TOKYO, Japan — Eighteen years since first representing the nation at a major international championship, iconic Jamaican sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce returns to the country of her christening for a farewell, with the podium and the people at the heart of it all.

Fraser-Pryce, recognised as the greatest female sprinter in the history of the sport, will take the first of her last strides at this level, in what is sure to be an emotional goodbye as she looks to end her golden reign of success at the World Athletics Championships inside the Japan National Stadium.

“It is my last championship and I think right now, because I’m just so focused on running each round, I don’t want to think about the emotional part of, you know, stepping away because those things can interfere with the preparation,” Fraser-Pryce said ahead of Saturday’s 100m swansong at 4:55 am Jamaica time.

“I am just really grateful to be here in this moment because, as I’ve said before, I’ve passed probably the hardest part, which was making the national team. So, being here is such a huge blessing and I’m really excited about the opportunity to be here and compete.”

Jamaican Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, recognised as the greatest female sprinter in the history of the sport, trains in Tokyo, Japan, ahead of the start of the IAAF World Championships. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Almost two decades of dominance, and a fair degree of disappointments, will come to an end over the next few days but for Fraser-Pryce, this championship is not just about legacy and nostalgia — it’s also about the present. And, as she stated, she will not go quietly into the night, her focus affixed on yet another piece of sprint history and a place on the Tokyo podium.

“I think this is going to be an exciting championship, mostly because I’m in a good space, I think, mentally. I’m good, training has been fantastic, and I’m just looking forward to putting the pieces together,” she said.

“I feel good going into the championship, as I said before, and going into the first round tomorrow, I think for me, the opportunity that presents itself is to execute the first round. And once you execute the first round and get it out the way you have an idea of where you are, what you need to work on, and take it a day at a time. I don’t want to pre-empt anything; I want to focus on the rounds each day and attack those and give it my all.”

She might be 38 years old and at the end of her career but one does not win 25 World and Olympic medals by being content with mere participation.

Fraser-Pryce, a two-time Olympic and a record five-time World Championships 100m champion, made it clear that she is in Tokyo on business.

“My ultimate goal is to stand on the podium, of course. You know, 2007 when I started my career it was actually in Japan, you know, and I think at that time I was 19, unsure of who I was, what I was doing, the direction I was going in. And fast-forward to being here in this moment I know who I am — a very capable individual and trusting that God has more for me,” Fraser-Pryce, who ran a leg in the heats of the 4×100 at the 2007 World Championships in Osaka, Japan, said.

“So I think at this moment I want to stand on the podium. That’s just it. But at the same time, whatever happens, I’m walking away feeling confident and happy for all that I’ve achieved because I’m sure if you would have put me here at this point, a lot of people would have thought this wouldn’t be possible. So I have already, I think, over-exceeded my own expectations or anybody’s expectations.”

She added that her efforts in Tokyo, which will include the 4x100m relay, are meant to inspire and show appreciation for the support that she has enjoyed over the years.

“When I step on the track I’m not just stepping on the track just for me, it’s for my son, who is here with me — and I can tell you, by the way, that my son is my harshest critic. He is like, ‘Mom, no more fourth place.’ So it’s not just for my son, it’s for everyone, it’s for all of Jamaica, it’s for every single person that has been riding with me since forever,” said Fraser-Pryce.

“I remember when I just started, I don’t want to bring it up, but I remember when I just started some people were like, you know, take her off the team, she’s too young, she is too inexperienced for this moment. So for every single person that is chasing a dream or a goal and you feel like you’re stuck, you don’t know where to go, continue to believe that there’s more and, ultimately, you get to decide when, where and how. Nobody gets to decide that for you. So when I step on the track I’m stepping on that track with all of that; being mindful and celebrating the moment, the history, and everything. And I’m excited about it, I really am. I will have on my game face but I’m excited,” Fraser-Pryce smiled.

Not for the first time in her career, Fraser-Pryce comes into a championship with the odds stacked against her. Her podium ambition, on the evidence of the season, will take more than a surprise for most but who is willing to bet against the queen?