Shellyann Fraser Pryce

The 36-year-old Jamaican was expected to open her season in the 100m at the meet where she ran a then world-leading 10.67s. She arrived in Kenya earlier this week after winning the 2023 Laureus Sportswoman of the Year Award on Monday.

However, according to Sports Brief, the three-time Olympic gold medallist suffered the injury while training and has left the country to seek specialized treatment in Italy.

Fraser-Pryce missed the Botswana Golden Grand Prix on April 29 citing a 'family emergency.'

Davis is one of five Commissioners for the City of Miramar in South Florida, which boasts a large Jamaican community that has strong links to its homeland. Davis was born in the United Kingdom but raised in Jamaica where she attended the Mico Practising All-Age School, Wolmer’s Girls and the University of the West Indies before migrating to the United States.

So when on October 6, 2021, she received a phone call from Dr Jermaine McCalpin, the Executive Director for Fraser-Pryce’s Pocket Rocket Foundation, telling her that the celebrated athlete was in town training and wanted to have an event in Miramar to raise awareness about her foundation, it was a no-brainer.

“He was referred to me by Wolmer’s Girls’ Principal Colleen Montague, who was my classmate at Wolmer’s many years ago. She is a current board member of the Pocket Rocket Foundation,” Davis recalled while adding that they decided on a date three weeks later, which gave them enough time to promote the event set for November 16.

“I didn’t reject the request because as a city and myself as a commissioner understood the sheer awesomeness of this superior athlete and I knew the residents of my city and the surrounding areas would be honoured to host and meet her as well as support her foundation albeit at short notice on a weekday.”

Even with the limited time, Commissioner Davis pulled together a team that included her two legislative aides, Randy Green, the banquet hall manager at the Miramar Cultural Centre; Eddy Edwards from Riddims Marketing, Jacqueline Knight-Campbell of Top Klass Events and Marketing as well as Dr McCalpin and Fraser-Pryce’s public relations professional, Sherie Ranston.

Together, they managed to make the auction a success.

“The event was a success because folks wanted to see our Jamaican sports ambassador Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce CD in the flesh and support the cause.”

And even after the physical event ended people were still interested in participating.

“Folks were still responding online to donation requests even after the event concluded. Most if not all of the items were auctioned off for far more than the starting price of which most started off at $USD1,000.00,” Commissioner Davis said.

 “Olympian Fraser-Pryce was well received as she is indeed regarded here as an icon in her field of sport, who had never visited a city as an honoured guest previously. We recognized her with the Key to the City, the Key to Broward County and Proclaimed November 16th 2021 as Ambassador Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Day in the City of Miramar.”

The highlight for Commissioner Davis was listening to Fraser-Pryce share her own incredible life story.

"Olympian Fraser-Pryce is a prolific speaker and her life story was compelling," she said.

The 36-year-old Fraser-Pryce pulled out of the Botswana Golden Grand Prix in April citing a family emergency. She would later pull out of the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi, Kenya in May because of a knee injury that saw her fly out to Italy for treatment.

She subsequently returned to Jamaica where she returned to training just under a month ago but has not competed at any of the island’s All Comers meets put on by the Jamaica Athletic Administrative Association (JAAA), leaving fans speculating whether they would see her at all this season.

Having won the 100m title at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in July last year, Fraser-Pryce has a bye to the championships set for Budapest in August.

However, in a post on social media on Wednesday, the three-time Olympic gold medallist gave her fans something to quell their concerns.

“Just a girl from Waterhouse who continues to dream and believe! See you at National Trials!” the 2022 Laureus Female Athlete of the Year posted on Facebook.

Those words would have eased the fears of her fan base who can now look forward to seeing ‘Mommy Rocket’ at the National Stadium in Kingston from July 6-9.

In 2022, Fraser-Pryce delivered what is considered by many the greatest season by a female sprinter. She ran a record seven times under 10.7 second and won a record fifth 100m title at the World Championships to become the first running athlete in history to win five titles in the same event since the championships began in 1983.

