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Fraser-Pryce calls time on career - Sprint legend comes full circle in Japan following 18 years of excellence
September 22, 2025
TOKYO, Japan:
Eighteen years. Seventeen World Championships medals. One 'Pocket Rocket'.
Legendary Jamaican sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce graced the field for the final time yesterday at the Tokyo World Athletics Championships, after years of dominating the sport.
In a full-circle moment, Fraser-Pryce has decided to end her career in the same way she begun 18 years ago at the Osaka World Championships in Japan - by winning the silver medal in the women's 4x100m final.
In her final race, Fraser-Pryce ran the opening leg on Jamaica's women's sprint relay team which included Tia Clayton, her twin Tina and Jonielle Smith.
The quartet would finish second in 41.79 seconds, handing Fraser-Pryce her 17th World Championships medal.
The iconic speedster said she was proud of her teammates for their efforts in the race and confirmed her exit from the sport.
The United States won in 41.75 seconds, while Germany finished third in 41.87.
AMAZING CAREER
"We are satisfied with the medal. We are grateful we did it and stayed healthy. The ladies really gave their best. This is a team effort," Fraser-Pryce said.
"I have had an amazing career and today's medal is the icing on the cake. My son will be excited. Today is a full circle moment for me. I was a reserve at my first World Championships in Japan in 2007. I couldn't have it any other way."
Following her senior international debut in 2007, Fraser-Pryce has remained one of the most dominant athletes throughout the years, and leaves as the most decorated 100m runner.
She leaves the sport with 17 World Championships medals - 10 gold, six silver and one bronze; and eight Olympic medals - three gold, four silver and one bronze.
Fraser-Pryce also became the first woman to have won the 100m World Championship title five times - 2009, 2013, 2015, 2019 and 2022.
The Jamaican holds personal best in the 100m and 200m of 10.60 and 21.71, respectively. Both times were recorded in 2021.
ADVOCACY
Fraser-Pryce said while she is stepping away from competition, she is interested in the role of advocating for young athletes for the next chapter of her life.
"I am grateful for the medals, the stadiums, and the crowds where I have competed throughout my career. I have some plans and I want to focus on advocacy and support for women and athletes," she said.
"I want to continue to make an impact."
Fraser-Pryce had already publicised her views on the importance of advocating on the behalf of young athletes, as well as teaching athletes how to advocate for themselves.
In an interview ahead of the championships, Fraser-Pryce had spoken about her experiences in learning how to stand up for her interests both on and off the track.
"It's big because I think sometimes we have to have individuals who advocate for us," she had said at the time.
"You have been given a platform for that very reason. I know sometimes people don't want to take it on. But if you don't do it, who's going to do it?
"So for me, definitely the future is bright and I look forward to it."
Her work for the next generation of athletes can also be seen through her work through the Pocket Rocket Foundation.
The Pocket Rocket Foundation, created by Fraser-Pryce, is a "non-profit organisation dedicated to fuelling the development of student athletes and their community members so they can soar to new heights."
