The National Stadium in Kingston is gearing up for a bittersweet moment as Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, the sprinting icon, prepares to lace up for her final race at the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) National Championships from June 26-29, 2025.
The 38-year-old legend, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, announced at a Nike event, “In the next two days, it will be my final time gracing the National Stadium. Honestly, it’s one of those moments that I’m looking forward to… because I have absolutely nothing to lose and all to gain.” Her words carry the weight of a career spanning five Olympics and 10 world championship medals, making this a must-watch farewell. But what does this moment mean for her legacy?
The JAAA confirmed that World Athletics approved the June 26-29 dates for the National Junior and Senior Championships, a critical qualifier for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, set for September 13-21. According to a JAAA release, “Athletes are assured of receiving ranking points for their participation, and performances will be used for qualification to all global championships.” This approval should solidify the event’s legitimacy, ensuring Fraser-Pryce’s 100m prelims on Thursday, her last sprint in Kingston, count toward Tokyo. Yet, a shadow looms over the trials. Why?
FILE PHOTO: Paris 2024 Olympics – Athletics – Women’s 100m Round 1 – Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France – August 02, 2024. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce of Jamaica reacts after the heats. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier SEARCH “OLYMPIC COLOURS” FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH “OLYMPIC SIDELINES” FOR ALL STORIES. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES
Despite the JAAA’s assurances, the event’s absence from World Athletics’ official website has raised eyebrows. The lack of listing on the governing body’s platform, where global meets are typically detailed, sparks speculation about the trials’ status. Could performances, including Fraser-Pryce’s, face scrutiny for qualification? The JAAA faced criticism for scheduling the championships during the Grand Slam Track series in Los Angeles, clashing with Diamond League meets, potentially weakening fields. If World Athletics doesn’t fully recognize the trials, Fraser-Pryce’s final run could be mired in uncertainty. How will this affect her shot at a Tokyo berth?
As Fraser-Pryce steps onto the track, her focus remains unshaken, her legacy as the “Mommy Rocket” secured. Will this potential twist derail her grand exit, or will she sprint through the doubt to cement her legend? Meanwhile, one Jamaican athlete has gone through this mishap.
Not Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, but Raymond Richards has faced the trials of oversight
Well, On January 25, 2025, Raymond Richards soared to a stunning 2.31m high jump at the Queen’s/Grace Jackson Invitational at Kingston’s National Stadium, a mark that would’ve been the best by a Jamaican since Germaine Mason’s 2006 leap and a world-leading height for the year. The University of Technology student’s performance was a beacon of promise, hinting at a bright future for the 2024 World Indoor bronze medalist. Yet, as SportsMax reported, an administrative blunder has cast a shadow over this feat. Why won’t this jump count?
The JAAA, responsible for submitting meets to World Athletics’ Global Calendar, failed to register the Queen’s/Grace Jackson Invitational, a requirement since December 2022 for performances to gain official recognition. David Riley, JAAA’s liaison, pointed the finger at meet organizers, stating a late November email urged them to “treat the matter as urgent.” Without this listing, Richards’ jump won’t earn ranking points or aid his Tokyo World Championships qualification. How does this impact his season?
This oversight isn’t isolated. Meets like the McKenley-Wint Classic and Big Shot also went unsubmitted, leaving performances like Fedrick Dacres’ world-leading discus throw unrecognized. For Richards, the snub stings, but his 2.28m at the World Indoor Championships shows his potential. Can he rebound from this setback? Meanwhile, with 724 athletes, including Shericka Jackson, competing, Fraser-Pryce’s legacy is secure, but recognition matters. Richards, with his 2.28m World Indoor bronze, shares her fight for validation. Will these stars overcome the JAAA’s missteps to shine in Tokyo?
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