Olympic champions Hansle Parchment and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce brought more than medals to GraceKennedy’s headquarters in downtown Kingston on Friday—they brought wisdom, laughter, and life-changing lessons to an eager gathering of students from the Sydney Pagon STEM Academy in St. Elizabeth. The visit, part of an inspirational outreach effort by GraceKennedy Money Services/Western Union dubbed GKMKS/Western Union Future Champions, saw the two Jamaican sporting icons share personal stories from their journeys in a vibrant and deeply engaging interactive session.
For students in attendance, it was a masterclass not in sprinting or hurdling, but in resilience, discipline, and self-belief—qualities that have carried these athletes to the highest levels of global sport.
Parchment, the 2021 Olympic 110m hurdles gold medallist and 2023 Diamond League champion, opened up about his unlikely start in track and field, confessing to his early disinterest in school and his love for video games. But a defining moment at sports day in second form lit the fire that would eventually lead him to Olympic glory.
“I always thought I was fast,” Parchment said with a grin. “But seeing that crowd, that excitement—I knew I wanted to be a part of that. That’s how it started.”
For Fraser-Pryce, the lessons were rooted in struggle. Sharing candid memories of growing up in a small, cramped home with limited access to electricity and study space, the eight-time Olympic medallist explained how track and field became her refuge—and ultimately, her vehicle to transformation.
“Track was my escape,” she said. “I didn’t always have the support, or the space, but I had a dream. I loved running, and I loved the feeling of being free. That’s what kept me going.”
The theme of overcoming adversity ran throughout the session. Fraser-Pryce spoke about the disappointment of failing to medal in her final year at Champs—a mistake she admitted was the result of not putting in the work. “If I had trained, I would’ve medalled. Lesson learned,” she told students. “Nothing comes easy. If you want to win, you must prepare.”
The session also explored how the athletes managed injury and mental pressure. Both emphasized the importance of support systems—friends, family, teammates—and a strong, positive mindset.
“When I was injured, my friends still told me I was the best,” said Parchment. “That kept me going. And I focused on what I could do. Pool training, gym work—whatever kept me strong.”
Fraser-Pryce echoed the sentiment, encouraging students to write goals, stay mentally engaged, and never let setbacks define them. “You are not your injury. You are not your circumstance,” she said. “Track and field is just one thing you do. It’s not the whole of who you are.”
Champs double-silver medallist Luke Plummer of Sydney Pagon STEM Academy presents a gift basket to GraceKennedy Ambassador Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce during their Future Champions initiative on Friday.
Students were especially engaged during a demonstration on proper sprint starts and technique, and the Olympians didn’t hesitate to blend serious advice with humour. “There’s no pride in looking cute while running,” Fraser-Pryce joked. “A win is a win!”
The visit was part of GKMS/Western Union’s commitment to youth development and empowerment, using sport as a vehicle for motivation and transformation. And judging by the smiles, laughter, and the flurry of questions from students, the mission was a resounding success.
Champs silver medallist Alexia James presents a gift basket to GraceKennedy Ambassador Hansle Parchment on Friday.
In the end, the greatest takeaway wasn’t technique, medals, or even stories of glory. It was the power of perseverance, the importance of self-worth, and the belief that greatness can emerge from the most unlikely places—even a small classroom in rural Jamaica.
As Fraser-Pryce reminded them:
“It doesn’t matter where you start. What matters is that you believe in where you can go.”
Photos courtesy of GKMS