The 36-year-old track star, considered the greatest female 100m sprinter of all time, was rewarded for an incredible season during which she won an unprecedented fifth 100m world title in Eugene, Oregon and created even more history by becoming the first woman to run under 10.7 seconds for the 100m, a record seven times in the same season. 

After opening her season in Nairobi, Kenya, the two-time Olympic gold medallist ran times of 10.67, 10.67, 10.66, 10.67, 10.62 and 10.65 to cap an amazing season.

She also won a fifth Diamond League 100m title during the season.

“I was thrilled to be nominated alongside such inspiring female athletes,” said Fraser-Pryce, who got the nod ahead of Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, footballer Alexia Putellas, tennis star Iga Świątek, swimmer Katie Ledecky and alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin for the prestigious award.

“To win this award, voted for by some of the greatest sportsmen and women of all time, is just amazing. This is the sixth time I’ve been nominated in this category, so to finally hold the Laureus statuette in my hands is one of the greatest honours of my career.”

 Fraser-Pryce is the third Jamaican athlete to win the award. Elaine Thompson-Herah won in 2022 for her exploits in 2021, while Usain Bolt won in 2009, 2010, 2013 and 2017.

According to meet organizer Ray Harvey, MVP Track Club, UTech and Speed Unit Track Club, requested that he add three 60-metres races the schedule. As a result, the first of those three races will be run at 9:40 am.

In that race, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce will line up alongside Shauna Helps, Jodean Williams, Ezinne Okparaebo of Norway and four other athletes.

In the second race Utech athletes Ojamu Graham, Marcus Brown and Tarisco Bell will line up against five other athletes including Chaquille Sam of Montserrat.

The final 60-metre dash former 100m world record holder Asafa Powell will face World Long Jump champion Tajay Gayle and Nesta Carter.

Julian Forte, Austin Hamilton of Sweden are also listed among the starters.

Ray Harvey said the races are expected to be a treat for all the spectators who turn up to the venue on Saturday.

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.

Ricketts, the only Jamaican winner at the meet where Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Tajay Gayle and Natoya Goule also competed, jumped 14.29m in her ‘final-three' attempt to defeat Yulimar Rojas and Patricia Mamona, who jumped 15.12m and 14.66m, respectively to qualify for the jump-off but fouled their final jumps.

Ricketts qualified with her opening-round jump of 14.75m.

“I am very pleased I was able to get a good series out tonight and that shows us where we are with our preparation so I am looking to build upon what we did tonight ahead of Tokyo in a few weeks,” said Ricketts who also jumped 14.65m during the preliminary round.

“The girls are doing extremely well in the triple jump and they keep the level high up. I am doing well in the competition and in training so it is a huge motivation for me to do better each time. With the ‘final-three’ rule, I really have to dig deep because this is the jump that matters, so this is pushing me to stay on top of my game.”

She said as she continues her preparation for the Olympics, she is focused on making minor improvements that will ensure success.

“There are always things to improve on but we will be focusing on the last phase in order to see bigger jumps in Tokyo. I am not putting any pressure on myself but I would be disappointed if I was leaving without a medal,” she said.

Gayle, the 2019 long jump world champion, was on the wrong end of the ‘final-three’ rule in his competition. He went into the ‘final-three’ round with the best jump of 8.29, along with Miltiadis Tentoglou and Thobias Montler, who jumped a personal best 8.27m in the earlier rounds.

Tentoglou had the only legal jump in the final round with 8.24m while Gayle and Montler both fouled.

On the track, Fraser-Pryce ran 22.48 to finish third in the 200m that was won by Shaunae Miller-Uibo, who rebounded from her loss in Hungary on Tuesday to clock 22.23 getting by Marie Josee Ta Lou just before the finish line. Ta Lou ran a season-best 22.25 for second place.

Natoya Goule ran her second-fastest time this season, 1:57.35, but finished fourth in the 800m. The three women who beat her all ran personal best times.

Great Britain’s Laura Muir won the race in 1:56.73 ahead of compatriot Jemma Reekie, who ran 1:56.96.

The USA’s Grace Kate was third 1:57.20.

 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."

