Don’t count out Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce just yet: “It’s never over until it’s over”
A three-time Olympic champion, and eight-time medallist, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce can never be underestimated going into any race.
Despite being 37, the Jamaican continues to demonstrate why she has dominated the sprint field for so many years.
On 28 June, her third-place finish with a time of 10.94 seconds in the 100m at the Jamaican trials was enough to secure a quota spot at an astonishing fifth Olympic Games.
The legendary sprinter opted not to race the 200m, registering as a DNS, instead focusing solely on the 100m.
Paris 2024 will serve as Fraser-Pryce’s farewell to the sport, as she draws the curtain on a tremendous career.
While she wasn’t the first to cross the line at the trials, here is why the veteran should not be counted out as she prepares to head to France…
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce: It’s never over until it’s over
Speaking after her third-placed finish, the two-time 100m Olympic gold medallist discussed what has been a turbulent season so far.
“As I go through the rest of the reason, I’m just praying that I stay healthy and continue to work, because it’s never over until it’s over,” she said.
“It has been such a trying season – I think every athlete carries their own share of burdens and problems [but we’ve] all got to get to the line, so I’m really grateful.”
Despite an up-and-down campaign so far, the priority for Fraser-Pryce is always to make the team.
“It has been challenging but I was able to, with grit, perseverance and determination, secure a spot on the team and give myself the opportunity to represent Jamaica again at the Olympics,” Fraser-Pryce added in a different interview.
She also addressed the fans, who gave her a welcoming reception.
“I want to thank the fans for their support,” she continued
“I hope that they continue to support [us]. I know it has been a challenging season for Jamaica sprinting, but I hope tonight will show Jamaica and the world that we are still here.”
Ending her career on a high
Earlier this year, the Jamaican legend announced that she would retire after Paris 2024 – a decision made on her own terms.
Not only will she bow out as one of the greatest sprinters of all time, but also as a champion for the next generation.
“You can have an impact, and it’s important to show people you can’t be selfish,” she told Eurosport.
“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.”
At the start line of her big race in Paris, however, Fraser-Pryce could be forgiven for only thinking about reaching the podium.
From her Beijing 2008 debut up until now, few athletes have achieved such longevity in their chosen discipline.
Crossing the finish line first would be the perfect way to cap off everything she has given to the sport over the years.
And it surely won’t be lost on Shelly-Ann that these fairytale finishes in sport do exist.
Think Greece’s Euro 2004 victory or Ali Krieger’s NWSL championship win in the final game of her career.
Perhaps Fraser-Pryce will be the next in line when the Olympic athletics action gets underway in August.