Track and field’s “Polly Rocket,” Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, has returned after a ten-month break. The 37-year-old five-time world champion is competing in her fifth and last Olympics, wanting to spend more time with her kids and her family.
Her most recent medal win was a bronze in the 100 metres at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, where Sha’Carri Richardson won the race. Although much awaited, her season debut at the JAAA French Foray #3 on June 15, 2024, fell short of expectations.
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce threw herself into the race.
Determined and with a taped-up leg, Fraser-Pryce entered Kingston’s Stadium East following a tardy start to the 2024 campaign. This was not your typical race; it was her victorious comeback following a 295-day layoff due to injuries. Track & Field Gazette took to Twitter to celebrate Fraser-Pryce’s incredible comeback after the race, as she emerged victorious.
“The Queen Is Returning!With a time of 11.15 (0.8) for her first race of 2024, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce 🇯🇲 makes a fantastic comeback, winning the women’s 100m at the French Foray 3! Three weeks and one month before the Olympics begin, she begins her season!” quoted by essentially sports.
Fraser-Pryce gave a dominant performance that demonstrated her excellent form. She easily defeated her rivals in 11.16 seconds, which was the quickest time throughout the seven heats.
Jodean Williams and Sabrina Dockery came in second and third, respectively, at 11.20 and 11.46 seconds.
Supporters dispute whether she is ready for the Olympics.
Although Fraser-Pryce’s performance was impressive, supporters are left wondering if she is ready for Paris, hoping for a time closer to her personal best of 10.60 seconds.
This won’t guarantee her a place on the team, a supporter said. She needs to work harder. Fraser-Pryce needs to finish among the top three at the Jamaican trials to qualify for the Olympics.