“Keep working, keep dreaming, and one day you’ll get there,” said Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce after running her last race on Jamaican soil (June 27). With those words, she didn’t just end a race—she wrapped up a legendary career. Meanwhile, the National Stadium was packed, and the atmosphere was electric. As she walked around the track one final time, the cheers were loud, the emotions real. Everyone felt it. Kishane Thompson was there too. That same night, he gave Jamaican fans something else to cheer about with a big performance of his own. But back then, he didn’t say much about Shelly-Ann.
Instead, Kishane Thompson quietly lived out the words Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce shared that June night—keep working, keep dreaming, and reach for your goals. On June 27, he clocked a stunning 9.75 seconds at the Jamaican National Championships in Kingston, shooting up to sixth on the all-time men’s 100m list, on the same night Shelly-Ann booked her spot at her ninth World Championships. Then, on July 5, he stormed past Christian Coleman, Trayvon Bromell, and others to take the 100m win at the Prefontaine Classic with a 9.85, even while battling issues in the final stretch. Still, no one could catch him. So, was that the perfect moment to finally say something about the Jamaican sprint icon? Absolutely.
After winning the men’s 100m at the Prefontaine Classic, Kishane Thompson joined Katelyn Hutchison for a quick chat. Naturally, the conversation turned to Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and her final season. When asked about his thoughts on Mommy Rocket’s farewell, the 23-year-old responded, “The track and field sport has appreciated you so much. You’ve done phenomenal things.” Was that the symbolic moment the baton began to pass? Maybe. But the Tokyo World Athletics Championships could be where it truly becomes official.
Paris 2024 Olympics – Athletics – Men’s 100m Round 1 – Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France – August 03, 2024. Kishane Thompson of Jamaica celebrates after finishing first place in heat 1 REUTERS/Alina Smutko
In two months, Kishane Thompson will line up for the men’s 100m at the Tokyo World Athletics Championships, already guaranteed a spot. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has also secured her place in the women’s 100m. According to Canadian Olympic legend Donovan Bailey, Jamaica has a strong shot at making a big impact in the competition. Hinting at bigger things, Kishane also said, “I know greater things are in store for me. It’s not going to really sink in until I reach the full capabilities that I know I can reach. And it’s just always being better and better. That’s just me, honestly.”
For Shelly-Ann, however, it could very well be the final time she wears the Jamaican colors in her professional career. For Kishane, it marks his debut on the World Championships stage. The passing of the baton feels inevitable. And interestingly, Kishane’s recent tribute to Shelly-Ann closely mirrors the sentiment Usain Bolt expressed just ten days earlier.
Before Kishane Thompson, Usain Bolt explained Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s contribution
On June 27, Usain Bolt showed up at the Kingston National Stadium to watch the JAAA National Championships. Later, as he casually strolled along the track where he once ruled the world, someone asked him a simple but powerful question: “What does Shelly mean to Jamaica?” With his signature smile and that unmistakable Bolt charisma, he answered, “…there’s glory and greatness in it. I’m very happy for her. See, her career is longer than mine. It has been a long time, but she keeps going; we need more medals in the country. Happy for that! Big up Shelly!” Usain and Shelly go way back—to their junior days—rising together, dominating together. They both won their first Olympic golds in Beijing 2008, and in 2013, the IAAF crowned them Male and Female World Athletes of the Year. But in 2017, Bolt stepped away from the track just shy of his 31st birthday. Shelly? She kept going. Breaking records. Making history. Defying expectations.
Athletics Bislett Games 2025: Day 1 Oslo 20250611. Usain Bolt during the Bislett Games at Bislett Stadium in Oslo on Wednesday. Photo: Tor Erik Schroder / NTB Oslo Norway EDITORIAL USE ONLY. RESTRICTED USE FOR BETTING COMPANIES Ref:_SPOaTIPPyI2Ydo.jpg *** Athletics Bislett Games 2025 Day 1 Oslo 20250611 Usain Bolt during the Bislett Games at Bislett Stadium in Oslo on Wednesday Photo Tor Erik Schroder NTB Oslo Norway EDITORIAL USE ONLY RESTRICTED USE FOR BETTING COMPANIES PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxNORxSWExDENxFINxFRA Copyright: xTorxErikxSchroderx/xNTBx
And now, here we are—one last dance. In Tokyo, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce will line up, possibly for the final time in Jamaican colors. Kishane Thompson, the next big hope, will also be there for his World Championships debut. And Bolt? He’s promised he’ll be in the stands, cheering them both on. So, is this Tokyo chapter the closing of a golden era—or the beginning of something new? What do you think?
The post Kishane Thompson Voices Honest Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Feelings Following Usain Bolt’s Massive Admission appeared first on EssentiallySports.