 This prestigious accolade is a testament to Fraser-Pryce's unparalleled athletic prowess, unwavering discipline, dedication, tenacity, and sportsmanship.

The award will be presented at the UWI Gala, marking the 75th Anniversary Celebration of the institution. The recognition underscores Fraser-Pryce's remarkable journey, from her days as an Honorary Graduate of the University of the West Indies, where she showcased brilliance both on and off the track.

In 2016, Fraser-Pryce received the Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of the West Indies, Mona campus, a testament to her exceptional contributions to the world of athletics and beyond. The University of Technology also conferred upon her an Honorary Doctor of Laws, further solidifying her impact on the academic and athletic spheres. In 2012, she graduated from the University of Technology with a Bachelor's Degree in Child and Adolescent Development with honours.

Fraser-Pryce's illustrious career has been adorned with numerous awards and accolades, reflecting her excellence on the global stage. She clinched the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association's Golden Cleats Award for Female Athlete of the Year four times (2009, 2012, 2013, and 2015).

Additionally, she secured the RJR National Sportswoman of the Year award in 2012, 2013, 2015, 2019 and 2022.

 Her international recognition includes nominations for the Laureus World Sports Award for Sportswoman of the Year in 2010, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2019 and 2022. She finally won the prestigious award in 2023.

One of the defining moments of Fraser-Pryce's career came in 2013 when she achieved an unprecedented feat in track and field. She became the first woman in history to win the Triple World Sprint Championship, securing gold in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m at the Championship in Moscow. This remarkable achievement earned her the title of IAAF Athlete of the Year.

Beyond her athletic prowess, Fraser-Pryce has been recognized for her contributions to society. In 2008, she was conferred with the Order of Distinction, Officer Class, by the Government of Jamaica. The same year, she received the Prime Minister’s Youth Award for excellence in Sports. In 2010, she was named the 1st UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for Jamaica and the Grace Goodwill Ambassador for Peace. In September 2014, the Prime Minister of Jamaica bestowed upon her the title of Ambassador at Large for Jamaica.

As Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce accepts the UWI Alumni Exemplar Sports Award, the celebration not only honors her extraordinary athletic journey but also recognizes her indelible mark on the global stage as a symbol of Jamaican pride and excellence.

The Olympic Gardens Football Club, based at the Cling Cling Oval in Olympic Gardens, serves as a beacon of hope and opportunity for aspiring young athletes from the surrounding area. Fielding teams across various age groups and categories, including a Super League team, as well as Under-13, 15, 17, 20, and Female teams, the club operates on a voluntary basis, with all funds and resources dedicated to providing equipment and opportunities for its members.

Fraser-Pryce, affectionately known as the "Pocket Rocket" for her explosive speed on the track, has long been an inspiration to athletes both locally and internationally. Hailing from the Waterhouse community herself, Fraser-Pryce understands the importance of support and encouragement in nurturing talent and fostering dreams.

On Tuesday evening, Fraser-Pryce extended her support to the Olympic Gardens Football Club with a generous donation totaling JMD$100,000 towards the team's feeding programme.  Alongside the financial contribution, the athletes were thrilled to receive 21 pairs of football boots and socks, courtesy of NIKE, ensuring they have the necessary gear to excel on the field.

Additionally, each player received NIKE drawstring bags, providing a sense of pride and belonging, while further enhancing their sporting experience. To keep the athletes hydrated and energized, Fraser-Pryce arranged for them to receive 876 Water and Lucozade, essential elements for peak performance on the pitch.

The donation from Fraser-Pryce was not just a gesture of goodwill but also a message of inspiration and encouragement to the young athletes of Olympic Gardens Football Club. Through her actions, she reminded them that with dedication, hard work, and support from the community, they can achieve their goals and dreams, no matter how big or small.

