Renowned sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has announced her intention to retire following the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Widely recognized as one of the greatest sprinters in history, the Jamaican athlete plans to conclude her illustrious career after this year’s Games in order to prioritize spending quality time with her family.
Having already secured Olympic gold in the 100m event at both the 2008 and 2012 Games, Fraser-Pryce added to her medal collection with a third-place finish at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as part of the Jamaican relay team.
During her participation in the Olympic Games, Fraser-Pryce has accumulated four silver medals and one bronze.
“There’s not a day I’m getting up to go practice and I’m like, ‘I’m over this,’” she told Essence. “My son needs me. My husband and I have been together since before I won in 2008. He has sacrificed for me.
“We’re a partnership, a team. And it’s because of that support that I’m able to do the things that I have been doing for all these years. And I think I now owe it to them to do something else.”
Fraser-Pryce added that she wants to continue “pushing boundaries” and “showing people that you stop when you decide. I want to finish on my own terms.”
The Jamaican athlete is also a ten-time world champion, with her most recent gold medal being won in the 100-meter event, where she set a new championship record in the United States.
Additionally, Fraser-Pryce has achieved five silver medals and one bronze throughout her career at the World Championships.
In Paris, she is expected to be among the top contenders for a medal, along with American Sha’Carri Richardson, the current world champion, and her teammate Shericka Jackson.
Reflecting on her career, Fraser-Pryce aspires to be remembered not only as a champion but also as an athlete who served as an inspiration for future generations.
“You can have an impact, and it’s important to show people that you can’t be selfish,” she added. “It’s not enough that we step on a track and we win medals.
“You have to think about the next generation that’s coming after you, and give them the opportunity to also dream – and dream big.”
