Jamaican track and field icon Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce expressed her deep gratitude after learning about the impact she had on New Zealand rugby sevens player Michaela Blyde, who recently revealed how much Fraser-Pryce inspired her growing up. Speaking with Sportsmax.TV at the AC Marriott Hotel in Kingston on Wednesday, following her Pocket Rocket Foundation’s scholarship ceremony, Fraser-Pryce reflected on her meeting with Blyde during the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“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.