She also emphasized the importance of teamwork, which allows them to achieve success and the recognition necessary to attain greater levels of reward for their hard work. (see video below)

The 38-year-old sprinting legend, who boasts a lifetime best of 10.60 seconds, was making an extraordinarily late start to her season. Despite this, Fraser-Pryce, running with her right knee and lower-thigh strapped with kenisio tape, demonstrated her enduring talent by shaking off the rust and securing victory against a competitive field. Jodean Smith, clocking in at 11.20 seconds, finished second, while schoolgirl Sabrina Dockery took third place with a time of 11.46 seconds.

In the men's sprints, Bouwahjgie Nkrumie emerged as the fastest athlete of the night with a time of 10.21 seconds. Sandray Davison was close behind, recording a time of 10.25 seconds, while De Andre Daley achieved a season-best of 10.26 seconds to finish third. Notably, Ackeem Blake, despite stumbling out of the blocks in Nkrumie's heat, managed to recover and post a respectable time of 10.30 seconds.

Through the generous support of sponsors and the unwavering commitment of Fraser-Pryce, the children of Ewarton enjoyed a day filled with laughter, gifts, and exciting activities. This marks the third consecutive year that the Pocket Rocket Foundation has organized such an event in Ewarton, a testament to the foundation's dedication to spreading joy during the holiday season.

Fraser-Pryce, a decorated athlete and Olympic gold medalist, has not only excelled on the track but has also embraced the role of a benefactor to the community, particularly the children who eagerly anticipate the annual Christmas treat. With support from sponsors, including Digicel, the treat featured an array of delightful activities for the children, including rides on bounce-abouts, a rock climbing experience, and merry-go-rounds.

"We are very grateful for the support of our sponsors who have made this event possible. It's heartening to see the smiles on the children's faces as they enjoy the festivities," expressed Fraser-Pryce.

Sponsored in part by Digicel, the treat not only brought joy but also provided practical gifts for the children. NIKE contributed drawstring bags, socks, and pens, adding a touch of excitement to the holiday season. Digicel covered the costs of toys and rides, while Gracekennedy sponsored refreshments, ensuring the children had a memorable and enjoyable experience.

To make the occasion even more special, the foundation purchased 30 gallons of ice cream, adding a sweet touch to the festivities. Excelsior, a valued partner, distributed snack packs to all 300 children who gathered at the Windalco Sports Complex. This year, Windalco Sports Complex collaborated with the Pocket Rocket Foundation to create a safer and more conducive environment for the children.

Highlighting the sense of community and continuity, some past and present recipients of the foundation's support traveled to Ewarton to volunteer and share in the joyous occasion. Toyota Jamaica once again played a crucial role by providing transportation, ensuring that the children had a seamless and enjoyable experience.

As the sun set on a day filled with laughter, gifts, and shared moments, the Pocket Rocket Foundation, through Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce's vision, once again demonstrated the power of giving back and spreading the true spirit of Christmas in Ewarton.

The 28-year-old Jamaican, who ran a world-leading 21.45 to win her first individual World Championship gold medal in July, will take on the USA trio of Jenna Prandini, Gabby Thomas and Tamara Clarke, European champion Mujinga Kambundji as well as Tynia Gaither of the Bahamas with a Diamond League trophy at stake.

Supremely confident, Jackson, sporting new hair while seated next to a braided Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, hinted to members of the media on the eve of the Diamond League finale that the 34-year-old world record of American Florence Griffith-Joyner could be under threat if things go according to plan.

While she didn’t specify what time she was aiming at, Jackson said she set that new goal on returning home to Jamaica after becoming the second-fastest woman all time over the distance following her successful campaign in Eugene, Oregon.

“Before I started the season I wrote that exact time (21.45) on a piece of paper that I left on my trophy stand. I never took a picture with my phone because I wanted that every time I stepped into my house I wanted or go to training, I had that target.

“When I wrote that I went back to training every day and I worked even harder. Some days you might have a bad day but don’t let a bad day get you down.”

The first sign she had that the work she was putting in was paying off was when she ran a then world-leading 21.55 to win at the Jamaica National Championships in June. It was then that she knew that the time she wanted to achieve was within reach.

“Right after the trials, I said ‘okay, it’s coming and I wanted it so bad. Right after trials I went back to training and I achieved that and I am so happy,” she said.

