“I know it’s never over until it’s over.” Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce said it straight—no hesitation, no confusion. And she’s just as clear when it comes to her career decisions. After almost two decades on the track, the Jamaican sprint queen is ready to call time on her legendary run. She’s chosen the Tokyo World Athletics Championships this year as her final stage. And for her, it’s not just any farewell—it’s a full-circle moment. Back on September 1, 2007, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce lined up for Heat 2 of the women’s 4x100m relay at the World Championships in Osaka.
That was her first time ever repping Jamaica on the global stage. Fast forward 18 years, and in a couple of months, she’ll be stepping onto her eighth World Championships team. Crazy, right? You don’t stay at the top that long without learning a few things along the way. And let’s not forget—she’s not just any sprinter. She’s a 10-time world champion. Ten. So yeah, there’s got to be some secret sauce, some lessons that have kept her fired up and chasing glory year after year. What are they? Well, Shelly-Ann’s been opening up about that lately.
Recently, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce showed up looking radiant at the premiere of her new documentary, Winning Against Time. And on July 15, she hopped on Instagram to share some snaps from that special day—and she dropped a caption that really hit home. She let everyone in on one of the biggest lessons she’s learned through her journey: “Not every win comes with a gold medal. Sometimes the victory is just showing up when it’s hard.” And honestly, when it comes from someone like Shelly-Ann—still World Championships-qualified at 38—you know it’s real. Well, she added, “People see the medals and the headlines. But what they don’t always see are the quiet battles—the early mornings, the doubts, the sacrifices, and the moments that test your spirit when no one’s watching.” That’s the stuff that built a 10-time world champion. Not just the speed, but the grit behind the scenes.
But that’s just who Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is. Back in 2007, she was on that relay team with Sheri-Ann Brooks, Kerron Stewart, and Simone Facey. All three of them have been retired for years now—but Shelly-Ann? She’s still lacing up, still grinding for another shot at the podium. She sticks to her strict routine, keeps pushing, and even bounced back from an injury last season like it was nothing. For her, that’s victory too—proving the stereotypes wrong every single day. And fans? Oh, they definitely see it. Just check the comments on her posts or listen to how people talk about her. The respect is loud and clear.
One fan summed it up perfectly in the comments: “@realshellyannfp …….the sacrifices and the salvation…..You are simply AMAZING.” And when it comes to sacrifice, Shelly-Ann knows it all too well. Back in 2016, she kept her pregnancy a secret—even from her own mother. Why? Because she was scared of what it might cost her in an Olympic year. She’d seen the struggles up close, lived them, and for her, pushing through all that is the real victory. Fans definitely see that side of her and have been giving her props for it.
Fans find another reason to praise Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce
An 18-year career. Five straight Olympics. Medals in four of them. How do you even explain Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s greatness? Maybe you don’t have to—the fans have already done it.
After Shelly-Ann’s heartfelt post, the love poured in. One fan nailed it with, “Truly an inspiration and national icon.” Even Kishane Thompson, fresh off his men’s 100m win at the Prefontaine Classic last week, took a moment to pay tribute: “The track and field sport has appreciated you so much. You’ve done phenomenal things.” And he’s not the only one. Hansle Parchment, the Tokyo Olympic champ, jumped into the comments too, calling her: “Role model for all .” Parch knows. He’s seen her impact up close. So has Athlos, who added their voice: “Your willingness to be open about your journey inspires us all You’ve been a huge blessing to track and field!”
17.02.2020, xlakx, Entertainment, Laureus World – Sports Awards 2020 emspor, v.l.Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce bei der Verleihung der 20. Laureus World Sports Awards 2020 in der Verti Music Hall Berlin. Berlin *** 17 02 2020, xlakx, Sport Entertainment, Laureus World Sports Awards 2020 emspor, v l Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce at the presentation of the 20 Laureus World Sports Awards 2020 in the Verti Music Hall Berlin Berlin
But then there was that one fan who really captured it all: “Being able to know when to step back and having the courage to chose yourself or pivot is enough win, people. Only the strong can say NO. Don’t let anyone bully you to think that saying NO or stepping back is a sign of weakness.” That’s the Shelly-Ann effect—gold medals, sure. But the strength to know when to rise, when to fight, and when to choose yourself? That’s legendary.
The post Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Gets Track and Field Community Emotional Following Strong Confession appeared first on EssentiallySports.
