For 20 unforgettable years, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce reigned supreme over the women’s 100m, leaving behind a legacy that few in athletics can ever match. And at the 2025 Tokyo World Championships, she ran a blazing 11.03s to close her career among the world’s top six, a testament to her enduring brilliance. Her journey began humbly in Osaka in 2007, when a petite 20-year-old Jamaican stepped onto the world stage. Back then, no one could have imagined that the “Pocket Rocket” would rise to become the face of women’s sprinting, and a symbol of hope. Now, as her career comes full circle, the athletics community unites in admiration and gratitude. With countless medals, countless memories, and a spirit that inspired generations, Fraser-Pryce bids farewell, not just as a champion but as the undisputed queen of sprinting.

A journey destined to echo for generations, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce left nothing undone in the world of track and field. World Championships? Ten golds, five silvers, and a bronze. Olympics? Three golds, four silvers, and a bronze. Crown after crown, title after title, there isn’t a throne she hasn’t claimed. With her Tokyo 2025 run, her shining career as bright as the sun came to an end, like a blazing star fading into the night sky, yet leaving a trail to guide future generations. And guess what, the future generation has not forgotten what Fraser-Pryce achieved in her lifetime. Tributes were just pouring in, and we’ve grabbed a few.

“I love Shelly. I’ve known that woman for a while,” said Dina Asher-Smith just days before Fraser-Pryce’s final race. And as Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce stepped down from the pedestal of track and field, Asher-Smith couldn’t hold back her emotions: “An honor and privilege to compete against you. God Bless.” Quite the tribute, and why shouldn’t it be? Fraser-Pryce’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary, an inspiring journey that motivated an entire generation to embrace track and field. For countless athletes, she wasn’t just a champion; she was the reason they fell in love with the sport.

Asher-Smith and Fraser-Pryce’s friendship is something special. Despite being fierce competitors on the track, the two share a bond that goes far beyond rivalry. Their camaraderie is full of laughter and lighthearted moments, like the time when both athletes shared a humorous interview after the 200-meter final at the 2022 World Athletics Championships. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce famously interrupted Asher-Smith mid-interview, prompting the British sprinter to jokingly ask, “When are you gonna have a second child?” To which the Jamaican legend burst out laughing, shouting, “No!”

The British star isn’t the only one who had heartfelt words for the Jamaican legend. American sprinter Trayvon Bromell, the 100m bronze medalist at the 2022 Eugene World Championships, took to Instagram to share a post by Track and Field Gazette celebrating Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. Adding to the tributes, was none other than Allyson Felix, the iconic 400m and relay queen with seven Olympic golds, who reshared a tribute post on her Instagram, captioning it simply yet powerfully: “Legendary Congrats.” Truly, greatness recognizes greatness.

You think that’s it? Well, nope! British sprint sensation Daryll Neita also took to Instagram to honor Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. And last but certainly not least, Morolake Akinosun, 2016 Rio Olympic 4 × 100m relay gold medalist, shared on X: “Before she takes the track. A round of applause & standing ovation for the Pocket Rocket, Mommy Rocket, & (imo) the greatest sprinter, ever, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. It was an honor to share the track with you. This sport will miss you 💐 @realshellyannfp”

As her career came to an end, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce made history by reaching her eighth consecutive women’s 100m World Championship final, becoming the only sprinter to achieve this feat since 2009. Remarkably, she retired knowing that the future of Jamaican sprinting is in good hands, with her nation having reclaimed its former glory in the sport.

“Right where we belong,” says Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce as Jamaica thrills the sprinting world

What a day for Jamaica. The nation shone brilliantly at the 2025 World Athletics Championships on Sunday, sweeping the men’s 100m as Oblique Seville claimed gold in 9.77s ahead of teammate Kishane Thompson’s 9.82s, while Tina Clayton added silver in the women’s 100m. This is what was needed for the Jamaican sprinters after a nightmare Paris Olympics.

Talking about the performance of her countrymen, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce said, “Last year [at Olympics] in the 100m women, it was hard for us, we only had Tia [Clayton] who was in the final.”

She added, “Shericka [Jackson] got hurt, I was hurt and to know that tonight, we had three ladies in the finals and Tina ultimately walking away with a silver medal and a personal best is a great accomplishment.” While she briefly reflected on the ghosts of the past, Fraser-Pryce quickly shifted gears, saying she was impressed by how the men performed.

“Then we look at the men, Oblique and Kishane walking away with 1-2. Right where we belong in Kingston, Jamaica home of world class athletes. Each season is different and tonight we are grateful and Jamaica is overjoyed by this result.”

At the end, she concluded her message with gratitude to every athlete she had ever competed with, saying, “I have been privileged to race athletes from different generations and yes we are chasing gold medals and standing on the podium but it is the relationship that you foster throughout that journey.” “As Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce closes a glorious chapter of her life, her footsteps in the sand will forever guide the young athletes who follow.