spot and bids farewell to National Stadium

SHELLY-Ann Fraser-Pryce stood at the edge of the track under the bright lights of the National Stadium in Kingston, soaking in the love of a grateful nation.
After securing a third-place finish in the women’s 100m final on Friday night — her time of 10.91 enough to book a spot on Jamaica’s team to the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo — the legendary sprinter didn’t talk about medals or times. She talked about faith, purpose, and the power of dreams.
“I am really grateful to be here. I want to give God all the glory tonight because it is His promises that we stand on and what we believe in,” she said, voice steady but full of emotion.
“This evening it was just about making the team for me. It’s really about the celebration of this journey and what you guys have done for me — your support, your love, your dedication and your commitment to years of service.”
The 38-year-old, already a five-time 100m world champion and three-time Olympic gold medallist, had just secured her place on her ninth World Championships team.
But the bigger moment came afterward, when the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA), the Government of Jamaica, and thousands of fans gave her a fitting send-off at the same venue where she first competed as a little girl from Waterhouse.
“It’s not goodbye — because I will see you in Tokyo,” she said with a smile. “It has been a privilege and a real joy to represent this country. It has been my pleasure to be in this National Stadium for one last time.
I remember the first time I ran in this stadium — I was in primary school, 1997 — and tonight, just standing here for one last time, I hope I leave a legacy of inspiration to every single girl that’s here tonight who decides to dream and decides that they want more.
The world is yours. Continue to chase your dreams and let no one take your dreams and hopes from you. God is good, all the time.”
Shortly before the grand send-off, Tina Clayton, a two-time World U20 champion, delivered a lifetime best of 10.81 to win the final, ahead of defending national champion Shericka Jackson, who clocked 10.88.
Fraser-Pryce’s third-place finish was enough to secure her spot for Tokyo. The race, however, ended in heartbreak for 2024 Paris Olympic finalist, Tia Clayton, who suffered an injury mid-race and fell late into the race.
The crowd’s attention quickly turned to Fraser-Pryce, whose illustrious career was celebrated in an emotional on-track ceremony hosted by former sports administrator, Ian Andrews. She was presented with a custom painting by JAAA President, Garth Gayle and a giant bouquet by JAAA Director, Ian Forbes, in a gesture of gratitude for her two decades of service to Jamaica.
“Ladies and gentlemen, it has been over two decades that this young Wolmerian has treated us with so much joy — and we love her,” Gayle declared. “We want her to know that all Jamaica loves her.”
Minister of Sport, Olivia Grange, recalling the start of Fraser-Pryce’s career, added with pride:
“She little but she Tallawah. I was there in Beijing and I could not believe. Shelly-Ann, I was sure there were the doubting Thomases…”
Ian Andrews captured the national sentiment with flair:
“From 2007 and in 2008, you remember… the stone that the builder refuses became the head stone. We all remember what happened in 2008 when she came second in the Women’s 100m finals and people were saying ‘Shelly-Ann who?’ Shelly-Ann went on to win the Olympic gold in Beijing — and she has not looked back since.”
“This is a bittersweet moment for me,” he added. “Because this is the final time we will see Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce running at the championships.”
With nine World Championships appearances, seven Olympic medals, and a global legacy beyond the medals, Fraser-Pryce has long secured her place among the greatest athletes of all time
. But on Friday night, standing on the track where her journey first began, she reminded everyone that greatness isn’t just about how fast you run — it’s about how deeply you inspire. (Sportsmax)