Michaela Blyde has just immortalized her Paris Olympics gold medal. New Zealand’s rugby star Michaela Blyde has touched hearts worldwide with a gesture that transcends the boundaries of her sport. The world is now already aware of Blyde’s newfound friendship with Jamaican sprinting phenom Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. However, what many aren’t still aware of is the fact that Blyde has made her most prized possession on Fraser-Pryce’s name.

Yes, you read that right. The story began on the day of the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. Blyde posted a video where she can be spotted with teary eyes as she saw Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce from a distance. Fangirling for Shelly, she wrote, “Please be my friend”. But who knew all her wishes were waiting to be granted in the city of love. A few days back, Blyde shared a video on Instagram that showcased a raw and heartfelt moment. Barefoot and beaming, she sprinted towards Fraser-Pryce, her idol. Michaela Blyde behaved nothing short of a little girl who just got to meet her favorite Marvel superhero straight out of the comics. But the tale doesn’t end here, as she was still waiting to express her highest gratitude and respect to her idol before she left Paris for her home.

Has Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce just added another gold to her name? 

Before grabbing a gold in Paris, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce already has a gold medal in her name. Thanks to one of her biggest admirers. Michaela Blyde recently posted an Instagram story, where she can be spotted flaunting her Olympic gold medal. But what rightfully caught the attention of the world is the fact that she named her gold medal ‘Shelly’ to honor the newfound golden bond and the friendship she made with Shelly in Paris. Blyde wrote, “Welcome home Shelly 🥇” Such a heartfelt tribute has touched fans all across the globe. A fan shared the resurfaced post on an X post and wrote, “After winning Olympic gold with her team in Rugby Sevens, Michaela Blyde has named her gold medal Shelly, honouring the friendship they made at the games”.

Michaela Blyde, the New Zealand Rugby sevens player, who herself is a double Olympic gold medalist, could not believe her eyes when she first met her idol. Teary-eyed Blyde witnessing Fraser-Pryce from a distance wrote, “I saw royalty”, and acknowledging her love, Shelly commented on the post, which made Blyde go berserk. And the very next day Blyde got to meet her ‘Queen’. Blyde ran barefoot toward the Jamaican sprint royalty and hugged her tight. However, she continued to say, “Oh my god, oh my god”, unable to believe that her idol truly did embrace her.

Watching her, Fraser-Pryce laughed and said, “You’re shaking, breathe”. Her teammates continued to giggle as they shot the video. She captioned the video with heartfelt words, “I just met my idol. In a stained shirt, baggy shorts and bare feet. @Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce you have no idea. This country kiwi kid is so happy.” The authenticity of her emotions resonated through her words.

Rugby Sevens’ official Instagram account joined the celebration, posting a creatively edited picture of Blyde and Fraser-Pryce running side by side on a track. The caption playfully suggested, “We want to see these two on track” as fans marveled at the bond between the rugby sensation and sprinting queen. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce too has acknowledged their bond with heartwarming actions. She cheered for the Kiwi powerhouse at each of their rugby match and also shared a story of the two posing. Shelly-Ann wrote, “Peep the kiwi kid in bare foot 🙃”. The tale of celebrating each other doesn’t just end here as Blyde now cheers for the sprint queen as she has embarked on her quest to grab the gold for her nation. However, it might not be an easy task for the eight-time Olympic medallist and 16-time world champion to secure the gold this time.

Will Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce add the gold medal to her name with unwavering support from Blyde? 

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has already qualified for the semis that are to unfold this weekend. Clocking a time of 10.92 seconds in the first heat, she is now counting the hours to give her best in the next round. However, she’s not at her best self, and the 37-year-old ‘Mommy-rocket’ would face a formidable challenge from not only the American speedster, Sha’Carri Richardson but also the Ivorian dynamo, Marie-Josée Ta Lou who pushed Shelly to the second place in the heat clocking an impeccable time of 10.87 seconds.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has already stated that this would be her last Olympic quest. “It’s crazy to even think about the fact that it has been five straight Olympic Games. I’m really looking forward to the experience, stepping on the track, and always, once I get on the line, I’m giving 100 percent at all times and that’s what I’m looking forward to”, shared Fraser-Pryce. Richardson, whose blistering speed makes her the current world lead timed 10.94 in her heat and secured her position in the semis. However, now the world waits with bated breath to witness the Jamaican and US rivalry on track. But who would grab the highest podium place? Will the final 100-meter dash bring Sha’Carri Richardson her first Olympic gold, or will Fraser-Pryce reign supreme?