Athletics Kenya on whether Sha’Carri will replace Fraser-Pryce in Kip Keino Classic 100m

ATHLETICS Athletics Kenya on whether Sha’Carri will replace Fraser-Pryce in Kip Keino Classic 100m

Abigael Wafula 15:58 - 12.05.2023

The Jamaican sprint sensation was forced to withdraw from the race after an injury she got during training.

Athletics Kenya president Jack Tuwei noted that pressure cannot be placed on sprint-sensation Sha’Carri Richardson to take up the 100m race at the Kip Keino Classic scheduled for Saturday, May 13.

Richardson was initially scheduled to compete in the 200m race but talks are underway to have her take up the 100m race.

The move comes after the sudden withdrawal of five-time world 100m champion Shelly-Anne Fraser-Pryce due to an injury.

“It depends on what she likes so we cannot force her. She has to be willing to do it but we have tried talking to her about it. She might consider that but as I said, we cannot put pressure on her,” she said.

Speaking after the pre-race press conference, Tuwei also expressed his disappointment towards Fraser-Pryce’s withdrawal from the race.

He said the multiple-Olympic champion had loved racing in Kenya and it was such an unfortunate happening.

“We were shocked about it and we are really sorry about the incident. We wish that she was here to compete and the Kenyans were waiting to see her compete.

"She really loves the country and the athletes from here. All in all, we wish her a quick recovery and we hope to see her next year,” he said.

Fraser-Pryce was at last year’s continental event where she thrilled the masses to win the 100m race in a world leading time of 10.67 seconds.

She was hoping to successfully open her track season at the Moi International Sports Center in Kasarani but the unfortunate injury happened which forced her to jet out of the country to seek urgent specialised treatment in Milan, Italy.

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