Paris 2024: Sha'Carri Richardson and Fraser-Pryce denied entry into warmup track minutes before their semifinal race

Paris 2024: Sha'Carri Richardson and Fraser-Pryce denied entry into warmup track minutes before their semifinal race

Funmilayo Fameso 17:58 - 03.08.2024

Sha'Carri Richardson and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce were denied early entry into the warmup area due to a change of rule they were not duly notified of before their arrival.

World 100m champion Sha'Carri Richardson and legendary Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce faced the biggest shock of their lives when they were denied entry into the warm-up track minutes before their semifinal race at Paris 2024 Olympics.

Videos circulating online show Fraser-Pryce and Richardson being held at the gate and not granted to the warmup area, just because they didn't arrive with their team buses.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Sha'Carri Richardson are two of the top favourites for the Olympic title. PC - World Athletics

From reports, the duo aren't staying at the games village as they've lodged in separate hotels to offer them maximum concentration away from activities going on during the Olympics, hence they do not arrive with their team buses to the stadium.

Sha'Carri Richardson at the gate after being denied entry

"She said dem change the rule yesterday," said Fraser-Pryce while explaining to a bus driver arriving at the stadium.

"Why will they change the rule and not say? So you're asking all the athletes who for whatever reason don't stay in the village, they can't come through in here? We came through this gate yesterday and went through all security and it was okay...That's crazy"

In another video, Richardson was seen trying to persuade the officials to let her in while Fraser-Pryce walked out in annoyance at the whole situation.

Both track stars are in a stacked semifinal race tagged the 'heat of death' as they'll be up against fastest qualifier Marie Josee Ta Lou-Smith, with only two automatic guaranteed spots in the final.

Tags: