Jackson, 27, has seen her popularity soar since she finished second to Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce in the 100m at Jamaica’s national championships in June and then finished third in a Jamaica 1-2-3 sweep of the 100m medals at the Tokyo Olympics in August.
She was also third in another sweep of the top three places in Eugene, Oregon on August 21, when she ran a personal best of 10.76 in the 100m won by compatriot Elaine Thompson-Herah in a world-leading 10.54. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, the Olympic silver medalist ran 10.73 for second place.
On September 3, Jackson, apparently missing the comforts of home, having been away from the island for several weeks, tweeted that she was looking forward to arriving home and enjoying some of her favourite guilty pleasures specifically, two curry patties from Devon House, three grapefruit ice creams also from Devon House, chocolate, two cheese patties and two Purity Buns.
Alerted to the tweet, representatives from Purity, who currently does not sponsor Jackson, jumped at the opportunity and delivered several palates of product to the Olympic medalist when she arrived home earlier this week.
The gesture generated encouraging feedback on social media raising the prospect that Purity and Jackson formalizing a partnership. Responding to queries about that possibility, Russanette Dennis, the Marketing Officer at Purity, indicated that the company was in the early stages of negotiations with the athlete’s representatives.
“We’d love to have her as an ambassador but it’s too early to confirm anything ambassador-related right now,” she said.
Dennis said the Purity brand did benefit from Jackson’s tweet in early September that was retweeted more than 300 times and generated more than 3000 likes.
“Quite a few people sent us the tweet before we saw it. Many tagged us on all platforms that it was posted,” Dennis revealed.
“When we responded, though, our pages started to jump in followers. We got approximately 200 (Instagram) followers that night and about 50 on Twitter. Over the next couple of days, our IG page jumped about 200 more and have been gaining following organically since then, especially when he posted something related to Shericka.
“The organic engagement is through the roof for all platforms. People love her and it’s easy to see why. So naturally, they will love everything to do with her.”
There is no word on when the discussions will conclude or what would be a likely outcome.
On September 3, she tweeted about the things she was missing the most – two curry patties from Devon House, 3 grapefruit ice creams also from Devon House, chocolate, two cheese patties and two Purity Buns.
The tweet generated more than 3000 likes and was retweeted more than 300 times and eventually caught the attention of Purity Bakery, who simply responded “We got you.”
They sure did.
Earlier Monday, less than 48 hours after Jackson returned to Jamaica for the first time since July, Purity delivered on their promise with a package of Purity buns for the Jamaican star but also several palettes of product for members of her community.
“@sherickajacko just touch dung and got her Purity bun and products courtesy of Purity Jamaica,” the company tweeted.
“She also got buns for her community. We love you Shericka and we’re proud of all you did for us on an international scale.”
Could this be the start of something sweet for Jackson and Purity.
Jackson, 27, an Olympic and World Championships 400m bronze medalist was one of Jamaica’s standout athletes at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, winning a bronze medal in a Jamaican sweep of the 100m and later anchored Jamaica to a gold medal and new national record in the 4x100m relay.
These achievements and her infectious personality have won her many new fans, among them Purity Bakery.
“Shericka is such a bright light and such a great fit for everything we stand for here at Purity Bakery,” said Marketing Officer Russanette Dennis at Purity.
“We’re so honoured to have her represent the brand and we’re happy that both our brands complement each other. The company would like to officially take this opportunity to express great pride in Shericka’s journey, her resilience, and her rise.”
Jackson and Purity struck up a relationship after she published a tweet while at the Olympic Games last year.
Apparently missing the comforts of home, Jackson tweeted that among the things she wanted to sink her teeth into once she returned home was a Purity bun. The tweet went viral and in response, Purity made Jackson’s wish come true less than 48 hours after she made her triumphant return from the Olympics. They gifted her with a massive package of Purity buns not just for her but also for members of her community.
Since then both parties remained in close contact and allowed Purity to see value in bringing Jackson on as an ambassador.