“I went back home though and I wrote a different goal. I wrote another time there because I definitely want to go faster and I think I am capable of doing that. If it’s not done tomorrow then I  will come back next season and work even harder.”

Jackson, who also ran a 100m personal best of 10.71 this season, is also on track to win two trophies on Thursday.

She lines up in the 100m finale against friend and compatriot Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Diamond League points leader Marie Josee Ta Lou of the Ivory Coast, who has run 10.72 this season, a new lifetime best and African record.

Jackson, who won her first global title in Eugene, Oregon in July, also won a silver medal in the 100m in a lifetime best of 10.73 as the runner-up to Fraser Pryce in the blue-riband sprint at the 2022 World Championships in Oregon in July.

But in a pre-meet press conference on Monday, the increasingly confident Jackson believes faster 100m times are coming.

“I don’t think I have reached my full potential as yet. It’s taking some time, the World Championships was actually good I ran a personal best,” said Jackson.

“I am looking to run faster 100s. I think I have mastered the 200m a little so I am excited to put together a proper 100 and see how fast I can go.”

 Jackson also revealed that she enjoys competing against her friend Fraser-Pryce, explaining that matching strides with the five-time world 100m champion who has run 10.66 this season brings the best out of her.

“It’s just been probably two years since I have been competing with her competitively and I enjoy every moment of it. She brings out the best in me in the 100 and I like that, I like competition and she always brings her ‘A’ game so I am looking for super exciting times…”

Fraser-Pryce has run under 10.70 five times this season, more than any woman in history.

Meanwhile, Jackson believes she can go even faster than the 21.45 she ran in Oregon and will focus on achieving that particular goal when she begins preparation for the 2022/2023 season in a few weeks’ time.

“Coach and I had discussed right after I ran 21.5 (at the National Stadium in Kingston in late June) that if I continue to think about the time I will end up disappointing myself if I don’t meet those expectations; yes, I do have a time in mind, which funny enough, the 21.45 was my goal for this season. I have achieved that and when I went back home I set a new goal,” she said.

“I set a new goal because I want to run faster, I believe I can run faster than 21.4 so coach and I discussed and we are preparing to run faster, so if it doesn’t happen this season, we will go back to the drawing board and prepare.

“So yes, I have a 100m time that I have not achieved as yet so I have a couple (more) hundreds this season so I am just going fix what needs to be fixed and hope I meet my goals for the 100.”

Thompson-Herah’s time was second only to that of Bahamian Shaunae Miller-Uibo, who clocked 21.98s at the Back to the Track meet in Florida two weeks ago.  Thompson-Herah, who won section three, turned the table on compatriot Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce who recorded a run of 22.57 to win section two.  MVP’s Anthonique Strachan clocked the third-fastest time after stopping the time at 22.67 behind Thompson-Herah.

On Saturday, it was Fraser-Pryce who stole the show after clocking 10.87 to win section two of the event.  Thompson-Herah won section three of the event, clocked an equally quick 10.88 seconds.

In Sunday’s men’s half-lap event Romario Williams clocked the fastest time of the day, with 20.46, to claim section three.  Sprint Tech’s Rasheed Dwyer’s was second in 20.74, with O’Shane Bailey third with 20.84.

Informed sources have indicated that the athlete will have separate training schedules with Walcott ‘going to’ Thompson-Herah in a private setting after he completes his duties with Elite Performance at the Ashenheim Stadium at Jamaica College each day. Walcott reportedly shared the news with the athletes in group on Thursday morning.

Prior to the recent developments, Thompson-Herah, who owns her own gym equipment, trained at the National Stadium at Kingston’s Independence Park.

Andi Sports Management, the agent representing Thompson-Herah, who won a historic 100/200m double at both the Rio 2016 and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, announced on Monday that the 31-year-old athlete will now take instruction from Walcott.

“Out of difficulties grow miracles. Happy Monday,” the sprinter posted on Instagram as if in celebration over the development.

The move represents a quick-turnaround from her much-publicized separation from Coach Shanikie Osbourne after both parties could not agree on terms of compensation for a long-term arrangement.

