Shelly-Ann Frazer-Pryce’s Surprising Announcement Leaves Track & Field Fans Concerned: “Hope She’s Doing Alright”

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce was set to contest in her final Olympic Games in the French capital this year. One of the most anticipated events was the women’s 100m semifinals on August 3. Fans hoped to watch the sprinter set the purple track on fire. Unfortunately, a minor blip kept her from entering the warm-up area, and eventually, she bowed out due to an undisclosed injury. While she couldn’t have one last Hurrah on the world’s biggest stage, the sprinter has recently caused quite a stir. 

The 37-year-old had been dealing with a persistent injury for the last few seasons. However, the sprinter doesn’t want to stop yet and has decided to continue trudging on. On September 2, a shocking announcement on X caught everyone by surprise. “BREAKING NEWS: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce 🇯🇲 has reportedly left coach Reynaldo Walcott and Elite Track Club after 4 years. The reason for the switch or where she’s moving to is still unknown at this time. Via @RICKFASTTRACK.” Say it isn’t so!

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has been training with Reynaldo Walcott since 2020. In fact, she had helped establish the Elite Performance Track Club during the COVID-19 pandemic. The coach guided the 3x Olympic gold medalist to a 5th world title in the 100m at Eugene, Oregon. He was also instrumental in lowering her personal best to 10.60 seconds, putting her in 3rd on the world all-time list. If that wasn’t enough, the Jamaican also became the first woman to run sub-10.7 seconds, which she did 6 more times in a single season.

However, while things looked peachy between the duo, it started to dip during the 2024 season. According to Sportsmax publication, every WhatsApp message or call made by the Olympian often went unanswered. Could this have caused the cracks in an otherwise strong foundation? While nothing else has come up yet, things are looking up for the upcoming season. The sprinter has put together a team to help her out, and chances are that Andre Wellington could be in the running. But how do the fans feel about the disheartening news?

Distressed track and field fans rally behind Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce after heartbreaking announcement

Leading up to the 2024 Paris Olympics, several fans were worried the Jamaican was ready to hang up her cleats. However, she wasn’t done dominating the tracks. The sprinter wanted to step onto the world’s biggest stage one last time. With a blistering 10.94 seconds in the 100m, she had successfully punched her ticket to Paris. But after her withdrawal from the French capital, fans are worried about what 2024 must have been like for the Olympian. 

One fan stated, “In no way is this criticism, but more an observation amidst today’s reports that she’s switching coaches. I hope she’s doing alright, and I can’t wait to see my fave back on the track for another season. Whatever decisions she decides to make, I will back her 100% ♥.” They pointed out how back in 2022, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce seemed more outgoing and herself compared to 2023-24. 

The sprinter was known to be bubbly and goofy in most of her interviews before. While she still kept some of the sass in her recent interviews. This fan points out that they have been far more sparse, and her spark for the track seems to have faded. There could be so many reasons for the 37-year-old to react more somberly. But we understand why this fan is concerned.

Another fan exclaimed, “Everything going on with Team Jamaica from before the Olympics up until now is so eerie. I need a well thought out and extensively researched documentary of the 2024 Jamaica team ASAP.” When you think about track and field, Usain Bolt’s name comes crashing through your mind, doesn’t it? The nation is known to bring out strong contenders. In fact, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce made it to the podium at every Summer Games from 2008 to 2020. 

But this time around, track and field fans witnessed track with almost little to no Jamaicans competing. During the 2020 Olympics in the Japanese capital, the nation clinched 9 medals in the track circuit: 4 golds, 1 silver, and 4 bronzes. But this time, they only walked away with 6—1 gold, 3 silver, and 2 bronze. Quite shocking compared to the last few Games.

A fan confessed, “3. I hope SAF leaves the centre stage now the ovation is still highest… I’m a huge fan and can’t bear to watch her turn into another Yohan Blake.” The Jamaican was the only man who came within a whisker of Usain Bolt. At the 2012 London Olympics, the sprinting legend claimed the 100m Olympic Champion title with a blistering 9.63 seconds. But trailing behind him was Yohan Blake, who settled for second place with 9.73 seconds on the clock. 

The sprinter wanted to bid adieu to the world with one last appearance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. But he couldn’t qualify at the Jamaican Trials. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is looking to return to the track once again. However, this fan is concerned she might have to face the same fate as Blake, who once was hailed as the second fastest man in the world.

One fan pointed out, “I knew she was pisses about something the recent Olympics not just that they didn’t wanna let her in.” However, another fan believed this could be due to another reason. They added, “I BEEN peeped that she’d be leaving Elite and I kind of hinted it to you guys that one time 😭I’m very curious to see who she goes to.” While nothing was addressed publicly, it is hard not to draw suspicions from what they witnessed. 

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce was denied entry from a particular gate into the warmup area due to a sudden rule change ahead of the 100m semifinals. While she didn’t seem pleased, she eventually entered from a gate a little away from where she was. However, the sprinter addressed her fandom shortly after, informing them she was grateful for their love. She also added, “Things happen, and we can’t control everything that happens.” Could this have been some subtle foreshadowing? We will never know. But what do you think about her announcement?