“We can’t wait to see where this partnership takes us and we are happy to carry Jamaica along to see the journey, too,” said Dennis. “Stay tuned to our Instagram @purityja for frequent updates.”
In addition to her Olympic exploits last year, Jackson ran personal bests of 10.76 and 21.82 in the 100m and 200m, respectively, to become the fifth-best combination-sprinter (10.76/ 21.82/ 49.47) in history. The times saw her shoot up the ranks from number 22 to number five all time.
Only Marita Koch, Florence Griffith-Joyner, Marion Jones and her long-time rival Shaunae Miller-Uibo of the Bahamas, rank higher than the Jamaican speedster, who ran a personal best of 7.04 in the final of the 60m dash at the World Indoor Championships in Belgrade in March.
Murray's glittering career came to an end on Thursday in the Olympics men’s double quarter-finals as he and Dan Evans were beaten in straight sets by American pair Tommy Paul and Taylor Fritz.
He announced before the Games that it would be the final tournament of his career, and he pulled off two superb comeback wins, saving multiple match points in both, to make it to the last eight.
Murray bows out as a two-time Olympic gold medallist with three grand slams. He won 739 games across his 1001 ATP Tour level matches, winning 46 singles titles.
Five of those came at Queen's Club, and shortly after his retirement was confirmed, the newly named Andy Murray Arena was announced.
"Andy is the greatest tennis player ever to come from this country and a giant of British sport," LTA chief executive Scott Lloyd said in a statement.
"His contribution to the game is immense and has bought us all so many moments of pride. He was relentless in his pursuit of excellence and had a single-minded determination to succeed.
"We are proud to name the arena at our tournament at the Queen's Club after him."
Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic has led the tributes to Murray, having played him 36 times over the course of their careers.
"Andy, we were all hoping that this message will never come, but here it is," Djokovic said in a message uploaded to the ATP Tour's X account.
"I just want to say congratulations for an amazing career, multiple grand slams, number one in the world, two Olympic gold medals, a Davis Cup. You've done it all. Amazing, really.
"Congratulations to you, to your family. We go back a long time. I think we were 11 when we met the first time on the court, and we had some incredible encounters, and rivalries.
"We played finals of every single grand slam. You brought the Wimbledon title to Britain after 77 years, unfortunately, against me in the final, but it was quite a special historic moment that I cherish and was grateful to be part of.
"You can be proud of your incredible resilience and fighting spirit, the inspiration that you give to all of us after all the hardships you went through - the surgery, the restrictions in your movement.
"You still kept going, you showed everyone there is no letting go and no giving up. Kudos to you and all the best to you and your family. You deserve the best possible farewell."
The refurbishing work was carried out by German company BSW, who laid the previous surface in 2010.
The installation of the previous track in Kingston was completed in March 2011 and was expected to last for at least 10 years in line with international standards.
According to AthleticsBusiness, most modern tracks are built in three layers: a paved asphalt substrate, a rubber performance layer and a textured rubber top layer. Ideally, laser-levelling the asphalt to within a 3-mm tolerance is the first step toward making a consistent running surface across the entire oval. The middle layer can be poured on-site or manufactured in advance and delivered to the site — the latter scenario ensures the greatest consistency in terms of thickness.
According to Minister Grange, most of that work has now been done and the rest should be completed within days.
“The resurfacing of the National Stadium track is 90 per cent complete. We are a few days behind due to rain, but the resurfacing will be completed by the middle of next week, after which, the marking of lanes and boxes will commence,” the minister told Jamaica’s Daily Gleaner.
She said that after the marking is completed, World Athletics will send a technician to test the track and issue the expected certification of the Class One track, the highest possible certification.
The Minister had announced in November 2020 that work on the stadium track was set to begin and that the work on the one in Montego Bay was scheduled for the 2021-2022 financial year. She had asked that the Sports Development Foundation treat the Catherine Hall Sports Complex as a priority for the next financial year which starts on April 1, 2021.
