As one of the most decorated sprinters in history, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is no stranger to discipline, sacrifice, and success. But the demands of motherhood, she admits, present a different kind of challenge—one that has only intensified as her son, Zyon, grows older.

Speaking at a pre-meet press conference in Doha on Thursday, Fraser-Pryce opened up about the delicate balancing act she performs daily, managing elite training alongside being a present and supportive mother.

“Right now my house is hectic,” she said. “Zyon plays football, he plays chess, there’s homework, and I’m still training at 5:00 a.m. Some days are good, some days are not so good.”

Now almost eight years old, Zyon’s schedule increasingly competes with her own. From rushing to football training after practice to attending weekend tournaments, Fraser-Pryce says her son's activities often take precedence.

“I actually travelled on the day he won his tournament,” she recalled. “And I missed Mother’s Day because I was competing in China (where she won a relay bronze medal at the World Relay Championships). It’s such a struggle, but at the same time, I’m grateful for the moments I have and I try to be present in those moments with him.”

Even while attending his events, her fame follows her. Fraser-Pryce revealed that parents and children often approach her for photos at Zyon’s football matches and chess competitions—requests she politely declines.

“Some of the kids will come over and say, ‘Hi Shelly-Ann,’ and ask for a picture,” she said. “But I have to tell them, ‘I’m here being a mommy and watching my son,’ because I really don’t want to take away from his time.”

One tradition she does make time for is sports day, a beloved Jamaican institution. Fraser-Pryce makes it a point to compete in the parent races—not for herself, but for Zyon.

“It’s important that I show up for my son—as I am,” she said. “I think it’s very important that he sees I’m competitive, that I love to compete.”

She fondly recalled one of his earlier sports days when he wasn’t having a good time and seemed disengaged. But things have changed.

“Now he’s won two races at sports day and he was excited,” she shared with a smile. “He said, ‘Mommy, you have to run.’ And just that pride and joy I saw on his face when I crossed that line—it was truly special.”

While Fraser-Pryce continues to prepare for another season of world-class competition, including a return to the World Championships in September, she says being Zyon’s mother remains her most meaningful role.

“I just want him to understand that sometimes we have to make sacrifices, and that’s okay,” she said. “But we cherish the moments when we have the time to do things together.”