Category: Track and field

 

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce silenced her critics with a strong third-place finish at the Jamaican Championships, proving she is ready for one final shot at global glory in Tokyo.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has silenced critics following her stunning performance at the Jamaican Championships, which saw her finish third in the women’s 100m race.

 

Tina Clayton and Shericka Jackson came in first and second in times of 10.81 seconds and 10.88, respectively, with Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce sealing the podium in 10.91.

 

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is now looking forward to donning the Jamaican jersey at the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan, in what would be her final time competing in a global championship.

 

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‘She Showed That I Should Have Stayed Longer’ – Usain Bolt Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce: I Have a Job to Do

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce competed for the last time on Jamaican soil for a spot on the world championships team to Tokyo

As she lined up against a stacked field for the women’s final at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce was aware of what she needed to do.

 

She disclosed that in the build-up to the championships, she put in the work and silenced all the people who doubted her, admitting that it was the only way she could show up and manage to finish on the podium.

 

Analysing her race tactics at the trials, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce added that she did not have the best starts, but is glad that there is still time for her to work on that and hopefully be ready before the World Championships.

 

‘I Almost Lost Faith’ – Oblique Seville Opens Up After 100m Battle with Kishane Thompson

“It was pretty much the same, to be honest, you know I have a goal and a task, and I have a job to do, and that is to come out here and run my race. Everything else is noise, and I have to block that noise out and get to my race and do my best,” Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce said.

 

“After that, I can marvel in the celebration and look forward to what is to come. My focus was to come out here and execute a good race, and I knew the field was going to be challenging. Now, I’m looking forward to representing Jamaica again, for one last time.”

 

As Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce prepares for what could be her final bow on the global stage, her performance at the Jamaican Championships serves as a powerful reminder of her resilience and unwavering commitment to excellence.

 

American Legend Justin Gatlin on Specific Thing Kishane Thompson Must Embrace to Dominate Akani Simbine and Co

American Legend Justin Gatlin on Specific Thing Kishane Thompson Must Embrace to Dominate Akani Simbine and Co

With her eyes now set on Tokyo, she carries not only the hopes of a nation but also the weight of her own legacy, one she is determined to honour with every stride.

 

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Usain Bolt after a dominant year in 2013

The Usain Bolt was present to cheer on Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce in her last race on Jamaican soil and had positive messages for the GOAT of women’s sprinting.

Track legend Usain Bolt was present for Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s last race on Jamaican soil, and he had nothing but glowing tribute towards the sprint queen.

 

Fraser-Pryce competed for the last time in front of her home crowd, racing in the women’s 100m semifinals and final for a spot on the Jamaican team to the World Championships in Tokyo this summer.

 

 

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce competed for the last time on Jamaican soil for a spot on the world championships team to Tokyo

The five-time world champion didn’t disappoint, giving her all to finish third in a Season’s Best (SB) of 10.91s and make her thirteenth Jamaican team to a major international championship.

 

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce: 7 iconic moments of Jamaican sprint queen’s legendary career

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce: 7 iconic moments of Jamaican sprint queen’s legendary career

Tia Clayton proved again why she’s in the best shape of her life by storming to a massive personal best of 10.81s (0.1) to claim her first senior national title, ahead of Shericka Jackson who clocked an SB of 10.88s for second.

 

Bolt who was present at the stadium to support and cheer on Fraser-Pryce, spoke glowingly of the sprint icon’s career, inspiring longevity, and what she means to Jamaica.

 

“She’s a big deal. I’d say as big as I am, she has done so much, so much gold medals, she was the first woman to win 100m for Jamaica, so she has done tremendously for the country. Even after I retired, she kept on winning gold medals just to show that longevity and the work that she puts in is just outstanding,” said the eight-time Olympic champion in an interview with Citius Mag.

 

 

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Usain Bolt ushered in a new era of Jamaican sprinters. Image source: Jamaican T&F Updates X

When asked about how connected they are considering they both ushered in a new era of dominant Jamaican sprinters on the world scene, Bolt said:

 

“I think we came through the ranks together. I think over the years we won in the juniors, we kind of came together to the seniors and did great together. I retired early, she showed that I should have stayed longer. But I’m very proud of her, she has done wonderful for the country.

 

Easy-Peasy for Kishane Thompson as he storms to new PB and World Lead to win Jamaican 100m title

Easy-Peasy for Kishane Thompson as he storms to new PB and World Lead to win Jamaican 100m title

“I’m really proud of her and this is my opportunity to get to see her one last time and hopefully I can go to the world championship this year and also see that race.”