At the time, she said two factors would determine when the work gets going at the National Stadium; the first is that because the track has to be laid on a completely dried surface, it must await the end of seasonal rains.
The other factor is the ability of the manufacturers’ representatives, BSW of Germany, to come to Jamaica to supervise the project and this will depend on covid restrictions.
The resurfacing comes at an opportune time as Jamaica is expected to have its national championships in June to select a team to compete at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan scheduled for July 23 – August 8.
Felix, who bid farewell to her illustrious track career at the end of the 2022 season, has had a storied connection with Jamaica. The island served as the backdrop for some of her fiercest competitions against Jamaican rivals like Veronica Campbell Brown and Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce. The retired sprinter reminisced about her first encounter with Jamaica in 2002 when she competed as a junior at the World U20 Championships.
Sharing her Jamaican experience on Instagram, Felix expressed gratitude for the warm reception she received despite being a competitor. She reminisced about her 22-year journey, highlighting her medal-filled career that included an impressive tally of 22 gold medals at global championships, seven of which were Olympic and 14 World championships gold medals.
Felix, who shares a daughter named Camryn with Kenneth, posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, saying, "22 years ago, I went to Jamaica for the World Junior Championships and met my now-husband on that team. I also fell in love with the incredible people and the beautiful country. Even though they always cheered against me, I honestly feel so appreciated when I am here. It was only right for us to come back for our babymoon. Jamaica will forever hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for all of the love and hospitality, Jamaica."
The post garnered responses from fellow athletes, including Jamaican sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce, who welcomed Felix "home." In response, Felix conveyed her delight, stating, "@realshellyannfp definitely! Hahahah always good to be home."
Allyson Felix's Jamaican babymoon not only provided her with an opportunity to relish the island's beauty but also allowed her to reconnect with the memories of her impressive track career and the warm camaraderie she shares with her Jamaican competitors and her legion of fans on the island.
The release of the video came on the same day that International Olympic Committee member Dick Pound told USA TODAY Sports that the Olympics will likely be postponed until 2021.
Kinsler, eligible to play for Israel because of his Jewish heritage, announced his retirement at the age of 37 in December after a 14-year MLB career in which he earned four All-Star selections and two Gold Glove Awards.
He hit .269 with 257 home runs, 909 RBIs and 243 stolen bases in 1,888 regular-season games with the Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Angels, Boston Red Sox and San Diego Padres. Kinsler was a member of Boston's 2018 World Series championship team.
Kinsler came up one hit short of finishing his career with 2,000, and he also posted two seasons with at least 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases. Kinsler is one of 13 players in MLB history to have at least two 30-30 seasons. That list includes fellow Jewish slugger Ryan Braun of the Milwaukee Brewers.
Kinsler appeared in a career-low 87 games in his only season with the Padres in 2019 and hit just .217 with nine home runs and 22 RBIs. He had his season come to an end in mid-August due to a herniated cervical disc.
There had long been speculation around how long Murray would continue to compete, with his career beset by injury issues that limited him to three major titles.
But heading to France this week, the two-time Olympic champion confirmed the Games would be his final tournament.
In an interview with BBC Sport, Murray revealed only now is he entirely content with a decision that had long seemed likely.
"I didn't feel that way a few months ago when I thought that this is when I was going to stop," Murray said.
"I didn't want to. Now I want to. I know it is the right time for me."
Murray is still managing a back injury, but he is in line to compete in both the singles and doubles events, teaming up with Dan Evans in pursuit of another medal.
"Me and Dan made the commitment to each other, that is what we will prioritise," he added.
"That gives the team and us the best opportunity to get a medal.
"My back is still not perfect. I didn't feel great in the build-up to Wimbledon and during it. I feel better here."
With the Olympic standard for the high jump being 2.33m and the quota set at 32 for the event, Beckford’s 2.27m has him ranked 32nd in the world.
