Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Bids Farewell on Home Soil After Emotional Final Race in Jamaica
By Jamaica Live Sports Desk | June 27, 2025
Kingston, Jamaica — In what was undoubtedly an emotional chapter in Jamaican sporting history, the “Pocket Rocket” Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce competed in her final race on home soil at the Jamaican National Championships, held at the National Stadium in Kingston. The four-day championships, running from June 26–29, double as qualifiers for the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo. But for Fraser-Pryce, this year’s edition held a deeper meaning—closure to a storied domestic career that has inspired generations.
The eight-time Olympic medalist and one of the greatest female sprinters of all time stepped onto the track Thursday evening, greeted by thunderous applause and cheers from a stadium filled with adoring fans. In the women’s 100m heats, she ran a composed 11.33 seconds, qualifying for Friday’s semi-finals.
Though her performance was not enough to take her into the final, it marked the end of an era in Jamaican track and field. In the semi-finals, Fraser-Pryce finished behind rising star Tia Clayton, who clocked one of the fastest times of the evening. The result meant that Fraser-Pryce would not advance to the finals, closing the curtain on her competitive career on Jamaican soil.
Speaking after the race, Fraser-Pryce reflected on her journey.
“I knew this day would come. I wanted to feel every second of it. The cheers, the track, the atmosphere—this is where it all began for me,” she said, visibly moved. “I am so proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish for Jamaica and for women in sport.”
At 38, Fraser-Pryce’s longevity has defied odds. She won her first Olympic gold in Beijing in 2008, then again in London 2012, and continued to deliver on the world stage through five Olympic Games and countless World Championships. Known for her explosive starts and fierce competitiveness, she became a symbol of perseverance, motherhood, and excellence.
Her final run at the National Stadium was not just a race—it was a tribute. Fans waved flags, held up signs reading “Thank You, Shelly-Ann,” and some even broke into tears as she crossed the finish line. In response, she took a lap around the track, hands pressed to her heart, saluting the crowd that has stood by her for nearly two decades.
The event was also a symbolic passing of the torch. The Clayton twins—Tina and Tia—along with other young sprinters, are ushering in a new era for Jamaican women’s sprinting. Yet they do so standing on the shoulders of giants like Fraser-Pryce, whose contributions to the sport are etched into the DNA of Jamaican athletics.
Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, praised Fraser-Pryce’s impact on and off the track:
“Shelly-Ann is more than an athlete. She is a national treasure, a role model, and a fierce advocate for motherhood and education. Her legacy will live on in every young girl who dares to chase greatness.”
As her farewell tour began in Jamaica, road in Waterhouse, Kingston, Jamaica, were Fraser-Pryce was born has been renamed in honour. The road, formerly known as Ashoka Road, is now called Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Drive. The renaming ceremony took place on May 25th, recognizing her achievements in track and field and her contributions to the community.
The renaming ceremony was held by the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC).
As the nation looks ahead to Tokyo, where Fraser-Pryce is still expected to compete internationally before retiring fully, her absence from future local championships will be deeply felt. But her final act at the National Stadium was a fitting farewell—graceful, passionate, and full of heart.
Though she didn’t advance, the crowd knew this was more than a race. It was a farewell tour—a final lap soaked in gratitude and love.
“As I prepare for my final National Trials, I’m filled with gratitude—for the journey, for my partners, and most of all, for my people,” Fraser-Pryce shared in an emotional message to fans. “Jamaica, your love has carried me, and your pride has fueled me. Every step I’ve taken has been with you beside me.”
Throughout her illustrious career, Shelly-Ann has amassed eight Olympic medals, ten World Championship titles, and countless accolades that have solidified her as one of the greatest sprinters of all time. Yet beyond the medals, she has become a symbol of resilience, motherhood, and Black excellence.
Earlier this week, global sports brand Nike hosted a private tribute in Kingston to honor her enduring impact on athletics and culture. Speaking at the event, Brett Holts, Vice President of Nike Running, offered a profound statement that now echoes across the track world:
“It’s your strength that will shape the future.”
The celebration was more than ceremonial. It reflected Nike’s long-time partnership with Fraser-Pryce and their shared commitment to using sport as a vehicle for change.
“To Nike, thank you for your unwavering belief in me and for hosting such a beautiful tribute this week—a celebration of our shared purpose and the power of sport to inspire,” she said.
“While your speed will undoubtedly leave a legacy on the sport, I truly believe that it is your strength that will genuinely shape the future generation.”
Nike’s Brett Holts Reflects on 17-Year Journey with Fraser-Pryce
Speaking at the AC Hotel tribute, Brett Holts, Nike’s Vice President of Global Running Sports Marketing, recounted the brand’s 17-year partnership with Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce—one of its longest-standing athlete collaborations.
“You are one of the longest Nike partnerships that we have,” Holts said, acknowledging both the triumphs and challenges along the way. “This journey has demanded extraordinary strength to reach our current position.”
Holts credited Fraser-Pryce’s resilience not only for shaping her own legacy but for strengthening Nike itself.
“I extend my sincere personal gratitude to you for exemplifying such remarkable strength—because that has also made Nike stronger.”
He also recalled a recent meeting in Portland where Fraser-Pryce reaffirmed her competitive fire, declaring:
“You better be damn sure I’m showing up to win the World Championships in Tokyo.”
Holts noted the poetic symmetry of ending her career in Japan, where she won her first global medal in 2007.
“Since then, the accomplishments have been extraordinary—three Olympic golds, 10 World titles. You’ve established yourself as the most victorious female track and field athlete in history.”
Holts, speaking on behalf of the global sportswear giant, took the audience through a moving recollection of Nike’s 17-year journey with Fraser-Pryce, beginning in 2008.
“You are one of the longest Nike partnerships that we have,” Holts said. “And I do recognise that the partnership has not always been an effortless start. Out of the blocks, we’ve encompassed significant triumphs together and considerable challenges… This journey has demanded extraordinary strength to reach our current position.”
That strength, Holts emphasized, has not only defined Fraser-Pryce’s sprinting career but has also elevated Nike itself.
“I extend my sincere personal gratitude to you for exemplifying such remarkable strength—because that has also made Nike stronger,” he said.
He recalled a recent meeting with Fraser-Pryce in Portland, where the sprinter made it clear that 2025 needed to be a year of celebration and that she was far from finished. “You better be damn sure I’m showing up to win the World Championships in Tokyo,” she had told him. That ambition, Holts said, would mark a poetic return to Japan—the country where Fraser-Pryce won her first global medal in 2007 as part of Jamaica’s 4x100m relay team in Osaka.
“Tokyo will be a full-circle moment for you,” Holts said. “And since then, those accomplishments—because we do keep track—have been incredibly impressive: three Olympic gold medals, 10 individual World Championship titles… You’ve established yourself as the most victorious female track and field athlete in history.”
Fraser-Pryce Launches Initiative to End Barefoot Sprinting in Schools
During the tribute event, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce unveiled a powerful new initiative in partnership with Nike: a nationwide program to eliminate barefoot sprinting at the primary school level in Jamaica.
Inspired by her own beginnings at George Headley Primary, the initiative aims to provide proper footwear to young athletes across the island.
“I ran barefoot, but the next generation shouldn’t have to,” Fraser-Pryce said. “This programme will ensure our children start their journeys with dignity, safety, and support.”
The move reflects Fraser-Pryce’s continued commitment to youth empowerment and grassroots development, even as she prepares to close the chapter on her legendary sprinting career.
“I ran barefoot, but the next generation shouldn’t have to,” she said.
“Jamaica, your love has carried me. The best is yet to come,” she shared.