Osbourne had assumed coaching duties for the five-time Olympic gold medallist after the Jamaica National Athletics Championships in July and shepherded the injury-plagued sprinter to her best times of the now-concluded 2023 track season.

After Thompson-Herah finished fifth in the 100m final at the championships in a relatively pedestrian 11.06, Osbourne had got her running fast again clocking times of 11.00, 10.92, 10.84 and 10.79 in consecutive races to end her season on a high.

Following her split from Osbourne, Thompson-Herah’s husband, Derron, revealed in an interview on Sportsmax late last week that a new coaching appointment was not far off. The surprising announcement came on Monday morning.

The news of the choice of coach was a surprise given Thompson-Herah’s contentious relationship with five-time World 100m champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who has been coached by Walcott since early 2020. The relationship between the former good friends became increasingly strained while both were members of the MVP Track Club and was what eventually triggered Fraser-Pryce’s departure from the club to join what eventually became Elite Performance.

Thompson-Herah, the 2016 Olympic champion, stormed to victory in 10.71 to turn the tables on her compatriot and fierce rival, who had beaten her at the Jamaica Olympic trials on the night of Friday, June 25.

“If I am being honest, nobody is happy when they lose. It is what it is,” said Fraser-Pryce, who ran 10.82 for second place in Hungary.

“You know what you need to do, you know what happened in the race and you know what needs to be fixed and I think you have that time to fix it.

“You can always go back, you can watch the race and where your downfall was and how you work to make sure that it doesn’t happen in the Olympics. It’s a moment for learning and you use it to fuel you for the next one.”

However, the four-time world 100m champion said she is excited about the depth of talent among the Jamaican women that currently has several of the best female sprinters in the world including Shericka Jackson, Briana Williams, Kemba Nelson and Thompson-Herah.

With regard to the men, she believes patience is required.

“The men always have trouble. There are always some issues with the men,” she joked.

“On the female side, I think females are a lot more competitive so it’s almost as if its innate for them to always want to compete and do what’s necessary while for the men, I don’t know what’s the issue, but I definitely think that eventually, it will work itself out.

“It always happens. Before we had Usain, we had a lull, so I think we just have to give it time and I think they have to want it more for themselves than anything else and I think they don’t need to think about filling Usain’s shoes because those are huge shoes to fill. They just have to focus on them and what they’re able to do to show what they have to offer to the sport.”

Fraser-Pryce competes over 200m at the Diamond League meeting in Monaco today. She will go up against Shaunae Miller-Uibo and Marie Josee Ta Lou in what is expected to be a competitive race.

The 35-year-old Fraser-Pryce was conferred with the Order of Jamaica, Commander Class for Outstanding Performance in the field of athletics at the international level. The woman known internationally as the Pocket Rocket for her incredible speed that has been on display for more than a decade, won her fifth World 100m title in Eugene, Oregon in July becoming the first running athlete to accomplish the feat.

It was also her second world 100m title since she gave birth to her son Zyon in 2017. During the just-concluded season, Fraser-Pryce another global benchmark when she became the first woman in the history of the sport, to run faster than 10.7 seconds seven times during the any one season.

She has now run under 10.7s nine times which is more than any other woman has ever run.

She is also the holder of three Olympic gold medals and 10 World Championship gold medals in her illustrious career.

Jackson, 28, was conferred with the Order of Distinction, Commander Class for exceptional achievements in the sport of Track and Field Athletics at the national, World Championships and Olympic levels.

 The former Vere Technical star won her first global title in Eugene, Oregon in July when she ran 21.45 to claim the 200m gold medal. The time makes her the second fastest woman in history and is a national record breaking the previous mark of 21.53 set by Elaine Thompson-Herah at the Tokyo Olympics.

Jackson has also won bronze medals in the 400m at the World Championships and Olympics and is the highest-ranked active combination sprinter in history with personal bests of 10.71 in the 100m, 21.45 in the 400m and 49.49 in the 400m.

Only two women in history have been better.

