Yesterday, she lit up the track with a bold, vibrant wig. But today, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce showed up as the woman Jamaicans have admired for over 20 years—authentic, fierce, and deeply rooted in her beginnings. On June 27, in front of a roaring Kingston National Stadium crowd—including familiar faces from her Waterhouse community—she lined up for the women’s 100m semifinals and final, knowing this would be her last professional race on Jamaican soil.

This wasn’t just any race. The stakes were personal and historic. With names like Shericka Jackson and Tina Clayton in the mix, the competition was stacked. And the pressure? Immense. Every time Fraser-Pryce has competed at the JAAA National Championships, she’s made the team. And even now, two decades since her debut, that streak mattered.

True to form, the “Mommy Rocket” blasted down the track and claimed third place with a time of 10.91 seconds, securing her spot on the Jamaican team for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. It wasn’t just a qualification. It was a full-circle moment. A goodbye wrapped in glory. After the race, the emotions she’d been holding back finally surfaced. With her voice tinged with pride and nostalgia, she shared a message that summed up her journey: “Keep working, keep dreaming, and one day you’ll get there.” And with that, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce didn’t just finish a race—she cemented her legacy. The packed National Stadium stood as a proud witness to the moment. Emotions ran high as Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce took a walk around the track, greeted by thunderous applause and heartfelt appreciation from the crowd.

For a moment, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce embraced the love of her Waterhouse community, letting herself be carried by their support. The stadium erupted—drums rolled, horns blared, and the celebration reached new heights. After all, she had just sealed her place in her eighth World Athletics Championships, completing a remarkable chapter on home soil. So, what did she have to say after claiming the final piece of a journey that began 18 years ago?

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has something special for the fans 

After her emotional final race on Jamaican soil, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce turned to the crowd with gratitude pouring from her heart. Speaking directly to the fans, she said: “Everyone that’s here tonight supporting me. Big up Waterhouse always, and you know, thank you guys so much for your love. It was felt. I tried not to be too emotional and focus on my race, but I felt your love and I felt your support, and I’m truly grateful for it.” It was a moment that transcended sport—one of unity, pride, and legacy. Even sprinting legend Usain Bolt made his way to the National Stadium to witness the occasion. After the race, Bolt confirmed he’ll be in Tokyo later this year to support Fraser-Pryce on the world stage once again.

But amid all the celebrations, Shelly-Ann remained grounded. With Tokyo in her sights, she acknowledged the work still ahead. She ultimately said, “There’s a lot to work on, I guess, especially when it comes to race sharpness,” she admitted. “I haven’t been racing as much and, you know, we are gonna fix that. It’s a long season, so I mean, the first step and the first hurdle has been cleared, and that’s making the team and giving myself an opportunity to go to Tokyo and to have a great run.” Even in a moment of triumph and goodbye to the National Stadium, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s mindset was pure champion—grateful, focused, and ready for what’s next.