Beckford's season has been noteworthy, marked by a standout performance in June when he cleared 2.27m to win the NCAA National Division 1 title. In May, he also won the SEC title for the University of Arkansas with a 2.22m jump. However, at the Jamaican national championships, things did not go as planned. He finished behind newly crowned champion Lushane Wilson (2.25m), Christoff Bryan (2.25m), and Raymond Richard (2.20m), managing only to clear 2.20m.
Reflecting on his performance, Beckford said, "Everything felt good until the 2.25m bar. I prayed before the competition. I cannot complain. I pretty much had, I wouldn’t say a perfect season but a great season before coming to this meet. I can't doubt myself, I can't beat myself up. I wanted to defend my title or jump better than what I did. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen, but I can't stay on this. I have to move forward and, hopefully, Jamaica will take me to the Olympics."
With Jamaica expected to name more than 60 athletes for the Paris Olympics, Beckford is keeping his fingers crossed. Despite his national championship setback, his season-best 2.27m places him right on the bubble in the World Athletics global rankings, making him a candidate for Olympic selection.
Beckford attributes some of his recent struggles to technical issues in his approach. "The approach is the main thing that we need to work on, and that was one of the factors that was giving me problems at 2.25m because the bounce and strength and everything was there; it’s just a little technical issue," he explained.
However, Beckford remains optimistic even if he is more than a bit nervous. "But it's nothing to worry about, Jermaine Beckford will always find a way, and it’s just for me to go back to the drawing board, remain focused and stay calm," he said confidently.
Team USA star Russell, who is competing at her first edition of the Games, came flying up on the inside to beat Samba-Mayela by one-hundredth of a second at the Stade de France.
Samba-Mayela collapsed in tears on the track after claiming France's first athletics medal on the penultimate night of their home games, with president Emmanuel Macron watching on.
Russell's victory came on the back of Grant Holloway's triumph in the men's 110m hurdles on Thursday, and represents Team USA's 12th track and field gold at these Games.
Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico took bronze, finishing just three-hundredths of a second behind Russell in a fiercely contested race, while the Netherlands' Nadine Visser missed out on a medal in fourth.
In 2019, Russia was handed a four-year ban from major international sporting events by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
WADA declared the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) non-compliant over inconsistencies in anti-doping data discovered during an investigation.
At the time, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) reiterated its support for Russia's ban, which meant athletes would be unable to compete under the Russian flag at the 2020 Olympics or the 2022 Winter Games.
In a landmark move on Thursday, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) confirmed Russia would be banned, albeit with the time frame cut from four years to two.
That will still discount Russia from participating in the Tokyo Olympics – pushed back to 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic – plus the Winter Games in Beijing in 2022, and the next World Cup.
Russia will, however, be able to compete at the Euro 2020 football finals, which is also scheduled to take place next year, having been another event impacted by COVID-19.
This is because WADA's international standard for code compliance by signatories does not list UEFA as a "major event organisation".
Russian athletes wishing to compete at the Tokyo and Beijing Games will be able to do so, but only under a neutral banner.
CAS stated in its announcement: "This panel has imposed consequences to reflect the nature and seriousness of the non-compliance [to the WADC] and to ensure that the integrity of sport against the scourge of doping is maintained.
"The consequences which the panel has decided to impose are not as extensive as those sought by WADA. This should not, however, be read as any validation of the conduct of RUSADA or the Russian authorities."
CAS also said that its ruling aims to "effect cultural change and encourage the next generation of Russian athletes to participate in clean international sport".
In order to be reinstated at the end of the two-year ban, it was also ruled that RUSADA must pay a contribution of $1.27million to WADA, in respect of the costs incurred in investigating the authenticity of the data retrieved from the Moscow laboratory in January 2019.
RUSADA, under supervision from WADA or the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), was told it must conduct investigations into any cases impacted by the deletions or alterations of the Moscow laboratory data.
The Russian organisation must also provide any other support requested by WADA to assist in determining whether athletes whose samples are listed in the Moscow laboratory database have a case to answer.
RUSADA's supervisory board earlier this month recommended its founders - the Russian Olympic and Paralympic Committee - dismiss Ganus, advice that was taken on Friday.
