‘Icing on cake’ – Fraser-Pryce ends illustrious career with world silver

With one last medal secured, an icon bowed out, literally speaking, and the baton was passed on to the next generation.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce reached the 25th and final podium of her illustrious career back in Japan, the country where she first made her first appearance on the international stage 18 years ago.

The 38-year-old completed his world record-breaking feat in Tokyo by leading a Jamaican quartet led by twin sisters Tia and Tina Clayton, both 21 years old.

There was no denying that the legendary five-time world 100m champion had left the sport as a legend as she posed for photos with her adoring supporters in the stands.

Fraser-Pryce, the most decorated female 100-meter sprinter in history, has missed 15 of the sport’s most notable international competitions.

When she gave birth to her son Zyon one day after the 100m final, that one absence occurred at the 2017 World championships in London.

The third-fastest woman in history, Fraser-Pryce, who set a personal best of 10.60 seconds, said, “I have had an amazing career and today’s medal is the icing on the cake.”

“My son will be enthralled,” said. I was a reserve at my first world championships in Japan in 2007 and this is my full circle. Without it, I couldn’t have it.

I’m appreciative of the medals, the venues, and the crowds that have surrounded me throughout my career.

Following her resumption as a mother, Fraser-Pryce would take home five podiums worldwide, including two back-to-back world 100m titles as she drew her name into history.

She became the oldest woman in Eugene to win a 100-meter world title in 2019, extending that record by three years at the age of 35.

Prior to the 2024 Olympic Games, Fraser-Pryce, a two-time champion in 100 meters, said she “owes” it to her family to retire.

However, she was unable to get the desired fairytale ending.

She later revealed that her pre-race routine had caused her panic after she struggled to enter the warm-up track after withdrawing before her 100-meter semi-final.

The five-foot-tall Fraser-Pryce, also known as the “The Pocket Rocket,” was determined to put an end to her own terms this year.

She did just that, coming in sixth in the 100-meter final while still within 0.19 seconds of a podium made up of athletes who were at least 14 years her junior.

After the 100-meter, Fraser-Pryce said, “I have given so much to this sport.”

“I think it’s really important to finish on your own terms,” I think a lot of people might ask why they come back [after giving birth].

Before and after the 100 meters, she immediately became apparent in what way.

When Fraser-Pryce was officially announced to the crowd, the 60, 000-person National Stadium in Japan erupted in a roar similar to that which had otherwise been reserved for the host nation’s own athletes.

The 24-year-old winner Melissa Jefferson-Wooden later claimed she had been inspired by the Jamaican when she was a young child and that she had been inspired by her. She added that Shelly-Ann is the greatest of all time.

Over the past nine days, fellow athletes have taken advantage of the opportunity to honor Fraser-Pryce for her historic accomplishments, which has continued.

Usain Bolt, an eight-time Olympian, has no respect for his fellow countrymen, of course.

He claims Fraser-Pryce has continued to exist for eight years, making him look bad, despite only retiring at the age of 30. His only gripe is that.

Shelly-Ann’s reputation is inexhaustibly expressed by Bolt, who told BBC Sport.

She has repeatedly demonstrated to me that she is one of the best in the world, making her a legend in my book.

She left, had a child, returned to the sport, and remained sober.

I’m pleased to see and know this greatness.

Ato Boldon, a former world 200m champion from Trinidad, said, “I believe this is the 100m career benchmark by which all others will be evaluated.

Olympic Games

3 x gold: 100m (2008, 2012), 4x100m relay (2020)

4 x silver: 100m (2020), 200m (2012), 4x100m relay (2012, 2016)

1 x bronze: 100m (2016)

World championships

10 x gold: 100m (2009, 2013, 2015, 2019, 2022), 200m (2013), 4x100m relay (2009, 2013, 2015, 2019)

6 x silver: 200m (2022), 4x100m relay (2007, 2011, 2022, 2023, 2025)