Jamaican sprint legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce made a stunning return to the track at Velocity Fest 17 in Kingston, clocking a wind-assisted 10.94 seconds in the women’s 100m heats. The two-time Olympic gold medalist showcased her enduring speed despite a strong tailwind of +3.1 m/s, which rendered the time ineligible for official records.
Competing for the first time since the 2024 Paris Olympics, the 38-year-old icon dominated her heat, leaving no doubt about her readiness for her final season before retirement.
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce expressed satisfaction with her performance, emphasizing the importance of pacing herself in what will be her last year in professional athletics.
“It feels good to start a bit earlier than usual,” she said.
“It’s a long season—very long—so I’m really just making sure that I choose my races wisely, stay healthy, and continue to train.”
Her decision to skip the final allowed rising stars to shine, with Tina Clayton securing victory in 11.17 seconds against a slight headwind.
Natasha Morrison, who finished second to Fraser-Pryce in the heats with 11.01, took silver in the final, while Serena Cole and Kemba Nelson shared third place.
The men’s 100m also delivered fireworks as Ackeem Blake, the 2024 World Indoor 60m bronze medalist, stormed to victory in 9.96 seconds with a legal wind of +1.7 m/s. The performance signals Blake’s growing threat in global sprinting, with eyes now set on the 2025 World Championships.
Nigel Ellis (10.11) and Bryan Levell (10.19) completed the podium, highlighting Jamaica’s continued depth in sprint talent.
Fraser-Pryce now shifts focus to refining her form for Jamaican Championships and possible Diamond League events.