 

By making the Jamaican team to Tokyo, Fraser-Pryce sealed her thirteenth appearance at an international championship and it’ll be her eighth time at the world championships.

 

 

Shericka Jackson has reflected on her challenging 2024 season as she shared an update ahead of the World Championships in Tokyo.

Shericka Jackson has gone down memory lane on her injury in 2024 as she gave her fans a crucial update ahead of the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

 

The two-time world 200m champion was over the moon after securing a slot in the women’s 100m to the World Championships.

 

Competing at the Jamaican Championships, Shericka Jackson finished second in a time of 10.88 seconds behind Tina Clayton, who claimed top honours in 10.81. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce rounded up the podium in 10.91.

 

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‘She Showed That I Should Have Stayed Longer’ – Usain Bolt Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce

However, Shericka Jackson’s journey to making the World Championships team has not been a walk in the park, and at some point, she thought she would not make it.

 

Shericka Jackson: I Have Recovered Properly

 

The two-time world 100m silver medallist revealed that the injury in 2024 affected her, especially after winning the Jamaican Championships and failing to compete at the Paris Olympic Games.

 

However, she had to be strong and go through the whole process of getting better and being ready for the 2025 season.

 

Now, Shericka Jackson has disclosed that she is in great shape and in a good mental space and she will only be focused on getting better after each race.

 

‘He Is the Reason I’m Here’ – Bayanda Walaza Pays Emotional Tribute to Ferdinand Omanyala

“Getting hurt got in my head a little. Last year, I won the trials, but unfortunately did not run at the Olympics, and that’s okay. I had a lot of injuries that I did not know about, but regardless, I’m here, I’m happy, and I’m in a good mental space,” Shericka Jackson said in an interview with Real Talk with Tee.

 

“It is something amazing for me, and as I said, I have two months to go, there are certain things that need to be fixed, and that will be done. It’s one step at a time. I have recovered properly from injury, but I’m taking a step at a time.”

 

Shericka Jackson added that stepping on the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica, was only for her to make the team to the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan and was over the moon to have achieved her goal.

 

Shericka Jackson

Shericka Jackson Image source:

Jackson revealed that she was battling a series of issues and was not sure if she would show up fully at the trials.

 

Shericka Jackson further pointed out that her start was not one of the best, but she is confident that with the time remaining, she will be looking to work on that to ensure she represents Jamaica well at the World Championships.

 

“I honestly just wanted to make the team…I knew that the top 3 was not going to leave me here. I wanted to come, and I think I did pretty well tonight,” Shericka Jackson said.

 

Gen Z Protests: How the Game of Football Has Become a Peaceful Form of Expression

Gen Z Protests: How the Game of Football Has Become a Peaceful Form of Expression

“I didn’t get the start I wanted, but it’s okay, I have two months to go. I have a little bit of time, so no rush, things will get fixed.

 

“Two weeks ago, if you had told me that I would make this team, I would have told you it’s a lie. This year has been a little bit of a roller coaster when it comes down to coming for the trials and running hard in training.”

 

Shericka Jackson has now set her sights on the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan, fully recovered, mentally recharged, and ready to chase greatness once again.

 

Quincy Hall has finally arrived on the global stage, and he’s not holding back about the struggle it took to get there. After clinching a remarkable victory in the men’s 400 meters, Hall opened up about the mental and physical battles that shaped his path to the top. In a raw and honest reflection, he stated, “I’m beating myself up every day,” capturing the relentless pressure and personal sacrifices that came with chasing greatness.

 

The 25-year-old American sprinter stunned fans and critics alike with his powerful finish in the 400m final. Known for his consistent performances in the NCAA and national circuit, Hall’s win on the international stage was a breakthrough moment. But behind that gold-medal smile was a story of grit, discipline, and the relentless self-demand that elite sport often requires.

 

“Every day, I wake up thinking about how I could’ve done better the day before,” Hall said. “Even on good days, I find something to improve. That’s just how I’ve conditioned myself. I push myself hard because I know nobody else is going to do it for me.”

 

His race execution was nothing short of clinical. Running from lane six, Hall paced himself through the first 200 meters before launching a decisive move in the final stretch. With competitors breathing down his neck, he dug deep and powered through the line with every ounce of strength left in his body. The clock confirmed his triumph, and the stadium erupted — but for Hall, the victory was more internal than external.

 

Hall has often been in the shadows of bigger names in the U.S. sprinting scene. While the likes of Michael Norman, Fred Kerley, and others captured headlines, Hall kept grinding behind the scenes. That anonymity allowed him to focus but also meant he had to work twice as hard to be noticed.

