Marie-Josée Ta Lou-Smith was overcome with emotion after Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce secured her spot at yet another World Championships set to happen in Tokyo in September
Taking to her X account ( Formely Twitter) the Ivorian sprint star wrote:
“THANK YOU LORD !!!! I am crying 😭😭😭 Shelly 😍😍😍”
Fraser-Pryce, the iconic Jamaican sprinter, booked her place at what will be her ninth World Championships by finishing third in the women’s 100m final at the Jamaican National Trials. She clocked a season-best 10.91 seconds.
Tina Clayton stole the show with a personal best of 10.81 seconds to win her first national title. Meanwhile, Shericka Jackson, the reigning 200m world champion, followed closely in 10.88. Fraser-Pryce’s performance, despite being third, marked another historic chapter in her legendary career.
The 38-year-old, a three-time Olympic gold medallist and 10-time world champion, had already confirmed that this might be her final race on Jamaican soil. She said this during the Nike-hosted ceremony at the AC Hotel where she was honoured for her tremendous contributions to athletics.
Fraser-Pryce and Ta Lou-Smith’s relationship goes deeper than track rivalries. It’s built on mutual respect and friendship. In May 2024, Ta Lou-Smith visited Kingston for the Jamaica Athletics Invitational. Fraser-Pryce warmly hosted her and her husband for brunch.
Respect Amid Rivalry
On the track, Ta Lou-Smith and Fraser-Pryce have frequently crossed paths on the biggest stages. From Olympic finals to World Championship showdowns, their names are often side by side on start lists. One of their most memorable face-offs came at the 2019 World Championships in Doha, where Fraser-Pryce stormed to gold in the 100m, while Ta Lou-Smith clinched bronze.
Despite the fierce competition, the respect remains unwavering. Marie-Josée Ta Lou-Smith has often credited Fraser-Pryce’s consistency and longevity as a source of inspiration, especially as she herself holds the African record in the 100m with her 10.72-second run.