Is Track Legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Also a Doctor?

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is more than just a sprinter. She is a dreamer. A dreamer who has proved that there are no limitations in sports, except for the ones athletes put on themselves. During her career, which spans over two decades, not only has she been a sprinter, but also a source of motivation. We all know her to be a champion sprinter, but did you know she also holds a doctorate?

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has an honorary doctorate

Fraser-Pryce first gained popularity in 2008 when she became the first Caribbean woman to win Olympic gold in the 100m event. She was only 21. Four years later, she successfully defended her title. By doing so, she became only the third woman to win successive 100m titles at the Olympics. She is currently the third-fastest woman in the world, with a personal best of 10.60 seconds. But that’s not all she can show off. The Jamaican sprinter is also conferred with an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws.

In 2016, at the University of West Indies, Mona gave the honorary degree to Pryce for her remarkable achievements.

Upon speaking with UWIMONA Now, the athlete expressed her honor and elation to have been considered for the degree. “My first reaction was I was speechless,” Shelly said. “I didn’t know much about these honorary degrees,” she added. She also told that she wanted to tell everybody about it. But her manager asked her not to until they got the official word.

Read More: Gabrielle Thomas Qualifies for Tokyo Olympics 2021 200m While Studying for Her Master’s Degree

With this, Shelly has another title that people of Jamaica and the world over can recognize her by.

Shelly was being forced to retire

After the Rio Olympics in 2016, Shelly announced her pregnancy. This meant that she wouldn’t be able to defend her title at the 2017 world championships. With this, the world speculated that her professional career was soon to be over. Speaking about the same, she said that articles and people were telling her to retire. She was made to feel like motherhood diminishes one’s capabilities.

While the world doubted her abilities, Shelly took the podium of the 100m event at the Tokyo Olympics. She won the silver medal as the Jamaican women made a clean sweep.

Watch this Story: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Finishes Second in Her Season Debut; 28-Year-Old Clinches First Place

The Jamaican’s life is indeed some raw motivation. Every moment drips with hard work and determination.