 

“It’s not just about speed,” he explained. “It’s about mentality, sacrifice, and consistency. I’ve had to fight doubts, deal with injuries, and miss out on family time. People only see the result, not the process.”

 

He credits his recent success to a shift in mindset and the guidance of his coaching team. Instead of obsessing over others’ times or trying to prove doubters wrong, he learned to focus inward. Each training session became a test of character, each setback a lesson.

 

“I started journaling after every practice,” Hall revealed. “Writing down what went right, what went wrong, and what I felt. It helped me process everything. That was part of the beating myself up, too — not in a negative way, but in a way that demanded accountability.”

 

Looking ahead, Hall isn’t content with one big win. He has his sights set on more international medals, an Olympic podium, and possibly even the sub-44-second club.

 

“I’m not satisfied,” he said. “This is just the beginning. I know what it takes now, and I’m willing to go through it again — the pain, the pressure, all of it — if that’s what it means to be great.”

 

Quincy Hall’s victory wasn’t just about speed or timing; it was about resilience, self-discipline, and an inner fire that burns brighter with every race. As he puts it, “Every day, I beat myself up so that nobody else can.” And now, the world is finally starting to take notice.

 

 

 

Favour Ofili at the Grand Slam Track in Miami last month

Sprint sensation Favour Ofili returned back to her best career form since breaking the 150m World Best, by blazing to a new 100m PB in Texas.

Amid her nationality switch to Turkey, Favour Ofili showed her quality again as one of the world’s best female sprinters, by clocking a new Personal Best (PB) to win her 100m qualifying heat at the ATX Classic in Texas.

 

The 22-year-old who’s currently in a switch of allegiance saga to Turkey, blazed to a famous victory in a blistering time of 10.87s (1.9), finishing far ahead of Kayla White in 11.07s.

 

 

Favour Ofili after smashing the 150m World Best at the Adidas Atlanta City Games

With her winning time, Ofili broke her previous PB of 10.93s set in 2022, becoming the joint sixth fastest woman in the world this year.

 

‘She is still our child, sister, and daughter’ – AFN shocked by Favour Ofili’s alleged nationality switch

‘She is still our child, sister, and daughter’ – AFN shocked by Favour Ofili’s alleged nationality switch

Ofili also topped the qualifying rounds ahead of the final, with Rosemary Chukwuma in second having won her heat in 10.93s (3.9) ahead of Olympic 200m champion Gabby Thomas in 10.96s.

 

Eight Time Olympic Medalist Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Announces Retirement, Makes Final World Championship Team

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Katelyn Hutchison covers all things track and field.

 

 

World Athletics Championships Oregon22 – Day Three

 

Track and field sprint legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce confirmed on June 23rd that this would be her final year running before beginning her retirement at the conclusion of the season. On Friday, the eight-time Olympic medalist competed in the Jamaica National Stadium one last time.

 

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Qualifies For Her Ninth World Championship Team In The 100-Meter Dash

World Athletics Championships Oregon22 – Day Three

 

Yesterday at the Jamaica National Stadium, Fraser-Pryce ran her final race on Jamaican soil. She ran 10.91 in the 100-meter dash, placing third behind newly crowned Jamaican national champion Tina Clayton and runner-up Shericka Jackson to qualify for her last World Athletics Outdoor Championship. Clayton and Jackson ran 10.81 and 10.88, respectively.

 

“I’m just grateful to be able to be here tonight finishing healthy and be on the team to Tokyo,” said Fraser-Pryce in a post-race interview.

 

In the remainder of the interview, she expressed that there were several things she needed to work on to prepare for the competition in Tokyo. Race sharpness was the key component she mentioned, as she had only competed four times in 2025 before this weekend’s championship.

 

Despite not having many races under her belt, she is excited for the chance to continue her preparations and represent Jamaica this September.

 

Although Fraser-Pryce is known for contesting the 200-meter dash at her country’s championships, she’s opted not to race in it this year, following her decision not to do so last year as well.

 

During the 2024 season, the 10-time world champion hinted that it might be her final season. When she made it to Paris to compete in her final Olympic games, spectators were shocked to see her missing from the start line after qualifying for the semi-final of the 100-meter dash. Many were heartbroken as they thought they would never see Fraser-Pryce compete again.

 

There is still no official word on her decision to cut her time in Paris short. However, fans were elated to find out that she would compete during the 2025 season. Now, spectators will be able to give her a proper goodbye this fall.

 

The Legacy Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Leaves Behind

Day 3 – World Athletics Championships Budapest 2023

 

Fraser-Pryce is far from an ordinary legend. She holds three Olympic gold medals, four Olympic silver medals, and one Olympic bronze medal, totaling eight, which is the same number as her legendary countryman, Usain Bolt.

