'It makes me question myself' - Usain Bolt reveals 'amazing' quality he admires in Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce

'It makes me question myself' - Usain Bolt reveals 'amazing' quality he admires in Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce

Mark Kinyanjui 19:10 - 03.10.2024

Usain Bolt has revealed the 'amazing' quality of Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce which at times leaves him questioning why he decided to retire in 2017.

Jamaican sprinting legend Usain Bolt has lauded his compatriot, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, for her remarkable longevity and resilience at the highest level of athletics. 

Bolt’s admiration comes amidst ongoing speculation about Fraser-Pryce’s future, especially after her unexpected withdrawal from the Paris 2024 Olympics due to injury.

Fraser-Pryce first captured global attention at the 2008 Beijing Olympics when she sprinted to 100m gold in a time of 10.78 seconds. 

Sixteen years later, at 37, she remains a dominant figure in track and field. Her recent decision to part ways with long-time coach Reynaldo Walcott marks another pivotal moment in her storied career. Although she previously hinted at retirement following Paris 2024, her withdrawal from the Olympics has fueled speculation that she might aim for one more spectacular season in 2025.

Bolt, widely regarded as the greatest sprinter of all time, enjoyed a glittering career that included eight Olympic gold medals and 11 world titles, before retiring in 2017. 

He and Fraser-Pryce both rose to prominence during the same era, and Bolt recently praised her dedication to pushing the limits of her performance.

"To see she is still going at it, it is amazing," Bolt remarked on the new Netflix track docuseries Sprint. "It makes me question myself, you know? That maybe I should have stayed a little bit longer."

Fraser-Pryce herself, despite her five world titles, is driven by an insatiable desire for more. "A lot of people tell me, ‘you have won five world titles, what do you need another for?’" she shared in the same series.

"What do you mean what do I need another one? I want another one! I don’t want to limit myself, and at this stage, there isn’t a lot of time left."

Under Walcott's coaching, Fraser-Pryce achieved remarkable feats, including lowering her personal best in the 100 meters from 10.70 seconds to 10.60. 

Her crowning moment came in 2022 when she ran sub-10.7 seconds seven times in a single season and secured her fifth 100m world title at the World Championships in Eugene, Oregon. However, her 2023 season was marred by injuries, culminating in a third-place finish at the World Championships in Budapest.

Her departure from Walcott, reportedly due to a strained relationship and a string of injuries, signals a new chapter in her career. Jamaican journalist Richardo Chambers has hinted that Fraser-Pryce is assembling a new coaching team, though the details remain unclear. Nevertheless, her determination to continue competing has captivated fans and fellow athletes alike.

Having been a founding member of the Elite Performance Track Club alongside Walcott, Fraser-Pryce's partnership with him had yielded significant successes. However, as she enters this transitional phase of her career, her focus remains on stretching her limits and maintaining her legacy.

With Bolt’s admiration and her own indomitable spirit, Fraser-Pryce’s journey is far from over. As the sprint queen navigates her next steps, the track world waits eagerly to see what more she can achieve.

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