Talented Jamaican sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is speaking out after a bizarre series of events derailed her bid for another Olympic medal at the Paris 2024 Games.
Eight-time Olympic medalist Fraser-Pryce withdrew from Saturday’s 100m semifinal at the Stade de France due to injury after the Jamaican national team was barred from the track earlier in the day, according to Jamaican delegation chief Ian Kelly. Post to X.
In a video posted on social media, the 37-year-old Olympian, competing in his fifth Olympics, was quoted as telling officials: “The rules have changed. We used to come through this gate but now the athletes who have left say we can’t use this gate.” Reuters reported..
Mr Kelly denied speculation that Mr Fraser-Pryce had been denied entry to the venue.
“It is not true that she was not allowed into the stadium,” Kelly said in a statement to Reuters.
“Unfortunately, she was injured during the final warm-up and was unable to compete.”
2024 Paris Olympics
The legendary sprinter is due to run in Jamaica’s 4x100m relay team but injury has cast doubt on his ability to take part.
Fraser-Pryce later said: In a candid Instagram post.
“It is difficult to put into words the depth of this disappointment, and I know that all my supporters share and bear this disappointment as I do,” she wrote on Saturday. “I have been so fortunate to have had the unwavering support of my fans since my Olympic debut in 2008, and I am immensely grateful for the support of my fans, my country and the wider community that has sustained me throughout my career.”
Fraser-Pryce, Previously confirmed She said the Paris Games would be her last and thanked her supporters for being with her “today and every day.”
“You have supported me with every step and victory, and your faith has always supported my trust throughout my journey,” she wrote.
“Thank you for being with me today and every day.”
Fraser-Pryce won her first gold medal in the 100 metres at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and then again in London four years later.
She won a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games and a silver medal at the Tokyo Games three years ago.
In Saturday’s 100m final, St. Lucia’s Julian Alfred won gold, while Shacarie Richardson of the U.S. team took silver.