 

She also holds 10 World Athletics Championship titles and is the third-fastest woman of all time in the 100-meter dash, with a time of 10.60. In addition to her ability to dominate global championships, her capacity to push physical limitations is unmatched.

 

In 2022, Fraser-Pryce ran 10.62, 10.67, and 10.66 over three competitions in less than seven days. Now at 38 years old, the Olympic champion has run sub-11 seconds 87 times in her career. This statistic builds a strong case for naming her the greatest female sprinter of all time. The only other female sprinter in history to get close to this number of sub-11 second 100-meter dash’s is Merlene Ottey, with 67.

 

Most women sprinters retire between their late 20s and early 30s. However, there are a handful, like Ottey and Allyson Felix, who chose to defy the limits of age and dominate the sport well beyond when most athletes hang up their spikes. Ottey officially retired at 52 years old and made her final Olympic team at 44 years old.

Felix retired at 36 years old, completing her last race at the 2022 World Athletics Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon. Following a similar path now is Fraser-Pryce, who will be 38 years old at the time of her final World Athletics Outdoor Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

 

Besides her athletic achievements, track and field fans love Fraser-Pryce for a variety of other reasons. One of them is her iconic hair choices. Over her career, the Olympic champion has become known for her distinctive and beautiful hair during major competitions. Fans who have noticed this about her often anticipate on social media the style she will wear. When revealed, many are in awe of the surprise she brings.

 

World Athletics Championships Oregon22 – Day Four

EUGENE, OREGON – JULY 18: Silver medalist Shericka More GETTY IMAGES FOR WORLD ATHLETICS

Fraser-Pryce is also known for her positive and radiating sportsmanship. She is often seen smiling and hugging competitors after races, displaying a large amount of energy in her post-race interviews, and being an overall encouragement to the athletes who hope to follow in her footsteps. She pours nothing but positive energy into track and field, which is why she is receiving so much of that love back during her last dance.

 

 

 

 

Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt has paid a heartfelt tribute to fellow icon Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, acknowledging her incredible career longevity and the profound impact she continues to have on the sport.

 

In a candid moment that resonated with fans across the globe, Bolt admitted that Fraser-Pryce’s continued excellence on the track has made him reflect on his own early retirement, confessing, “She showed that I should have stayed longer.”

 

Fraser-Pryce, often referred to as the “Pocket Rocket,” has defied age and expectations throughout her career. At 37, she remains one of the world’s top sprinters, consistently competing at the highest level and inspiring generations of athletes with her determination, discipline, and grace. Her enduring presence in track and field has not only brought pride to Jamaica but also served as a benchmark for athletic longevity.

 

Usain Bolt, an eight-time Olympic gold medalist and the world record holder in both the 100m and 200m, retired from competitive athletics in 2017. While his dominance on the track redefined sprinting, Bolt has often expressed contentment with his decision to step away. However, seeing Shelly-Ann continue to thrive has sparked a sense of admiration—and perhaps a hint of regret.

 

In his tribute, Bolt acknowledged Fraser-Pryce’s remarkable perseverance and passion. “To see her still going, still putting in the work, still getting results—it’s nothing short of amazing. She proves that age is just a number and that hunger, discipline, and love for the sport can carry you far. Watching her, I realize maybe I had more in the tank.”

 

Fraser-Pryce’s illustrious career includes multiple Olympic and World Championship medals, and she holds the distinction of being the only woman to win five 100m world titles. Her impact stretches beyond the medals—she has become a symbol of resilience, balancing elite sport with motherhood and serving as a powerful role model for women in sport.

 

Bolt’s tribute comes at a time when Fraser-Pryce is preparing for what could be her final Olympic Games in Paris 2024. Despite the approaching end of her career, she remains a serious medal contender, with recent performances showing no signs of decline. Her commitment to excellence has elevated the standards of the sport and challenged stereotypes about aging and athletic decline.

 

The mutual respect between these two Jamaican legends is deep and longstanding. Both have carried the nation’s flag with pride, bringing joy to fans at home and abroad. Bolt’s reflection is not just about admiration for Fraser-Pryce’s longevity—it’s also a celebration of her impact and a recognition of her role in keeping Jamaican sprinting at the forefront of global athletics.

 

In closing his tribute, Bolt remarked, “Shelly-Ann is a living legend. What she’s doing is inspirational not just for athletes, but for anyone chasing greatness. She’s reminded me—and the world—that with heart and hard work, you can keep shining long after others think you’re done.”

