Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce reacts to 100m Olympics withdrawal - ‘Difficult to describe the depth of my disappointment’
By Ben Southby
Updated 04/08/2024 at 08:52 GMT+1
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has addressed her surprising withdrawal from the women's 100m semi-finals on Saturday, where she missed the chance to become a three-time Olympic champion. The 37-year-old said it was “difficult to find the words to describe the depth of my disappointment" in an update on social media. The Jamaican is a four-time Olympic gold medallist and has won 24 global medals.
Watch women's 100m final as Alfred storms to glorious gold medal
Video credit: TNT Sports
Jamaican track star Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has reacted to her sudden withdrawal from the women’s 100m semi-finals on Saturday.
The former two-time 100m champion missed the chance to add a fourth Olympic gold medal to her list of decorative accolades in what is expected to be her final Games as a track athlete.
After she advanced through the heats in a time of 10.92, the 37-year-old was expected to line up to race for a spot in the final alongside the likes of Julian Alfred and Sha’Carri Richardson.
But she did not appear on the track at the Stade de France as Alfred went on to claim a historic victory - securing Saint Lucia’s first Olympic gold medal.
Hours after the race, Fraser-Pryce took to social media to express her disappointment at her withdrawal.
“It is difficult for me to find the words to describe the depth of my disappointment,” she wrote in a post on Instagram.
“I know that my supporters share and shoulder this disappointment with me. I am truly Blessed to have had the steadfast support of my fans since my Olympic debut in 2008.
“The support of my fans, my country, and the larger community has rooted me in immense gratitude that has sustained me throughout my career. With every step and win, you all have been there for me. My Faith has always affirmed my trust in my journey.
"Thank you for continuing to be with me today and every day.”
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According to reports, Fraser-Pryce suffered an injury during the warm-up ahead of the semi-final.
Despite her withdrawal from the 100m, she could yet claim a ninth Olympic medal in the women's 4x100m where Jamaica are the current gold medal holders.
The ten-time world champion made her Olympic debut at the Beijing Games in 2008 and claimed instant 100m success to dethrone Yuliya Nestsiarenka of her title.
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Shelly-Anne Fraser-Pryce, Jamaica, Paris 2024 Olympic Games
Image credit: Getty Images
Four years later at the London Games in 2012, she added to her Olympic haul with silver medals in the 200m and 4x100m relay, while defending her status as the 100m champion.
She was made to settle for 100m bronze at the 2016 Games in Rio and another silver in the relay, before winning her seventh and eighth Olympic medals at the delayed Tokyo Games in 2021.
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