One of the Fastest Women in the World, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Withdrew from the Semi-finals at the Olympic Games – What Happened?

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is making headlines after her unexpected withdrawal from the Paris Olympics, which has caused a significant buzz online. Fans were eager to see her compete in the semi-finals, but a newly surfaced video hints at what might have led to her decision to withdraw.

As a five-time Olympian, Fraser-Pryce had hoped to conclude her running career on a high note at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. However, the recent turn of events may leave her with a bittersweet legacy instead of the triumphant farewell she envisioned.

Known as the “Pocket Rocket,” Fraser-Pryce is regarded as one of the greatest sprinters in history. Her impact on the track and field arena has been profound, with a career spanning over a decade of dominance on the Olympic stage.

Fraser-Pryce’s dedication to the sport began at a young age, largely influenced by her mother. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, she hails from a humble background, which shaped her resilience and determination.

Growing up, Fraser-Pryce lived with her mother and two brothers in a tenement yard, where multiple homes shared a large space. They all slept in the same bed with the bathroom located outside.

Her mother would accompany her to the outdoor bathroom as she prepared for school each morning. As a child, Fraser-Pryce felt ashamed of her living conditions and avoided telling her classmates where she lived.

Although unaware of her family’s financial struggles during her early years, Fraser-Pryce realized their poverty when she entered high school. She noticed other students arriving in luxury cars while she relied on public transportation.

Her mother, a street vendor, would often sell goods to her teachers at school, causing Fraser-Pryce to hide under a desk out of embarrassment. The contrast between her family background and her peers’ affluence was stark during her teenage years.

“It was difficult. You’re constantly comparing who you are and where you’re from to where your friends are from and who their parents are,” the Jamaican native admitted in a February 2023 interview.

She lived in Waterhouse, a community that lacked positive role models. The athlete shared that many of the young people in her neighborhood either became pregnant at a young age or left school to join gangs.

Fortunately, she had a strict mother who shielded her from these negative influences by keeping her indoors. Fraser-Pryce mentioned that her mother consistently emphasized from an early age that sports would be her only path out of poverty.

Her mother, who had a passion for track and field, encouraged her to give it a try. However, it required some convincing. Fraser-Pryce remembered, “It was crazy for me to imagine a future for me as an athlete and also as a girl. I struggled with that identity growing up.”

Even the people in her community recognized her potential as an athlete. They nicknamed her Merlene Ottey, after the nine-time Jamaican Olympic medalist sprinter, because she was always running as a child.

Fraser-Pryce ran barefoot in junior school until a teacher bought her spikes in sixth grade. Although she didn’t envision herself as a future star athlete, she attended track training anyway. “I was just doing it because my mom said I should do it,” she admitted.

Her dedication paid off as she became a highly acclaimed Olympic medalist, known for her vibrant hair colors on the field. Her journey to stardom began at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where she made history as the first Caribbean woman to win a gold medal in the 100m event.

This was just the start of her record-breaking career. Four years later, at the London 2012 Olympics, Fraser-Pryce amazed the world once again by becoming the third woman to successfully defend her 100m Olympic title.

The momentum slowed at the Rio 2016 Olympics when the impressive athlete suffered a toe injury that hampered her preparation and performance.

Though disappointed, she felt content given the unfortunate circumstances. Fraser-Pryce never expected to make it to the national championships, let alone the Olympics, due to several months without training.

At the starting line of the Olympics, she resolved to push through no matter what. While she was pleased to have made it there, she was frustrated with herself for not performing at her best.

Nevertheless, her resilience paid off as she secured a bronze medal, an accomplishment she considered satisfactory given the circumstances. Despite this achievement, Fraser-Pryce lost another chance to perform at her peak.

She missed the 2017 World Championships due to her pregnancy. After feeling unwell, the athlete took a home pregnancy test and was shocked to discover she was expecting.

Unable to believe the results, Fraser-Pryce bought six more tests, all of which confirmed the pregnancy. Even when her husband told her she was pregnant, she remained in disbelief and denial.

The track star remained at home for a week, still in shock. “I was really scared and nervous. I didn’t know how to tell my coach,” the athlete explained.

