PARIS, France — An apparent hamstring injury during warm-up forced the withdrawal of two-time Olympic 100m gold medalist Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce just before the women’s semi-finals at the Stade de France on Saturday.
Fraser-Pryce, who was set to compete against American World Champion Sha’Carri Richardson and St Lucia’s Julien Alfred, among others in the second of three semi-finals, was notably absent as preparations for the race commenced.
Alfred eventually won the semi-final, defeating Richardson, and went on to secure a historic first medal for her nation in the final later in the night.
This was Fraser-Pryce’s fifth Olympic Games, where she aimed to add to her illustrious career, which includes eight Olympic medals and 16 World Championship medals. Fraser-Pryce had advanced to the semi-finals with a time of 10.92 seconds, finishing behind Marie-Josee Ta Lou-Smith of Ivory Coast, who clocked 10.87 seconds in their heat on Friday.
Deep disappointment
The 37-year-old sprinter, affectionately known as the “Pocket Rocket,” later addressed her withdrawal via social media, expressing her deep disappointment without providing specific details about her injury.
“It is difficult for me to find the words to describe the depth of my disappointment,” Fraser-Pryce posted. “I know that my supporters share and shoulder this disappointment with me. I am truly blessed to have had the steadfast support of my fans since my Olympic debut in 2008. With every step and win, you have all been there for me.”
Fraser-Pryce, who had previously announced that the Paris Olympics would be her last, has had a challenging season. This withdrawal marks a somber end to her pursuit of further Olympic glory.
