“In the next two days, it will be my final time gracing the National Stadium. Honestly, it’s one of those moments that I’m looking forward to… because I have absolutely nothing to lose and all to gain.” No one at the Nike event at the AC Hotel may have expected those words. But sadly, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, a name etched into Jamaica’s soul and the heart of global track and field, is preparing to take her final competitive steps on the track where it all began…

This week, the National Stadium in Kingston won’t just witness a race — it will witness the closing chapter of a legend’s journey. After two decades of breathtaking speed, five consecutive Olympic Games, and a career that redefined excellence, the 2025 Jamaican National Championships will be Shelly-Ann’s last as a professional athlete on her home soil. And as that moment draws near, emotions run deep!

Thus, on June 25, Shelly-Ann opened her heart in an Instagram post. “As I prepare for my final National Trials, I’m filled with gratitude for the journey, for my partners, and most of all, for my people,” she wrote. It felt like a love letter to every voice that cheered, every hand that lifted, and every soul that believed. She further added, “Jamaica, your love has carried me, and your pride has fueled me. Every step I’ve taken has been with you beside me.”

Honestly, in those few words, Shelly-Ann said everything. Her speed may have come from training and talent, but her legacy? That came from home! From the cheers echoing through Waterhouse. From the flags waving high in Berlin, Beijing, London, Rio, and Tokyo. Well, the three-time Olympic champion didn’t forget about mentioning her kit sponsor, Nike. 

Back in 2016, Nike spotlighted Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s relentless pursuit of greatness with a series of promotional videos capturing her intense 100m training sessions, aptly titled “Knocking at the Door.” That same year, she added a fourth individual Olympic medal to her name, claiming bronze in the women’s 100m. Now, nearly a decade later, Shelly-Ann extended heartfelt thanks to Nike, saying, “To @nike, thank you for your unwavering belief in me and for hosting such a beautiful tribute this week—a celebration of our shared purpose and the power of sport to inspire.”

In the end, she left a message expecting to see the best days in Jamaican track and field sports: “With heart, with purpose, and with all of you behind me, Jamaica the best is yet to come. ❤️🚀” In Jamaican Nationals, Shelly-Ann will aim to book her place for her final World Athletics Championships, scheduled in September in Tokyo. Well, fans are also emotional about Shelly’s last appearance on home soil but there must be some excitement too. After all, she is looking forward to adding a chapter in her long history with the event!

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is on her way to make it to another World Athletics Championships 

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s World Athletics Championships journey began in 2007, when she was just 20 years old, by earning a place on the 4x100m relay team, and she eventually helped Jamaica win a silver medal. From that spark emerged the fearless sprinter who would go on to dominate the sport for nearly two decades. Years later, in 2020, Shelly-Ann reflected on those early days during an interview. “I only wanted to go, to go,” she recalled. “I was so nervous. I was unsure of who I was at the time…still wasn’t sure what I wanted to do.” While her direction may have been uncertain back then, her dream was crystal clear.

Since that first appearance, Shelly-Ann has competed in nearly every World Championships, amassing an incredible 16 medals over 18 years. Now, as she prepares for what may be her final bow on the world stage, one question lingers—will she cap off her legendary career with a 16th medal? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: she never stopped believing.