Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce set to receive major honour in Jamaica for her positive impact

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is one of the greatest sprinters in history | IMAGO

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce set to receive major honour in Jamaica for her positive impact

Joel Omotto 14:10 - 10.10.2024

Jamaican sprint legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is set to be honoured in a big way for her great contribution on and off the track in her country.

Jamaican track legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is set to be honoured in her country with a road named after her in a bid to celebrate her for being a major inspiration.

Ashoka Road in Waterhouse, Kingston, is set to be renamed Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Drive in recognition for the 10-time world champion’s contribution to sport and her community in Jamaica.

The Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) approved the renaming of the road during its council meeting held at the Marcus Garvey Council Chamber in downtown Kingston on Tuesday, as per Sportsmax.

The Jamaica Information Service (JIS) reported that Councillor Byron Clarke, who represents the Waterhouse Division, brought the resolution to the council, saying Fraser-Pryce’s achievements, both on and off the track, have had a transformative impact in Jamaica and the globe.

Fraser-Pryce boasts 10 world titles and eight Olympics medals and remains the only sprinter, male or female, to claim five world titles, having clinched 100m gold in 2009, 2013, 2015, 2019, and 2022.

The 37-year-old was born and raised in Ashoka Road and has used her success and popularity to inspire many in her country and globally with her charitable work making a significant difference in Jamaica.

Fraser-Pryce runs the Pocket Rocket Foundation, which has been in existence since 2013, and provides scholarships and grants to young athletes. The foundation broke a record this year when it granted scholarships to 20 students.

"Shelly-Ann is more than deserving of this honour," said Councillor Clarke. "Her determination, commitment, resilience, and willingness to serve her country and community have made her a beacon of hope. Her true value transcends her accomplishments on the track, as she embodies the spirit of hard work, purpose, and passion for her country."

Mayor of Kingston, Andrew Swaby, said there are plans to even celebrate the legendary sprinter with much bigger recognition.

"Plans are under way to celebrate her incredible achievements," said Swaby.

Fraser-Pryce is looking forward to the 2025 season after enduring a difficult 2024 campaign when she pulled out of her semi-final heat in the 100m for reasons she is yet to reveal.

She split with her coach Reynaldo Walcott last week in a bid for a fresh start, effectively ending rumours that she was about to call time on her illustrious career.

Tags: