Jamaica’s sprint queen Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is set to receive one of the most prestigious honors of her illustrious career as she will be crowned by none other than Serena Williams at the ATHLOS event in New York on Friday. The ceremony, which will take place at Icahn Stadium, is expected to be a historic celebration of women’s excellence in sport, bringing together two of the most iconic figures of the modern athletic era.
Fraser-Pryce, who recently announced her retirement from track and field, leaves behind a glittering legacy that has redefined sprinting for over a decade. The 37-year-old, affectionately known as the “Pocket Rocket,” has been the face of Jamaican athletics alongside legends like Usain Bolt and Veronica Campbell-Brown. With eight Olympic medals and 10 World Championship golds to her name, Fraser-Pryce’s consistency, resilience, and humility have earned her a place among the greatest sprinters in history.
Her crowning moment by Serena Williams adds an extra layer of symbolism and emotion to her farewell. Williams, who herself retired from tennis in 2022, revolutionized her sport much like Fraser-Pryce did in track and field. Both women broke barriers, shattered stereotypes, and inspired a new generation of female athletes to dream boldly and compete fearlessly. Their stories mirror one another — women of color who rose to dominance in sports long dominated by others, while maintaining grace, authenticity, and power.
The ATHLOS event, known for blending entertainment with elite sport, will serve as the perfect stage for this iconic moment. Fraser-Pryce’s crowning will celebrate not only her achievements on the track but also her influence off it. Her foundation and mentorship programs have helped support young Jamaican athletes and empower women in underserved communities. Over the years, she has become a symbol of strength, perseverance, and humility — traits that resonate far beyond athletics.
In her retirement announcement earlier this year, Fraser-Pryce spoke about wanting to spend more time with her family and focus on her role as a mother. “It’s time to pass the baton,” she said, “but I’ll always be part of the sport that made me who I am.” Her words reflected the grace with which she has handled every phase of her career — from her early triumphs to her final races, where she continued to defy age and expectation.
Friday’s ceremony promises to be emotional, as fans from across the world gather to honor her unmatched contribution to track and field. Serena Williams is expected to give a special speech before presenting Fraser-Pryce with the ATHLOS Lifetime Achievement Crown — a symbolic recognition of her reign as one of the fastest and most inspirational women ever to grace the sport.
As the lights shine on Icahn Stadium, it won’t just be a celebration of a career but of a legacy — one that transcends medals and records. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s journey from Waterhouse, Kingston, to global superstardom has inspired millions. Being crowned by Serena Williams — another queen of sport — is a fitting and poetic conclusion to a career built on speed, heart, and history.
Both legends standing together on that stage will represent more than athletic greatness — they will embody empowerment, resilience, and the everlasting impact of women who
dared to lead.
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