US Olympic Legend Warns Sha’Carri Richardson and Others About Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce: “Can Never Underestimate”

2024 is an important year for Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. The Jamaican has decided to retire after the Paris Olympics, so this is her last shot at the coveted Games. However, people anticipate her clash with names like Sha’Carri Richardson, who was freshly crowned as the new world champion with a personal best time of 10.65s.

Now a clip of Gail Devers went viral where she spoke highly of the Jamaican. “You can never underestimate Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. I’m sorry, I don’t care what you say,” Devers was heard saying. The praise sounded like a note of caution for the younger generation of sprinters like Sha’Carri Richardson, Julien Alfred, Athing Mu, and others who are presently taking the tracks by storm.

However, the 16-time world medalist sustained several injuries over the years. Remember her muscle injury at the World Championships? Well, this is only going to motivate her to end her career in the best possible way.

At the same time, Sha’Carri Richardson continues to make waves on the track. She recently dominated the women’s 100 meters at the Prefontaine Classic, clocking in at 10.83 seconds. She is using this victory as a springboard to make a significant impression at the Paris Olympics. But Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has a lot more experience. While most athletes would gradually fade away from the professional circuit with age, the 37-year-old has overturned those calculations. She is ready to compete with athletes in their 20s.

She was just 21 when she grabbed her first Olympic gold medal in Beijing. In fact, she was the first Caribbean woman to win gold in an Olympic 100-meter. Back then, she was just a rookie looking to make her mark on the tracks. But age has instilled a vision in her. That probably helped the ‘Pocket Rocket’ (a nickname earned for her petite build and quick starts) big time.

“My perspective has definitely changed. I was 21 when I first started. I was not sure what I wanted to do. I was going with the flow and enjoying what I was doing. At 34, I have clear intentions at what I want to do,” Fraser-Pryce had said before her 2021 Doha Diamond League victory. But that change of perspective has left a mark on the other aspects of her life as well.

With that in mind, Fraser-Pryce intends to retire soon and spend extra time with her family. In a conversation, she stated, “My son needs me,” expressing her wish to strike a balance between her professional and personal responsibilities. Jason, her partner, has been her rock throughout the years, helping her achieve incredible heights. Fraser-Pryce once noted, “My husband and I have been together since before I won in Beijing 2008,” insisting on the commitment of their relationship.

“He has sacrificed for me,” she said. Her exceptional performance for such a prolonged period of time has a lot to do with her husband. “It’s because of that support that I’m able to do the things that I have been doing for all these years.” Fraser-Pryce had said, acknowledging the role of Jason. The decision to step aside from the tracks is probably her attempt to give her family back the time they have missed together. She has the same commitment to society as well, which has given rise to another endeavor from Shelly-Ann.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce beyond the tracks

Fraser-Pryce’s career has been characterized by her constant drive that spanned beyond her achievements in track and field. Her dedication to developing young athletes is exemplified by her community service, particularly through the Pocket Rocket Foundation. The organization supports student-athletes by providing funding so they can focus on both their studies and athletics.

Fraser-Pryce has made major investments in Kingston, the town where she was born and fostered through this foundation, taking advantage of her partnership with Nike. Fraser-Pryce said, “I didn’t start the foundation because it looks good.” She established the Pocket Rocket Foundation in 2012, intending to aid student-athletes. She added, “I started it because I wanted to give student-athletes the opportunity to believe that there is so much more for them.”

Fraser-Pryce is a founding member of Nike’s Athlete Think Tank, besides her foundation. She has been a fervent supporter of Nike’s investment in the hometowns of athletes who have contributed to the iconic logo of the brand.

Nike’s initiatives have expanded to include internet access in her community and support for other charitable endeavors. Fraser-Pryce’s actions demonstrate her strong connection to her background and her desire to provide opportunities for the next generation.