Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Set to Open Her Season, but Not Against Sha’Carri Richardson

The sports world is filled with epic rivalries. When two great athletes go head to head, it’s hard not to respect them, no matter who wins. The world will never get over the competitiveness between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova, or LeBron James and Kevin Durant. When it comes to the world of Track and Field, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Sha’Carri Richardson make this list.

The Jamaican and the American have both made a well-deserving name for themselves as accomplished sprinters. Both are widely regarded among the best sprinters of our time, therefore, it is not a surprise that track and field fans would want them pitted against each other. What is greater than witnessing two greats in a face-off? Unfortunately for us fans, these legends will not be competing against one another in the upcoming Kip Keino Classic.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce vs Sha’Carri Richardson: the most anticipated match-up of this season nixed

When the news of Sha’Carri Richardson entering the Kip Keino Classic was confirmed, fans anticipated that the American Sprint sensation will be facing the three-time Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce of Jamaica. However, it has been since confirmed, that this match-up will remain a dream. In spite of this, the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi will witness epicness of nuclear levels this weekend. Fraser-Pryce will finally open up her season by participating in the 100m race.

On the other hand, Richardson, competing in the 200m category, will hope to continue her winning streak after her stunning performance at the Doha Diamond League. According to a Tweet by Kip Keino Classic Continental Tour, Zoe Hobbs will also be a candidate for glory in the 100m race, along with Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.

Read more: “Mommy Rocket”: After Dominating Parents’ Day Race at Her Son’s School, Legend Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce Stuns Track World With Preps for Her Next Big Race

The decision to break apart this rival pair into two different categories was explained by the meet director Barnaba Korir. According to a report by Capital Sports, Korir explained, “The reason why we did that is because we wanted to enhance the events. If we have Shelly-Ann in the 100m and Richardson in the 200m, it will give us more value and points in both races.”

Korir explained that putting the two sprinters in different races will, in the long term, aid Kenya’s bid to host a Diamond League event. Richardson, through an Instagram video, explained that she will be competing in the 200m race, even though she wanted to be a part of the 100m. Earlier, in the last week’s Botswana Grand Prix, Richardson was compelled to run in the 200m, which she came second in. This is not the first time that Fraser-Pryce and Richardson have been pitted against one another.

A historic sprinting rivalry

The 2022 Kip Keino Classic saw Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce leaving behind everyone in the dust to take the title home. She set a time of 10.67 seconds, which was then the sixth-fastest time in the world. Richardson bowed out of that race. However, the reasons for the same are unknown. But back in 2021, during the Wanda Diamond League meet in Gateshead, England, Sha’Carri Richardson bested the ‘queen of the track’ herself.

There was Fraser-Pryce, Richardson, and British superstar Dina Asher-Smith heading on to take the lead. The Brit won that race. But remarkably, Richardson came in second, leaving behind Fraser-Pryce. What is even more remarkable is the fact that Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce did not even make it to the podium, as Marie-Josée Talou took home the bronze.

Since then, Richardson and Fraser-Pryce, have only improved. It is not a far-fetched idea that both these sprinters have yet to show their best to the world.

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