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| Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce |
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s final Olympic race ended agonisingly as she pulled out of the women’s 100m semi-final. The Jamaican sprint legend was expected to end with an Olympic medal but surprised many when she was missing in her lane. The veteran sprinter was looking to win her third gold medal in the 100m, but it was St Lucia’s Julien Alfred’s night as she beat SHa’Carri Richardson to win. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has won two Olympic gold medals in the women’s 100m. The 37-year-old breezed through the first round, and some felt she could win her third gold in the distance. With defending champion, Elaine Thompson-Herah and Shericka Jackson out, it was a golden opportunity. There was no explanation at the stadium, but some speculated she felt something in her hamstring before the semis with Richardson and Alfred. Before she pulled out, footage emerged of her arguing with officials after being blocked from the warm-up area. However, it was reported that she couldn’t line up because of an injury, per The Independent.
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Fraser-Pryce speaks after missing final The Jamaican shared a message on her Instagram, thanking her fans for the support despite the “disappointment of missing the final. “It is difficult for me to find the words to describe the depth of my disappointment,” she said. “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.” She recently said that Paris would be her last Olympic Games but didn’t clarify if she was retiring from the sport. Julien Alfred wins Olympic gold TUKO.co.ke also reported that St Lucia’s Julien Alfred defeated favourite Sha’Carri Richardson to win gold in the women’s 100m. The American, who is the reigning world champion, was expected to win gold, but Alfred produced an upset to win her country’s first-ever Olympic gold.
by Edwin Kiplagat