Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has announced that she will retire from track after the 2025 season, with the world championships in Tokyo this September shaping what will be her final chapter in a career that has redefined what’s possible for women in sport. The Jamaican sprint queen confirmed she will line up for one more year, saying there was unfinished business after withdrawing from the Paris Olympics 100m final due to injury.
At 38, Fraser-Pryce has kept her focus despite a limited racing schedule this season, earning a place at her ninth world championships by finishing third at the Jamaican trials in the 100m. She described this moment as a “full-circle” return to the global stage, harking back to her first world championship appearance in Osaka in 2007 when she travelled as a reserve for the 4x100m relay.
“I didn’t get the opportunity to do what I know I could have done in that moment, and it was hurtful,” Fraser-Pryce said in a video call with reporters. “It was the first time in my entire career that I’ve never been able to step to a line to compete.” The experience has only strengthened her resolve to go out on her own terms, she indicated.
Her impact on the sport goes beyond her record-breaking eight 100m global titles. Fraser-Pryce has used her platform to challenge stereotypes about pregnancy and sport, winning world titles in 2019 and 2022 after becoming a mother to son Zyon in 2017. She has repeatedly spoken about motherhood as a transformative force in her career, emphasizing that dreams do not end with motherhood and can even gain value through it.
Beyond the track, Fraser-Pryce continues to champion women and youth through her Pocket Rocket Foundation and other business ventures. “I want to continue to empower women and youth after retirement, especially back home,” she said, signaling that her influence will extend well beyond the tape.
Next month’s world championships will be more than a farewell; Fraser-Pryce frames the Tokyo event as a celebration of resilience, consistency, and joy that sport has given her. “Standing at that starting line is a huge success,” she said. “I’m really looking forward to just celebrating the story, the commitment and the joy that this sport has given me.” She also hinted at bringing a bold sense of style to race day, noting that her signature hair will be part of the moment.
Editor’s note:
– Fraser-Pryce’s return in 2025 will keep a high-profile chapter open for Jamaican sprinting and for women’s athletics as a whole. Editors might consider highlighting how her career arcs—from motherhood to a string of world titles and a lasting philanthropic footprint—illustrate the broader narrative of athletes leveraging sport to drive social impact.
Summary:
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, one of track and field’s most decorated athletes, will retire after the 2025 season, with the World Championships in Tokyo serving as the capstone. She returns this year after an Olympic setback, aims to finish on a high note, and plans to continue empowering women and youth through her foundation and ventures. Her legacy extends beyond records, embodying resilience, motherhood, and a commitment to giving back. Positive outlook remains strong as she looks to close out a storied career with one final sprint.
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