They say legends never die—they simply shift lanes. And for Jamaica’s beloved sprint queen, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, the next shift is as emotional as it is empowering. This week, the world’s most decorated 100m sprinter takes her final stride on the sacred track of Kingston’s National Stadium, the very soil where her legend began.
At a heartfelt celebration hosted by Nike at the AC Hotel in Kingston, the five-foot dynamo confirmed what Jamaicans had long hoped to delay: the 2025 season will be her last, and this week’s National Championships will be her final appearance at the National Stadium.
“In the next two days, it will be my final time gracing the National Stadium,” she said, eyes glowing with peace and pride. “Honestly, it’s one of those moments I’m looking forward to… because I have absolutely nothing to lose and all to gain.”
This wasn’t just an announcement—it was a love letter to Jamaica.
The moment was intimate yet mighty. Prime Minister Andrew Holness, opposition leader Mark Golding, Nike execs, GraceKennedy CEO Frank James, MVP Track Club President Bruce James, and Fraser-Pryce’s family—including her ever-supportive husband Jason and their son Zyon—gathered not just to celebrate medals, but to honour the power of legacy, resilience, and purpose.
Shelly-Ann’s journey is nothing short of phenomenal. From earning her first global medal in 2007 to blazing into Olympic history in 2008 and 2012, she transformed from a “girl from Waterhouse” into the world’s fastest mother, the Pocket Rocket, and the heart of Jamaica’s golden sprinting era.
But even after a jaw-dropping career that includes:
- 3 Olympic golds
- 5 100m World titles
- 10 World Championship medals
- The third-fastest time in women’s 100m history (10.60s)
- IAAF World Athlete of the Year
- A 2023 Laureus World Sports Award
…Fraser-Pryce insists her journey was never just about the clock.
“It’s how we shift and change the narrative of elite sprinting. It’s about showing up in your own time, in your own moment.”
Now, that moment includes giving back.
At Monday’s reception, she unveiled a new partnership with Nike aimed at ending barefoot racing in Jamaican primary schools. Moved by seeing children run without shoes at the Gibson-McCook Relays, she and Nike are launching an initiative to provide proper footwear to every young athlete.
“Not in the Jamaica of world-class sprinters,” she said. “This is the heart of sprinting. No child should have to run barefoot again.”
It’s yet another example of how Fraser-Pryce continues to invest in the nation that raised her, through her Pocket Rocket Foundation, mentorship, advocacy, and grassroots empowerment.
Her tribute to those who stood by her—Bruce James, Colleen Montague, her Wolmer’s family, her coaches, and especially her husband Jason—was raw and moving.
“Tonight is not just for me—it’s for you. For the time, the patience, the quiet grace you gave me when the cameras weren’t rolling.”
Wow.what.a.proud journey a journey that will never be forgotten,.. Shelly Ann all Jamaicans love you and are proud of you, you have stood strong and laid a solid foundation of high standards for young Jamaicans to follow we wish you happiness and joy in your retirement life and good health take care.
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s legacy is truly inspiring, not just for her incredible achievements on the track but for her dedication to giving back to her community. Her final appearance at the National Stadium marks the end of an era, but also the beginning of a new chapter focused on empowering others. The partnership with Nike to end barefoot racing in schools is a testament to her commitment to making a lasting impact beyond sports. Her journey reminds us that greatness is not just about winning medals but about inspiring change and leaving a meaningful legacy. How will her initiatives shape the future of young athletes in Jamaica? WordAiApi