metres, but what makes Shelly-Ann truly exceptional, it’s not just the number of records, but the way she has achieved it: with dignity, humility, and an unwavering commitment to representing Jamaica with pride and honour,” he added.

“These are the values that Shelly-Ann embodies, and that have shaped her remarkable journey. Shelly’s journey began on the streets of Waterhouse, and today, her success speaks to the power of talent, opportunity and support. It is a story that reminds us all, Jamaica, though small in size, is a giant in spirit and achievement.

“Nike, I commend you for recognising one of Jamaica’s most precious athletes. Shelly-Ann is not just an athlete, but a story worth amplifying and your partnership with Shelly has set a new standard for how brands and athletes can collaborate,” Holness shared.

“You are a beacon of hope to young people and indeed to young athletes, who are all going to strive to attain your level of success. But what I take away from you is having made it, having had all the records and the titles and the adoration of a nation, you have sought to give back in tangible ways, and I laud you and praise you for the creation of your foundation and the great work that you have done,” said Holness.

Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce celebrates winning gold in the women’s 100m final during the World Athletics Championships at Hayward Field in Oregon, United States, on July 17, 2022. (Photo: Collin Reid)