PARIS: On Saturday night, before a women’s 100-meter Olympic semifinal in Paris, Jamaican sprinting star Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s lane was abruptly left unoccupied, causing a commotion inside Stade de France.
Fraser-Pryce, who has been the event’s longtime champion after taking home gold in 2008 and 2012, bronze in 2016, and silver in 2021, did not begin the race. Her withdrawal was kept a secret from the public until her rivals took the starting line.
She did not give a reason for her choice, nor did she elaborate in an Instagram post that she made later on Saturday.
Fraser-Pryce expressed her regret in the tweet and thanked her followers for their support.
“I struggle to find the right words to express how deeply disappointed I am,” she remarked. “You’ve all supported me at every turn and mile. My journey has always been validated by my religion. I appreciate you being here for me today and every day.”
It was the second spectacular withdrawal of an Olympic talent from Jamaica, following Shericka Jackson’s withdrawal 100 days earlier. Jackson is going to sprint the 200 yards. Fraser-Pryce’s eligibility to compete in the 4×100-meter relay means that her Games aren’t definitely done.
With Jackson and Fraser-Pryce out of the picture and renowned British sprinter Dina Asher-Smith not making it past the semifinals, American sensation Sha’Carri Richardson was able to reclaim her dominance of the event and win gold in her Olympic debut, following her victory in the world championship the previous year.
Richardson defeated Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia in her semifinal round, but she still made it to Saturday night’s championship match.In the final, the two placed in the same order, with Melissa Jefferson of the USA, who was Richardson’s training partner, winning bronze.