Also, receiving national honours were Dr Warren Blake, former president of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA), who was conferred with the Order of Distinction, (CD), for contribution to Medicine and as a team doctor in national sports; Claude Bryan, a sports agent, the Order of Distinction for contribution to the sport of Track and Field and Michael Clarke, a veteran coach, who was conferred with the Order of Distinction for contribution to sports in the area of Track and Field.

“It’s a new situation for me to come back from injury and start my season so late,” the Jamaican sprint phenomenon confessed after contesting her first 100m race of the year, in Lucerne on 20 July.

Having won in Switzerland in 10.82 and in Madrid in 10.83 two days later, Fraser-Pryce heads to the Hungarian capital with an unbeaten record at 100m in 2023. Her only other races since overcoming a knee problem have been a 200m heat and final at the Jamaican Championships, where she finished second to Shericka Jackson, the world champion at the distance, in 22.26 – plus, of course, that celebrated victory in the mother’s race at her son’s school sports day.

Three women have gone faster: Jackson, with her scorching 10.65 at the Jamaican Championships, Sha’Carri Richardson with 10.71 in the heats at the US Championships and the bang in-form Ivorian Marie-Josee Ta Lou with 10.75 at the Bislett Games.

The Jamaican Supermom – who will be concentrating on the 100m, having withdrawn from the 200m – will need to close the gap on her rivals if she is to win the title for a sixth time and equal Sergey Bubka’s record haul of individual golds in one event.

In 14 years, Fraser-Pryce has only once failed to cross the line first in a World Championships 100m final, finishing fourth in Daegu in 2011.

In Oregon 12 months ago, she won in a championship record 10.67 – one of her record seven sub-10.70 performances in 2022 – with Jackson second in 10.73. This time Jackson has the super-fast time going into the championships, plus two 10.78 performances, but her only 100m wins have been on home ground in Jamaica. On the Diamond League circuit, the two-time world 400m bronze medallist has finished runner-up to Richardson in Doha and Silesia and third in Oslo and London.

In terms of head-to-heads, Fraser-Pryce boasts an 8-1 record against her compatriot and training partner and a 21-4 advantage over Ta Lou, but is tied at 3-3 with Richardson, her three successes against the US sprinter having come in their last three meetings.

At 34, Ta Lou is in the form of her life. A close second to the late Tori Bowie in London in 2017, losing the gold by 0.01, and third behind Fraser-Pryce and Dina Asher-Smith in Doha in 2019, the 5ft 3in African Pocket Rocket has blasted to 10 victories in 10 100m races in 2023, including Diamond League successes in Florence, Oslo, Lausanne and London, and looks a serious contender for a first global gold.

“I’m really going for the gold and I believe that I can do it,” Ta Lou said. “I know my finish is strong, but my start could be better. I need to improve it to make sure I can achieve my goal of winning gold.”

The 22-year-old Richardson, who will be making her major championship debut as a senior, has won eight of nine races at 100m this year, including Diamond League victories in Doha and Silesia. She has reached an impressive level of consistency, registering four of the fastest seven times in 2023, all 10.76 or quicker.

Her one defeat came in the Istvan Gyulai Memorial in Szekesfehervar on 18 July, when she clocked 10.97 as runner-up to the new kid on the blocks, Julien Alfred from St Lucia. The 22-year-old Commonwealth silver medallist prevailed in 10.89, stretching her unbeaten record to 10 wins.

Fifth fastest in the world at 100m with 10.83, Alfred has also clocked the third fastest 200m (21.91), suggesting she has the speed endurance to feature at the end of a close contest.

Brittany Brown and Tamari Davis, second and third behind Richardson at the US Championships, both have the potential to make the final and mount a challenge, while 2012 world U20 champion Anthonique Strachan of The Bahamas clocked 10.92 as runner up to Ta Lou in Oslo in June.

The European challenge will be led by Asher-Smith, who clocked an encouraging 10.85 as runner-up to Ta Lou in the London Diamond League, and Poland’s 2019 European indoor 60m champion Ewa Swoboda, who broke 11 seconds for the first time with 10.94 for third place in Silesia.