Deputy director general Margarita Pakhnotskaya and the supervisory board's independent international expert member Sergey Khrychikov resigned this week.
RUSADA's non-compliance case is pending before the Court of Arbitration for Sport after it appealed the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) four-year suspension of Russia from global sporting events.
WADA and the Institute of National Anti-Doping Organisations (iNADO) each responded to news of Ganus' removal with unease.
WADA, which previously said it was "extremely concerned" by the supervisory board's recommendation, said: "These developments reinforce the concerns expressed by WADA in its statement of August 5 in relation to the manner in which the founders reached the decision regarding Mr Ganus following a recommendation by RUSADA's supervisory board.
"[The developments] re-emphasise the critical importance for RUSADA to maintain its operational independence going forward.
"WADA is in contact with RUSADA and other relevant Russian authorities to get further clarifications on the latest developments."
It added: "It is a critical element of the World Anti-Doping Code that national anti-doping organisations, such as RUSADA, remain safe from interference in their operational decisions and activities in order to conduct their work independently and effectively.
"This is why the Compliance Review Committee made it a condition of RUSADA's reinstatement that WADA remains satisfied that RUSADA's independence is being respected and there is no improper outside interference with its operations."
iNADO said: "iNADO is deeply concerned by the control that the Russian Olympic and Paralympic Committee exercise over RUSADA.
"This was made evident today in the dismissal of Yuriy Ganus as director general by these two organisations."
It added: "It is a clear conflict of interest when sport organisations have the power to remove the head of a national anti-doping agency unopposed."
The world number three retained her Australian Open title at the start of the year but suffered defeat in the quarter-finals of the French Open at Roland-Garros.
The Belarusian's loss was her first before the semi-final stage of a major tournament since 2022, and she intends to rest ahead of the for the hard-court season which begins at the US Open 22 games after the Olympics.
"I prefer to have a little rest to make sure physically and health-wise I'm ready for the hard courts," said Sabalenka, who was the runner-up last year in New York.
"Especially with all the struggles I've been struggling with the last months, I feel I have to take care of my health.
"It's too much for the scheduling and I made the decision to take care of my health."
Sabalenka is currently in Germany preparing for the Berlin Open, and faces Daria Kasatkina in the last 16 of the competition, having come from a set down to beat Marta Kostyuk on Monday.
The 29-year-old won 800m gold at the 2012 and 2016 Games but athletics' world governing body, the IAAF, has introduced rules that mean Semenya and other athletes with differences of sexual development must either take testosterone-reducing medication to compete at track events from 400m to the mile, or switch to another distance.
Semenya disputed the implementation of those rules but lost a challenge in the Court of Arbitration for Sport and then in an appeal to the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland.
Now, four months out from the Olympics, Semenya has revealed she will bid to make it to the Games in Japan as a 200m athlete.
"Ever since I saw the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games on television, I have known that I want to compete on the Olympic stage," the South African said in an Instagram post.
"My first international 800m medal came as a junior at the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games in India, and over the next 11 years I have won gold at every major international competition including the Olympic Games, World Championships, Commonwealth Games, Diamond League and African Championships.
"However, as you are all aware, I am unable to compete in the 800m and defend my title at the Tokyo Olympic Games later this year.
"My dream has always been, and will continue to be, to compete at the highest level of sport, and so in order to pursue my goals and dreams, I have decided to change events, and compete in the 200m.
"This decision has not been an easy one, but as always, I look forward to the challenge, and will work hard, doing all I can to qualify for Tokyo and compete to the best of my ability for South Africa.
"Thank you to my team who have supported me over the past few months, and thank you to all South Africans who believe in me and stand behind me."
The qualifying time to reach the 200m in Tokyo is 22.80 seconds, with Semenya's current personal best over that distance 24.26s.
