Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce Explains Her ‘Smirk’ to Sha’Carri Richardson After Nike Prefontaine Classic 2021 Win

Published 09/08/2021, 11:20 AM EDT

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While ordinarily athletes are retiring in their 30s, Shelly-Ann has been creating history. The Jamaican sprinting legend reached the peak of her performances at the Diamond League meet 2021 by becoming the world’s third-fastest woman, clocking a time of 10.60 seconds. Interestingly, the Jamaican sprinting trio of Shelly-Ann, Elaine Thompson, and Shericka Jackson have been in an intense on-field rivalry with Sha’Carri Richardson.

Richardson, who was shockingly banned from Tokyo games, made her comeback at the Diamond League meet in Eugene. But had a rather disappointing comeback finishing in the last place, while the Jamaican trio clean swept the race.

It was just a look, says Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce

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In her post-match interview, Richardson was trying to justify her disappointing performance. But what caught the eyes of the fans wasn’t her words but Shelly-Ann as she was passing by. Olympic legend, Shelly-Ann, gave a smirk to the camera. Fans thought the look was aimed at Sha’Carri Richardson, who just had an embarrassing loss.

However, in conversation with the Undefeated, Shelly-Ann opened up about how that look was not what everyone interpreted. “I mean, seriously, it was just a look. I was having a conversation with my teammate and she [her teammate] said something, and then I looked. But it wasn’t – it was just what it is. It was just a look, you know? It was just a look. Yeah,” said Shelly-Ann

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Making sure that her look was not being used as a reaction anymore, Shelly further clarified that there was no story behind it. “There was nothing more behind it, if I’m being very honest, there was nothing more behind it.”

Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce vs Sha’Carri Richardson

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Shelly-Ann also mentioned that she likes the American sprinter and her personality. While Sha’Carri is just rising, Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce has been on the field since Athens Olympics 2004.

via Reuters

At the Diamond League meet in Eugene, another Jamaican sprinter, Elaine Thompson clocked the world’s second-fastest time at 10.54 seconds. While Shelly-Ann finished at the second position with 10.73 seconds, the American finished at the last position with 11.19 seconds.

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While there are intense rivalries on the field, the women in track and field have always tried to uplift each other rather than bringing them down. Shelly-Ann has been a model for sprinting women, and her opening up about her smirk look will hopefully clear things between the athletes.

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Written by:

Shreya Verma

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Shreya Verma is an NBA and Tennis Author at EssentiallySports. A graduate of Political Science, Shreya comes from a strong sports background. A professional 10m air pistol shooter, Shreya is also a tennis enthusiast.
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