Why did Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Withdraw From Paris Olympics?

For track fans, watching Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce for one last time on the greatest stage was one of the biggest selling points for the 2024 Olympic Games. However, that excitement just went south, leaving everyone hanging.

In a post on X from just minutes ago, Citius Mag founder Chris Chavez dropped a heartbreaking bomb about the Jamaican’s situation at the French capital. “SHELLY-ANN FRASER-PRYCE LISTED AS A DNS ON THE START LIST FOR THE WOMEN’S 100M SEMIFINALS AT THE PARIS OLYMPICS,” reads the post, with Chavez evidently foaming in his mouth at the suddenness of the news.

This would have been the three-time Olympic gold medalist’s fifth, and quite possibly last, Games. Naturally, the stakes were high, and the Jamaican icon had been working for months prior to the tournament with hopes of going out with a bang. On top of that, last month, Shelly-Ann also was heard saying this season has been a trying task, and many fans pondered whether that was because of her lack of participation in events in 2024.

However, the real reason behind Fraser-Pryce’s withdrawal was still vague just a few moments ago, but the community didn’t waste any time to speculate what might have prompted her to decide so. For the most part, the scenes that surfaced online from the gates of the Stade de France were attributed to the DNS marking against Shelly’s name ahead of the women’s 100m semifinal race. It was revealed that Shelly and the USA’s Sha’Carri Richardson were denied entry to the arena because they allegedly arrived at the venue on their own and not with the rest of the team in the designated transport bus.

However, Shelly-Ann’s frustration was soon seen on social media expressing her frustration about the alleged rule change that restricted her from the warm-up area. In an X post, she could be heard saying, “They said, they changed the rule yesterday. So you’re asking all the athletes who, for whatever reason, don’t stand at the Village, then they can’t come to the gate?“, while also noting that the athletes didn’t have to face any issues just a day before. However, the speculations about while many thought this was the reason that Fraser-Pryce wouldn’t get the chance to make her exit in an emphatic style, it looks like the real reason has finally come to the fore.

Real reason Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce withdrew revealed

Soon after the sprinter’s misfortune became public knowledge, Real Talk With Tee podcaster Tiara Williams hinted that an injury could be the real culprit here. The conjecture was confirmed by another social media post just moments ago by renowned sports journalist Trishana McGowan. “The Icon Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has withdrawn following a hamstring injury during warm-up,” claimed McGowan, while adding that the magnitude of the athlete’s injury is still to be known. However, whatever the reason may be, track fans can’t help but feel a sinking feeling in their guts after learning the information.

In the semis, Shelly would have locked horns with the reigning women’s 100m world champ Sha’Carri. Considering how both of these stars had their own reasons to come all guns blazing for the race. Richardson also has the world read in the distance, which she achieved at the Team Trials last month. With Shelly-Ann Fraser out, who do you think will come forward to fill the void? Share your prediction with us in the comments.