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre made the announcement during a pre-cabinet press briefing on Monday, unveiling the grand celebrations planned for Alfred's return to the island. Alfred, who has become a national hero, will return to Saint Lucia on September 24 for the first time since her Olympic triumph. A series of events has been organized to mark the occasion, including a motorcade, school rallies, and a mural unveiling, culminating in a national holiday on September 27.
The celebrations will begin on September 24 when Alfred returns to Saint Lucia, where she will be greeted with a motorcade along the East Coast. On September 25, national school rallies will be held at Soufriere Mini Stadium and La Resource Playing Field to celebrate her achievements. The following day, September 26, Alfred will visit The Ciceron Primary School for the unveiling of a mural in her honour, followed by what officials have described as "massive announcements."
"Julien Alfred Day" will be celebrated with a free concert at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground on the evening of the holiday, with Saint Lucians being encouraged to come out in large numbers to honor their national icon.
In response to the Prime Minister's announcement, citizens expressed their gratitude and pride, while also calling for further recognition of Alfred's accomplishments. Some suggested that Alfred should be awarded a diplomatic passport and the keys to the city of Castries. Others proposed the establishment of a Julien Alfred Fund for elite athletes and a legacy project aimed at developing sports in Saint Lucia to a world-class level.
Alfred’s achievements have not only brought immense pride to Saint Lucia but have also placed the island on the global athletics map. Her gold and silver medals at the Paris Olympics have inspired a new generation of athletes in Saint Lucia, and the celebrations are expected to be a momentous occasion of national unity and pride.
With the announcement of "Julien Alfred Day," Saint Lucians are set to celebrate not only Alfred's success but also the potential of their small island to produce world-class athletes who can compete and succeed on the biggest stages in sport.
The 21-year-old American, who won the 100m at the US trials last month, returned an adverse analytical finding, following a test administered at the US Olympic Trials and marijuana was classified as a Substance of Abuse by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on January 1, 2021.
According to the reports, the use of this substance carries a maximum four-year ban.
However, if she can prove that the use of the drug was used outside of competition and was not intended to enhance performance, she could have the ban reduced to three months. It has also been reported that should she agree to undertake a treatment program, the ban could be reduced further.
As it stands, however, the athlete has been stripped of her performances at the US trials and fourth-place winner Jenna Prandini as well as Gabby Thomas have been notified that they could be potential replacements and have been entered in the 100m.
Richardson, the 2019 NCAA 100m champion, generated much excitement for a potential match up with two-time Olympic 100m champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce when she raced to a world-leading 10.72 100m in April. It was the fastest any woman had ever run so early in a season.
She followed it up with four more times under 10.8 seconds during the season.
When Fraser-Pryce, who is vying for an unprecedented third Olympic 100m title, ran a world-leading 10.63 on June 5, the excitement in anticipation of a blockbuster clash in Tokyo intensified.
Now it seems that that match up will not happen.
The best-case scenario for Richardson, should the ban remain in effect, is that she would be available to run on the USA’s 4x100m relay team at the Olympic Games in August if selected by USA Track and Field.
Shane Brathwaite, who previously competed at the Olympic Games London 2012 and is current Pan-American Games champion in the men’s 110-metre hurdles event, will be joined by Tia-Adana Belle who is set to compete in the women’s 400-metre hurdles. This will be her second Olympic appearance.
Sprinters Tristan Evelyn and Burke will be making their debuts at this year’s Games along with 400-metre runner Johnathan Jones.
Also included in the team is the Jamaica-based, Sada Williams, who qualified for the 200 metres at the Olympic Games Rio 2016 but missed out due to an injury. Williams, on the weekend, ran 51.50 to finish second to American Kaylin Whitney in Italy, will contest the 400m.
Meanwhile, swimmers Alex Sobers, who will also be at the Olympics for a second time, and Danielle Titus, have also been named to the team.
The Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 will run from July 23 to August 8.
Jamaican sprinter Shashaelee Forbes says her experience competing in an individual event at the Paris Olympics has significantly boosted her confidence and left her eager for the challenges ahead in 2025. The 28-year-old, a former CAC 200m champion and Olympic relay silver medallist stepped up at the last minute to replace an injured Shericka Jackson in the 100m in Paris.
