Jamaican sprint legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has announced that this week’s Jamaica National Championships will be her final appearance at Kingston’s National Stadium, as she gears up to end her remarkable career at the close of the 2025 season.
“In the next two days, it will be my final time gracing the National Stadium,” Fraser-Pryce said during a reception hosted in her honour by long-time sponsor Nike at the AC Hotel on Monday night. “Honestly, it’s one of those moments I’m looking forward to… because I have absolutely nothing to lose and all to gain.”
The intimate evening celebrated Fraser-Pryce’s enduring legacy and featured appearances from several notable guests. This included Prime Minister Andrew Holness, GraceKennedy CEO Frank James. Also in the mix there was, Nike representatives, MVP Track Club President Bruce James, and Pocket Rocket Foundation Chair Colleen Montague. Her husband Jason Pryce and their son Zyon were also present.
Fraser-Pryce’s rise to global stardom began in 2007 when she earned her first World Championships medal in Osaka as part of Jamaica’s 4x100m relay team. What followed was a historic sprinting career, three Olympic gold medals, including 100m titles in 2008 and 2012, five 100m world titles, a World Indoor 60m crown, and 10 World Championships medals in total. She remains the third-fastest woman in history and has repeatedly been honoured as Jamaica’s Sportswoman of the Year.
“I’ve always said that I’m the daughter of the soil,” she said. “I’m a proud Jamaican because you have shown me love in the ups and downs… You helped nurture me and gave me that spirit of pride and unwavering support.”
Her Next Focus ?
As she prepares to leave competitive athletics, Fraser-Pryce is focusing more on philanthropy and youth development. During her speech, she highlighted her deep-rooted partnership with Nike. She thanked them for backing her not just as an athlete, but as a mother, entrepreneur, and advocate.
“You have invested in me, and in Jamaica,” she said to Nike executives. “At every table I’ve sat with you, I’ve reminded you that this is the heart of world-class sprinting.”
Fraser-Pryce also announced a new initiative with Nike aimed at ending barefoot racing among Jamaican primary school children. The idea was sparked earlier this year while watching the Gibson-McCook Relays.
“There is absolutely no way we should still have kids running barefoot in this country, not the Jamaica of world-class sprinters,” she said. “Nike and I will focus on grassroots development. It’s my mission to make sure that no primary school student has to run barefoot at the National Stadium again.”
She also took time to thank Bruce James of MVP Track Club, noting his consistent support throughout her career.
“There is no me without Mr. James,” she said. “You’ve seen the love for this nation that continues to fuel me.”
Fraser-Pryce paid special tribute to Colleen Montague, principal of her alma mater Wolmer’s Girls’ and chair of the Pocket Rocket Foundation.
“If ever someone spoke negatively about my future, it was her who poured into me,” she said. “She saw more in me. A leader. A future. I’m forever grateful.”
A Big Thanks to the Husband
Her most emotional words were reserved for her husband, Jason.
“I’ve never met someone so comfortable letting me take the lead,” she said. “Tonight is not just for me, it’s for you. For all the years of support, love and sacrifice.”
As she readies for her final lap at the stadium where her legend was born, Fraser-Pryce reminded those gathered that her career has always been about more than medals.
“This moment is not just for me, it’s for us,” she said. “It’s about shifting the narrative for women in sport. It’s about showing up on your own terms, in your own moment.”
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is set to contest the 100 metres at the 4 day Trials which begins on Thursday, June 26 at the National Stadium.