This past week, on May 16, Doha welcomed the return of one of its favorite speed queens, the legendary Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. Three years after her overwhelming win there at the Diamond league, the Jamaican’s return had everyone holding their breath. But what the many fans of Mommy Rocket got wasn’t a sensational run but a humble 11.08 seconds, putting her in fourth behind fellow Jamaican Tia Clayton’s winning 10.92. But with the hype over, and for the results on the wall, what does it mean for Shelly-Ann?
After all, with a strong 10.94-second season opener in Kingston, this Doha result left fans scratching their heads: was it just a bit of rust, or a hint of what’s ahead? Whispers are really starting to buzz that 2025 might be Shelly-Ann’s very last season, but the 38-year-old hasn’t said a word about retirement. Her silence just fuels the speculation, keeping the entire track world on pins and needles.
Could this truly be the last time we witness her incredible sprinting glory, or does she still have something more to prove? Then, Justin Gatlin, the former sprint king himself, jumped into the conversation on his YouTube channel. “I would have loved to see her in a grand slam… We know that she uses 200s to be able to make her hundreds faster,” he quipped.
“I’m never really concerned about her when it comes to the normal season,” Gatlin declared. “She always shows up when it counts.” He practically urged Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce to go for a Diamond League podium finish, pointing out, “If she goes out there and gets on that podium, no one’s gonna remember that she got a fourth in Doha”. His words resonate with fans who are desperate for just one more iconic SAFP moment.
Will she manage to tap into that championship fire again? As the Doha event fades into the background, the track world’s eyes are glued to Fraser-Pryce’s next move. With her legacy already more than secure, every race she runs now feels like a bonus. Can she manage to turn those whispers of retirement into thunderous roars of triumph?
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce: Is This Her Last Season
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, the “Pocket Rocket” herself, burst back onto the Diamond League scene in Doha on May 16, 2025, her first big race since late 2022. But her Doha run felt more like a warm-up. Was this just a shaky return or a sign of something bigger brewing? Rumors are flying that 2025 could be Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s final season, but the 38-year-old sprinter hasn’t confirmed anything.
Meanwhile, the hosts of Ready Set Go were quick to point out, “I haven’t heard her say that… She hasn’t confirmed. Yes, this is my last year.” Her silence keeps fans on the edge of their seats, holding onto hope for more of her signature sprints. Will she finally clear up her plans soon? Even sprint legend Justin Gatlin weighed in on his YouTube channel, praising her incredible resilience.
Gatlin mentioned, “I always take my hat off to people who… separate from their coach and still dominate, still running faster… She’s done that over and over again.” His words resonate with fans who deeply admire Fraser-Pryce’s sheer grit and determination. So, can she claw her way back onto the podium and show everyone she’s still got it?
As the Diamond League season continues to unfold, every single step the Jamaican takes is under the microscope. Will she silence all the retirement chatter with another blazing finish, proving once again why she’s one of the greatest?
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