After nearly two decades of dominating the sprinting world, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce bid adieu to her beloved arena at the Tokyo World Championships. Clocking an impressive 11.03s in the 100m final, she bid farewell to a career that brought her a treasure trove of medals and global admiration. From a fragile girl with a dream of gold to the face of female sprinting, Fraser-Pryce’s journey has inspired generations, none more so than Shericka Jackson, who has been alongside her since their MVP days. As Jackson celebrated her own 200m bronze at the World Championships, she could not hold back her admiration for one of the greats in the world.

Following her 3rd place finish, Jackson appeared for a post-race presser, and one of the questions was about Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s impact on Jamaican sports. She fondly recalled witnessing Fraser-Pryce in action and credited her as the reason she joined the MVP team.“I remember I used to watch Shelly compete. I remember, I think it was the year 2013—they did really, really well. I wanted to join MVP because that’s the year I left school,” said Jackson.

She further added, “I’ve always been watching sprinting because I have a love for sprinting, but I was a quarter-miler. It’s just a good feeling. I’ve competed with her for the longest since 2021 or 2018, in Commonwealth years. It’s just fun to see her at this age come out and put on a show, make a final. Not many can do that. It’s really, really good for her to show up. We did well. You have to give her her flowers. I think she got her flowers.” Quite a beautiful tribute from Jackson, especially considering the fact that she shares a close bond with Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.

Shericka Jackson made a bold decision back in 2016 when she decided to leap from 400m specialist to elite sprinter by joining the legendary MVP Track Club. She was under the guidance of the Coach and founder of MVP Track Club, Stephen Francis. In her endeavor, she sharpened her skills and explosive speed by training shoulder-to-shoulder with one of the world’s fastest, the iconic Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. The 10-time World Champion was monumental for Jackson’s career as she acted as an inspiration to her. Well, this is not the first time she has praised Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.

“Inspiration to all mothers,” said Shericka Jackson about Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce

Speaking to the media in 2024, the athlete expressed her admiration for Fraser-Pryce, praising her as the ultimate ‘super mom’ of the sport. “I think the first time I saw Shelly run was at the 2008 Olympics, and, you know, she has been amazing. She’s so old, and she is running so fast after having a son, so it’s inspirational—especially for those who have a baby and want to come back.” Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce made a stunning return to elite athletics just nine months after giving birth to her son, Zyon, in 2017. Overcoming the challenges of a C-section and doubts about her recovery, she showcased her resilience at the Kingston All Comers Meet in May 2018, running 100m in 11.52 seconds.

Her triumphant comeback peaked at the 2019 World Championships in Doha, where she claimed gold in the 100m with an electrifying 10.71 seconds. She further added, “I think that, as I see it, after having a baby, you still can do it. It might not work for everybody, but it definitely worked for her, and I think she inspires so many moms who went and had a baby and came back. So, I think it’s something, as I said, I have always watched her run, and to be in a race or two with her is just something amazing.”

With Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce stepping away from Track and Field, Shericka Jackson now carries the torch, striving to secure medals until a new star emerges. Their friendship, rooted in mentorship and mutual respect, has clearly been a cornerstone of Jackson’s rise.