A knee injury and undisclosed physical challenges kept Fraser-Pryce from competing in many races leading up to the 2023 World Championships in Budapest in August, possibly contributing to her third-place finish in the 100m. As the only woman to medal in the 100m at four consecutive Olympic Games, she ran 10.77, a time insufficient to outpace the newly crowned World Champion ShaCarri Richardson of the United States, who finished in 10.65, breaking Fraser-Pryce's championship record of 10.67 set just a year earlier in Eugene, Oregon.
Shericka Jackson, a gold medal favourite heading into Budapest, secured silver with a time of 10.72, 0.07s slower than her time at the Jamaica national championships in July.
Recognizing the need to run faster in Paris, Fraser-Pryce understands that more races are essential in preparation for the ultimate showdown.
"Yeah, for sure. Not only race sharpness but race confidence is something I definitely need. This year, I didn't have a choice not to race due to setbacks in my knee and other issues, and I didn't want to risk it," she shared with Sportsmax.TV. "So, I trusted my coach's judgment. Next year, once I'm healthy, I really want to start earlier and build that race momentum as I head into the Olympics."
Fraser-Pryce believes that being healthy and competing in more races is crucial because the Olympics, as the pinnacle of sports, is where everyone brings their 'A' game.
"The Olympics are so different. For some reason, athletes find a unique energy and motivation to come prepared. I want to ensure I give myself the best opportunity to represent myself."
“That was such a touching moment for me,” Fraser-Pryce said, recalling their encounter. “I was trying to keep a low profile, and it wasn’t low at all. But when I met her, just her presence and how she spoke of me really put things in perspective for me as an athlete. It reminded me of what I’ve been able to accomplish and how others are inspired by that. It’s why I continue to do what I do because I know there are athletes out there who need that inspiration.”
Blyde, a key player for New Zealand’s national rugby sevens team, had previously opened up about how Fraser-Pryce motivated her to dream of winning Olympic gold medals in the 100m and 200m. Meeting the Jamaican sprint queen at the Paris Olympics, she said, was life-changing. Blyde shared that she had long admired Fraser-Pryce, describing the experience as “the greatest thing that happened to her.”
Fraser-Pryce, moved by Blyde’s comments, spoke about how athletes like Blyde remind her of the broader influence she has. “There are athletes out there who can take something from your journey, and it’s truly remarkable to witness that with her. To have that friendship and bond is something special.”
In an unexpected but meaningful gesture, Fraser-Pryce attended one of Blyde’s rugby matches during the Olympic Games, marking her first time watching another sport in person at the Olympics. “Never in my entire Olympic journey have I attended any other sport. It was my first time going to another sport, and just watching the reaction from the athlete made me proud. I’m truly humbled and grateful to God for the platform He has given me and how much I’ve been able to carry, not just myself but also the national flag.”
Fraser-Pryce highlighted the significance of the moment, not just for herself, but for all Jamaicans. “It’s truly a moment not just for me, but I think for all Jamaicans to know that even though we’re a tiny dot on the map, we’re huge when it comes to our impact. People look up to us, they emulate us, and they want to be like us.”
Blyde’s emotional response to Fraser-Pryce’s presence at her match against China made the encounter even more memorable. "Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is actually the reason why I wanted to win gold in the 100m and 200m at the Olympic Games. That was my initial Olympic dream,” Blyde said in an interview. “When I saw her in person, my whole soul left my body and was watching me from above. And then she said, ‘I’ll come watch you play.’ I never imagined it would actually happen.”
Blyde recounted how surreal it felt hearing her name called from the stands during the match. “After our game against China, I heard someone calling, ‘Michaela,’ and I was like, ‘Wait, I recognize that voice.’ I looked over, and there was Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, watching us play. It’s a memory I will never forget.”
The mutual admiration between the two athletes highlights the far-reaching influence of Fraser-Pryce, whose career continues to inspire athletes across various sports around the world.