Fraser-Pryce felt this way because she had just come back from the Rio Olympic Games, where she was disappointed due to her toe injury. She wanted another chance to compete at her best. As an expectant mother, she was upset because she wanted to defend her title.

“But there I was watching the world championships with a huge stomach, not being able to run. It was really hard for me as an athlete. […] I was excited to welcome my son, but it was definitely a rough time for me because I wanted to compete,” she said.

Fraser-Pryce recalled telling an audience at a speaking engagement that 2019 would mark her most exciting comeback yet. She was resolute in her determination to return to her beloved sport, viewing motherhood as merely a stepping stone to achieving even greater heights.

After becoming a mother, Fraser-Pryce’s focus and hunger for success intensified. She returned to practice just 11 weeks after giving birth, initially training for only two days.

As she resumed her athletic career, the new parent understood the challenges ahead, recognizing the importance of patience and listening to her body. Having delivered her son via C-section, her recovery was particularly challenging.

Despite these challenges, she impressively pushed herself and went on to win her fourth 100m title at the 2019 World Championships. “There’s so many words to describe that moment. I felt powerful. I felt victorious. I felt triumphant. […] This was definitely my moment,” the proud athlete said of her victory.

Fraser-Pryce’s impressive track record continued at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, where she won a silver medal, becoming the first 100m sprinter to secure individual medals in four consecutive Olympic Games.

The eight-time Olympic medalist was set to compete at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, but she recently encountered a significant hurdle.

Fraser-Pryce withdrew from the 100m semi-finals minutes before the race began and later thanked her devoted supporters on Instagram. Her team manager, Ludlow Watts, said she suffered an undisclosed injury before the race against Sha’Carri Richardson and Julien Alfred, who won the gold medal.

The day before the incident, Fraser-Pryce managed to advance through the first round, finishing second in her first-round heat. She clocked in at 10.92 seconds.

Amid the news of her absence, a video surfaced online showing Fraser-Pryce and Richardson being prevented from gaining access to the venue by a bodyguard. However, they both made their way into Stade de Frans for warmups. While Richardson made it to the track field, Fraser-Pryce pulled out as a result.

Following the announcement of her withdrawal, online users rallied behind the sportswoman. “They just robbed the world of a great moment to watch the greatest woman signing out from an incredible career,” commented one fan.

Others slammed the hosting nation with one writing, “Paris must never ever be allowed to host any track meet whatsoever, especially the Olympics. They’re a total disgrace!!!!”

Another added, “This is beyond disgusting and shameful,” while urging the hosts to be more organized. After learning that the two women had to use a different entry for the warmups, the user questioned why the organizers changed the rules overnight without notifying the athletes.

In addition, more social media users reacted to the news of Fraser-Pryce withdrawing from the event. “Whattt?” asked one, while another asked the same thing, expressing disbelief.

One person noted that it is unfair, while another commented on Fraser-Pryce’s Instagram saying, “[I] Cannot imagine your disappointment, right now.”

The athlete revealed this would be her last Olympics and she places a strong emphasis on the legacy she leaves beyond her athletic achievements. Her Pocket Rocket Foundation holds a special place in her heart as she continues to pursue world championships and Olympic victories.

She has been working to broaden the foundation’s impact within Jamaica and aims to extend its reach regionally. While winning medals and running fast are significant, her true passion lies in using her platform to help young people succeed, balance education and sports, and realize their full potential.

Fraser-Pryce expressed her desire for 2024 to be her final year in competitive athletics. She feels immense gratitude for her accomplishments and the lives she has touched, cherishing the memories she has made. Post-Olympics, she looks forward to creating new memories in different endeavors.

Fraser-Pryce has decided to retire not because of age or a lack of desire to compete, but to prioritize her family. She emphasized the importance of being there for her son and acknowledges the sacrifices her husband has made since before her 2008 victory.

Their partnership and support have been crucial to her success over the years, and she feels it’s time to give back to her family in a different way.

She expresses a strong desire to conclude her athletic career on her own terms, highlighting the importance of ending this chapter of her life according to her personal choices and priorities.