As the news of Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s pending retirement continues to soak in, Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) president Christopher Samuda is among those already expressing gratitude to the decorated athlete, whose life and legacy on the track, has been an inspiration to many across the global sporting landscape.
In fact, Samuda hinted at his association's plans to celebrate the legacy of Jamaican sprint icon, who will hang up her spikes after the Olympic Games in Paris, later this year.
Since she won Olympic gold in Beijing in 2008, Fraser-Pryce has enjoyed one of the most dominating careers in track and field history, as she tallied eight Olympic medals, including three gold, 16 medals at the World Athletics Championships, which includes 10 world titles, and ranks as the third fastest woman in history with 10.60 seconds in the 100m.
But she is not quite done yet, as she will certainly be aiming to add to those accolades and, by extension, fittingly end her illustrious career on a high.
“Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce will retire from the track, but it will always be her stomping ground, given the lessons she taught and her legacy will remain. What an athlete. She is a culture of absolute discipline, courage and resilience. An Olympian and World Champion whose enduring commitment to country is inspiring,” Samuda told SportsMax.TV.
“She is a global sporting ambassador whose credentials are well known and are accepted by many countries. The Jamaica Olympic Association will honour those attributes which resided in ‘Pocket Rocket’, and which are now gaining ineffable expression in ‘Mommy Rocket’,” he added.
On that note, Samuda, while reflecting on her many accomplishments, highlighted that Fraser-Pryce is only human, who has given her all to the demands of balancing sport with family life.
“More importantly, she's a daughter, a mother, a wife, and a colleague. An Olympian, a human being endowed with a humanity that embodies goodwill, and a smile that comes from the heart. She embodies a spirit and personhood that makes her not just a gold medalist, but more importantly a standard bearer,” Samuda shared.
“What an explosion she has been on life's track which will forever bear her indelible footprints,” he noted.
The 37-year-old Fraser-Pryce in a recent interview, explained that her decision to retire after this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris stems from her wanting to dedicate more time to her family.
“My son needs me. My husband and I have been together since before I won in 2008. He has sacrificed for me and it’s because of that support that I’m able to do the things that I have been doing for all these years. I think I now owe it to them to do something else,” Fraser-Pryce said.
The vivacious athlete’s win in Beijing made her first Jamaican woman to win an Olympic 100m gold, and her follow-up victory in 2012 made her only the third woman to win back-to-back Olympic titles. She joined other greats Wyoma Tyus and Gail Devers of the USA to accomplish the feat.
Fraser-Pryce’s 2009 World 100m title in Berlin, saw her become the first woman to hold Olympic and World titles simultaneously, a feat she accomplished twice with victories in London in 2012 and Moscow in 2013.
Barbados up to 77 medals at Huntsman World Senior Games in Utah
Patrons were treated to a dominant display from Barbados’ 61-member team at the 37th annual Huntsman Senior Games at the Greater Zion Stadium on the campus of Utah Tech University.
The Caribbean nation compiled 77 medals across two sports, athletics and cycling, from Tuesday to Friday.
In athletics, the squad of 33 managed 74 medals over three days of competition, with the women leading the table on 14506, nearly doubling Utah’s 7834 in second place, and the men a commendable ninth with 2424 points.
Ainsley Lovell alone had 13 of Barbados’ 40 gold medals, competing across multiple events in the women’s 70-74, 64+, and 70+ divisions. She won gold in the 50m, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 3000m, long jump, and standing long jump.
Jennifer Swanston-Jones seized victory in the women’s 65-69 50m, 100m, 200m, javelin throw, long jump, shot put, and triple jump. She also had silver in high jump and standing long jump.
Gloria Crookendale came out on top in the women’s 75-79 and 75+ 50m, the 75-79 100m, 70-79 200m, 75-79 200m, and 75-79 standing long jump. She was a bronze medallist in discus throw as well.
Kathy Harper-Hall, who has won over 100 medals since Barbados first competed at these games 21 years ago, added to her tally with gold in the women’s 85-89 and 80+ categories, taking the 100m, 200m, and standing long jump titles.
Janita Austin will return home with four gold medals, in the women’s 70-74 and 70-79 discus throw, the 70-74 and 70+ high Jump, and silver in the shot put, javelin throw, long jump, and standing long jump.
