The 2024 Paris Olympics are just months away, and Sha’Carri Richardson is one the flagbearers of the USA’s track and field dreams. As the reigning world champ continues to throw hints of an emphatic comeback, Richardson will have a tough challenge ahead on the way to the top of the podium. Three-time Olympic gold medalist Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce of Jamaica is also gearing up for her final sprint, and an iconic US athlete thinks Richardson will have her work cut for her at the European capital in July.

With four Olympic gold medals to his name, Michael Johnson evokes a strong sense of reverence among track and field fans. As Shelly-Ann goes all out with her stringent training regimen, Johnson believes the Jamaican’s consistency will be the one thing to look out for at the Olympic Games.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s path of betterment

In his latest post on X (formerly Twitter), Michael took a moment to point out what makes Fraser-Pryce “consistently great“. Johnson shared the original post by The Player’s Tribune, where Shelly-Ann talks about what motivates her to continue pushing herself at the highest levels. “I was just trying to prove myself right“, stated the Jamaican runner, claiming that she didn’t have the thought of trying to prove her worth to anyone else.

For Johnson, this is exactly what makes Shelly-Ann such a force to be reckoned with. The track and field legend thinks being able to match up to one’s own expectations can go a long way instead of trying to prove one’s worth to the world. “When you truly believe in yourself, proving yourself right is a much more powerful and sustainable motivator for success than what we often hear: “Proving others wrong.”“, stated Johnson.

In her own interview, Shelly-Ann talked about how her dreams came true in both the 100 and 200m sprints. “I’m just so grateful to have been able to accomplish those dreams in my life.“, confessed the Olympian. While Shelly-Ann looks to end her running career with a bang, her rivalry with Richardson continues to evolve.

Sha’Carri Richardson vs. Fraser-Pryce: A rivalry for the history books

Fraser-Pryce and Richardson have locked horns several times over the years. Their latest clash came at the 2023 World Championships in the 100m race, where Richardson clinched a gold while Shelly-Ann had to settle for a bronze. After their titillating run, the duo shared a hug and a victory lap together. Interestingly, the LSU sprinter had all respect for her Jamaican rival. “She’s an amazing athlete, I grew up watching her.” Sha’Carri did not stop there. She also pointed out how the outlook of Fraser-Pryce drives her to do better.

“It was going to take my best to come forward and be able to compete, knowing that she’s been doing this and can continue to be on the podium every single time…I have something to do. I have more to do…Like she said, what makes this sport so fun or interesting is the fact that you can always do more. There’s always so much more that you can pull out of yourself and become better,” Sha’Carri said on that occasion.

Read more: Sha’Carri Richardson Shares Lesser Known Daily Ritual as She Gears Up for 2024 Paris Olympics

With Shelly-Ann making it clear that the 2024 Paris Olympics will be her final participation in the Games because of the need to prioritize her family and young son at the moment, Sha’Carri will also hope to bid adieu to her highly decorated opponent with a competition to remember. But Shelly-Ann is not all about the tracks only.

Her contributions to helping student-athletes become change-makers through the Pocket Rocket Foundation won’t go unnoticed either. Her ambitious project has also led the Jamaican to join hands with the likes of Richard Mille and Nike to garner more support for the cause. As the road to Paris opens up, who do you think will have the final laugh in the last battle?

Also Read: In Pictures: Rare Image of Sha’Carri Richardson’s Jamaican Idol, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Posing With Upcoming Track Star Goes Viral