Triumph in Tokyo

2025 TRIUMPH IN TOKYO

Shelly‐Ann Fraser‐Pryce

COVER

ONE LAST SHOT AT GLORY

K ingston’s National Stadium track had evolved over the years, from the old red surface to blue to the current black/green/gold. The woman waiting in lane 3 had been a star on each version of it, and knew the place as well as anyone else. But June 27 was to be no ordinary night for running a national 100 metre final. Standing there, Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce may have contemplated the ending of things, such as her last run in the stadium – maybe the last of her glittering career. None of that mattered now. Only one job remained – just qualify for the World Championships 100 metres team. She had gone through the routine so many times before that even her fans knew her silent mantra: block out the noise, stay focused, leave it to God. ONCE MORE DOWN THE STRIP The track savvy crowd had a hard time staying quiet for the start, but there was a hush as soon as the eight women got settled in their lanes. They shot from the blocks, and anticipation turned into pure pandemonium in the stands. MICHAEL A. GRANT

Fraser-Pryce defends her 100m title in 10.75 seconds at the London Summer Olympics, August 4, 2012. Other medallists were Carmelita Jeter (USA, 2nd right, 10.78) and Jamaica’s Veronica Campbell-Brown (3rd right, 10.81)

She slowed down, then turned to walk back up the track. Her fists pumped the air as media and well wishers crowded around her. She had done it, and if the announcer hadn’t said who won,

Shelly Ann’s start is legendary, a crouched blur that makes her appear even tinier than her actual five feet of power. But she wasn’t out front as usual. The Clayton twins seemed to break and straighten up first; Shericka Jackson was soon with them at the midpoint, building a head of steam. Just when it seemed that the form book would be proven right (with Shelly Ann in fourth) Tia Clayton pulled up injured. With only two runners ahead of her now, Shelly Ann lunged for the line and heard the grandstand roar. For her.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce in early action at National Trials 2025