 

 

 

 

 

In a moment that will be etched into the sporting history of St. Lucia forever, Julien Alfred made her nation proud by securing its first-ever Olympic medal.

The sprinting sensation, who has been steadily climbing the ranks of international athletics over the past few years, finally delivered on her immense promise with a stunning performance on the world’s biggest stage. Competing in the women’s 100 meters final, Alfred powered through the field to clinch a silver medal, finishing just behind the gold medalist in a time of 10.85 seconds.

 

This monumental achievement marked not only a personal triumph for Alfred but a historic milestone for the Caribbean island nation.

St. Lucia, a country of fewer than 200,000 people, had previously sent athletes to several editions of the Olympic Games but had never tasted podium glory—until now. Alfred’s remarkable performance brought tears of joy to fans back home, where streets erupted in celebration, and national flags flew high in every village and town.

 

Alfred’s road to Olympic success has been anything but easy. Born and raised in Castries, she showed early promise on the track during her school years.

She moved to the United States on an athletics scholarship, enrolling at the University of Texas, where she flourished under top-tier coaching and world-class facilities. Over the past few seasons, she made her mark in the NCAA, dominating the sprint scene and earning accolades that hinted at her future potential.

 

In the lead-up to the Olympics, Alfred had already gained global attention, posting sub-11 second times and winning key races at Diamond League meetings.

But delivering under the pressure of the Olympic Games is an entirely different task. With the eyes of the world watching and a nation’s hopes resting on her shoulders, she displayed poise beyond her years. Exploding out of the blocks with trademark efficiency, she maintained her composure and finished strong, holding off a strong field that included some of the sport’s biggest names.

 

The silver medal not only rewarded Alfred’s hard work and resilience but also represented a turning point for athletics in St. Lucia.

Her victory is likely to inspire a new generation of athletes, proving that greatness can come from small places with the right mix of talent, dedication, and opportunity. Local sporting authorities and government officials have already pledged to increase funding and resources for youth athletics, citing Alfred’s achievement as a catalyst for long-term sporting development.

 

Julien Alfred’s name is now firmly written in the annals of Olympic and St. Lucian history. Beyond the medal, her story is one of perseverance, national pride, and the boundless possibilities that lie within the human spirit.

As she stood on the podium with her country’s flag draped over her shoulders, tears in her eyes, and a silver medal around her neck, she wasn’t just a champion for herself—she became a symbol of hope for an entire nation.

 

With years still ahead in her career, Alfred’s journey is far from over. But no matter what comes next, her legacy as St. Lucia’s first Olympic medalist is alre

 

 

Kishane Thompson of the Jamaica in action during the third Semifinal of the Men's 100m at the Olympic Games in the Stade de France, Paris, France, on August 4th, 2024.

 

 

 

Kishane Thompson ran a 9.75s personal best at the Jamaican National championships in Kingston to move up to sixth on the all-time men’s 100m list, as Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce qualified for her ninth World Championships.

 

Only Usain Bolt, Tyson Gay, Yohan Blake, Asafa Powell and Justin Gatlin have run a faster wind-legal 100m than Thompson, whose performance is the fastest men’s 100m for over a decade — since Gatlin ran 9.74s once and 9.75s twice in the summer of 2015.

 

The 23-year old won the silver medal in last summer’s 100m Olympic final in Paris, edged out on the line by USA’s Noah Lyles — who beat Thompson by five-thousandths of a second (9.784 to 9.789).

 

It makes it two years running than Thompson has won the Jamaican title, the first time a Jamaican man has defended their national 100m title since Blake in 2017. Thompson’s time was the fastest at a national championships since Blake also ran 9.75s in 2012.

 

He beat Oblique Seville (9.83s) and Ackeem Blake (9.88s), with the trio all qualifying for the World Championships in Tokyo this September.

 

At the same championships, Tina Clayton won her first national title in 10.81s ahead of Shericka Jackson (10.88s) and Fraser-Pryce (10.91s).

 

All three will also go to Tokyo, which makes it the 13th team for Fraser-Pryce at a World Championships or Olympics.

 

The 38-year-old, a double Olympic and six-time World Championship in the individual sprint disciplines, was the first Caribbean woman to win 100m Olympic gold back in 2008 in Beijing.

 

“I’m grateful to be able to be here tonight, finishing healthy, and to be on the team to Tokyo,” she said.

 

“It (her career) has been a journey, and for Jamaica, we have so many athletes that can represent this country. I tried not to be too emotional and focus on my race.

 

“There’s a lot to work on, especially when it comes to race sharpness. I haven’t been racing much. It’s a long season. The first step, the first hurdle, has been cleared.”