“Not Going to Make the Team”: Track and Field Community Unmoved by Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s Career’s Last Season Start

After a 10-month-long hiatus, track and field saw the return of Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. The 37-year-old, fondly known as the “Polly Rocket” has been dominating the tracks for over a decade now. But this year, the five-world title holder is back to compete in what will be her fifth and final Olympic run because she’s looking forward to spending time with her family. “My son needs me.“

Fans last saw her at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, where she clinched a bronze in the women’s 100m, losing the first position to Sha’Carri Richardson. Since then, she made her highly anticipated season debut at the JAAA French Foray #3 on June 15, 2024. But even though fans were ecstatic about her comeback, it wasn’t what they were expecting. 

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce launched herself to the finish line

Albeit having a late start to the 2024 season, Fraser-Pryce stepped into the Stadium East in Kingston, determined with a taped-up knee. This wasn’t just any other race, this was her comeback after staying off the tracks for 295 days due to injuries sustained in the competition. After the race concluded, Track & Field Gazette took to Twitter to celebrate Fraser-Pryce’s win. “11.15s!!🔥The Queen is Back!!!👑Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce 🇯🇲 makes a brilliant return, storming to victory in the women’s 100m at the French Foray 3 in a time of 11.15 (0.8) for her 1st race of 2024! She kicks off her season, 1 month & 2wks away from the start of the Olympics!”

Fraser-Pryce had a strong start to the race, comfortably breezing past her competitors clocking in 11.16 seconds and an easy win. Her time was the fastest time across the seven heats. Trailing behind her were Jodean Williams and Sabrina Dockery, who clocked 11.20 and 11.46 seconds respectively. Fraser-Pryce showed off her impressive form at the competition, but many fans believe she could’ve done better. Fans were hoping to see her get closer to her personal best of 10.60 seconds, and this has them questioning if she is ready for Paris. 

Fans debate if she is prepared for the Olympics

Her comeback did not too impress track and field enthusiasts and took to social media to voice their concerns. One fan expressed, “This is not going to make the team. She got some work to do. Hopefully, it works out.” To make the Olympic team, Fraser-Pryce would have to finish among the top three at the Jamaican Trials. 

Another fan seemed to share the same sentiment, “Damn, was hoping for a faster time because I know what a certain subset of the track audience gonna be yapping about. Anyways welcome back Shelly, greatness awaits 👑.” Several fans were pining for another repeat of the “Polly Rocket,” show. 

Another fan, hoping for the same, remarked, “Time is fine—nothing special as we know.” Her late start to the reason left fans wanting more. “Y’all do realize y’all have other young athletes faster right,” a fan pointed out how the 37-year-old was competing against athletes far younger than her. 

One fan left a rather sassy remark, “Back with a 11:15? 😂 ok.” Several fans were emotionally invested in Fraser-Pryce’s comeback, but it seems that despite a win, many are concerned about the risk of stepping into the season so close to the Trials and the Olympics. As Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce prepares for the Jamaican Trials, many are questioning whether she will have enough time. Despite the mixed reaction, her recent performance proves that she will be looking forward to shutting down all the naysayers. Will the three-time Olympic champion step foot in the French capital for one last hurrah? Only time will tell!