All-time Jamaican sprint icon Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is set to begin her 2024 season on Saturday at the JAAA’s French Foray meet at the National Stadium in Kingston.
The four-time Olympic 100m medalist will compete against a moderate field of athletes as she assesses her readiness to vie for an unprecedented third Olympic 100m title in Paris this August.
Fraser-Pryce, who last competed in August 2023, ran 10.77 seconds to win the bronze medal at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary. She is now gearing up for the Jamaica National Championships, which begin in less than two weeks on June 27. To secure her spot in the Olympic squad, Fraser-Pryce must finish in the top three at the national trials.
In an interview with Sportsmax.TV last October, Fraser-Pryce revealed plans to run more races leading up to the 2024 Olympics. However, for reasons unknown, she has not been able to compete until now. As one of the most decorated sprinters in history, with five World Championships 100m titles, Fraser-Pryce has faced a series of injuries since 2016. A toe injury in 2016 hampered her chances of winning a third consecutive Olympic 100m title, resulting in a third-place finish.
A triumphant return for Shelly-Ann
After nearly two years off due to the birth of her son Zyon, Fraser-Pryce made a triumphant return by winning her fourth World 100m title in Doha in 2019. She followed this with a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics and a fifth world title in Oregon in 2022. During an injury-hit season in 2023, she secured a bronze at the World Championships in Budapest.
On Saturday, Fraser-Pryce will test her readiness for what she has indicated will be her final Olympic campaign. Fans and athletics enthusiasts will be watching closely as she begins her journey towards making history once again in Paris.
“I am excited to see where I am at the start of this season,” Fraser-Pryce said. “The road to Paris will be challenging, but I am determined to give it my all and make my country proud.”
Farewell to a Legend: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s final Olympic quest
The JAAA’s French Foray meet will serve as a crucial stepping stone for Fraser-Pryce as she aims to add another chapter to her illustrious career. As the anticipation builds, all eyes will be on the National Stadium in Kingston to witness the start of her final Olympic quest.
Read more: Jamaican sprint legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce set to retire after Paris Olympics