Wendy Barrow-Smith captured gold in the women’s 65-69 discus throw and standing long jump, silver in the shot put, silver in the 60-69 standing long jump, and silver in the 65-69 triple jump.
On the men’s side, Willaby Bourne was among the standouts. In the 75-79 class, he won the 400m, got silver in the 200m, and helped his team to silver in 4×100m. Atherley Burrowes was victorious in the men’s 65-69 200m and 400m.
The four-member cycling team enjoyed their moments of glory as well, with Alan Cadogan winning bronze in the hill climb and silver in the criterium, while Ronald Harding took bronze in the latter.
Olympic gold medalist Thea LaFond-Gadson to be honoured by University of Maryland
Olympic gold medalist Thea LaFond-Gadson, a 2015 graduate of the University of Maryland, will be honoured during the university’s football game against Northwestern on Friday night at SECU Stadium. LaFond-Gadson, who made history this summer by winning Dominica’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in the triple jump at the 2024 Paris Olympics, will be recognized on the field during the first quarter of the game.
LaFond-Gadson’s return to the University of Maryland is part of a broader celebration of her outstanding achievements. In addition to Friday’s honour, she will also serve as one of the grand marshals for the university’s Homecoming celebrations on October 18 and 19. Joining her as co-grand marshal is Alyssa Thomas, a 2014 graduate and basketball star who helped Team USA capture its eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal in women's basketball.
The honorary grand marshal role is a prestigious position reintroduced to homecoming for the first time in over a decade. LaFond-Gadson and Thomas will lead homecoming activities during the week of festivities, which culminates with Maryland’s football game against USC on October 19.
While LaFond-Gadson will be celebrated for her athletic prowess and for bringing pride to her home country of Dominica, Thomas will be further recognized with induction into the University of Maryland Athletics Hall of Fame that weekend.
Thea LaFond-Gadson’s incredible journey from collegiate athlete to Olympic champion exemplifies the values of hard work, determination, and resilience. Her return to the University of Maryland to be honored by her alma mater serves as an inspiration to current students, alumni, and the entire community.
Ashoka Road to be renamed Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Drive in honour of sprint legend
Ashoka Road in Waterhouse, Kingston, is set to be renamed Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Drive in recognition of the track and field legend's incredible contributions to athletics and her community. The Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) approved the renaming during its council meeting on Tuesday, October 8, held at the Marcus Garvey Council Chamber in downtown Kingston.
The Jamaica Information Service (JIS) reported that Councillor Byron Clarke, who represents the Waterhouse Division, brought the resolution to the council, emphasizing that Fraser-Pryce’s achievements, both on and off the track, have had a transformative impact not only on Jamaica but also on the world stage.
Born and raised on Ashoka Road, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has become one of the most decorated athletes in history, boasting 10 World Championship titles and eight Olympic medals. She remains the only sprinter, male or female, to win five world titles in the 100 metres (2009, 2013, 2015, 2019, and 2022), a testament to her remarkable longevity and dominance in the sport.
Councillor Clarke praised Fraser-Pryce as an exemplary role model, noting her commitment to uplifting the Waterhouse community and her broader contributions through her charitable initiatives, including the Pocket Rocket Foundation. The foundation provides scholarships and grants to young athletes, helping to shape the next generation of Jamaican talent.
"Shelly-Ann is more than deserving of this honour," Councillor Clarke stated. "Her determination, commitment, resilience, and willingness to serve her country and community have made her a beacon of hope. Her true value transcends her accomplishments on the track, as she embodies the spirit of hard work, purpose, and passion for her country."
Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew Swaby, echoed these sentiments and highlighted that further celebrations of Fraser-Pryce’s legacy are in the works. "Plans are under way to celebrate her incredible achievements," Mayor Swaby shared. He added that discussions have already begun with members of the Civic Committee, her alma mater Wolmer's Girls' School, and representatives from the Pocket Rocket Foundation.
The renaming of Ashoka Road as Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Drive not only celebrates her record-breaking career but also honors her as a symbol of pride for Waterhouse and Jamaica. The new street name will serve as a constant reminder of what can be achieved through perseverance, resilience, and a commitment to excellence.
This recognition is expected to inspire future generations, particularly young athletes, as Fraser-Pryce continues to uplift her community and inspire her country with her tireless efforts both on and off the track.
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