Gayle, Samuda hail Fraser-Pryce at end of glittering track career

President of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association, Garth Gayle, paid tribute to multi World Championships and Olympic medallist Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce after the 38 year old confirmed that she will be retiring from the sport of track and field yesterday.

Ahead of June's National Championships, Fraser-Pryce had disclosed that those Trials would be the final time she will compete inside the National Stadium and that the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, would be her last international competition, but she stayed clear on any plans to compete on the Diamond League circuit.

In a statement via her social media pages on Monday night, Fraser-Pryce confirmed she was stepping off the track having represented Jamaica for more than 18 years.

Gayle said it was the close of an 'incredible era' and wished Fraser-Pryce all the best in her retirement.

"Thank you for every unforgettable moment and for the profound legacy of passion and dedication you are leaving behind. You have not only achieved incredible success but have also inspired countless fans and generations of athletes both here and abroad. As you close this chapter, we wish you immense happiness and success in your next adventure. You will be missed, but never forgotten. It was an incredible era, and we wish you all the best in your retirement," Gayle said.

Jamaica Olympic Association President Christopher Samuda also hailed the outstanding achievements of Fraser-Pryce.

Samuda said Fraser-Pryce was 'a treasure' and described her retirement as the end of a golden era on the track for a member of Jamaica's Olympic household.

"But you know a treasure defies seasons and its value and legacy are timeless. Shelly has imprinted lives on the track and life in the sport of athletics, with character and a deep humanity that goes beyond the fame of records, the digital glitz of electronic boards and yes the fanfare of minted achievements. Waterhouse has given us a reservoir of hope and an oasis from which generations of youth can refresh themselves with humility, dignity, inspiration and an honest smile, that expresses the essence of who we should be and who we as a people can become."

Michael Carr, who coached Fraser-Pryce at Wolmer's Girls described his former charge as a beacon for present and future athletes.

"She has been an inspiration to many, not only in Jamaica and not only at Wolmer's, but right across the world. When I look back at all the athletes that I have coached over my 46 years (as a coach) I really realise now that she's a special one. I have not seen any other like her with her personality, character, talent, behaviour the whole works. So I'm happy to see that she is going while she is on top and she will continue to inspire the world and inspire young athletes."

During her glittering career Fraser-Pryce amassed eight Olympic medals and 16 World Championship medals, including five World titles in the 100 metres, a feat not accomplished by any other athlete man or woman.

On her return to the island on September 23, after leading Jamaica's sprint relay team to a silver medal at the recent World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, Fraser-Pryce told reporters at a reception at the Norman Manley International Airport that she had fulfilled her dream to leave international competition on her own terms.

"To be able to share the moment with upcoming queens that was also remarkable because I remember in 2007 when I started in Osaka (Japan) I was so intimidated by all the other athletes and I don't think it's any fault of theirs, it's just how I looked at myself at that time. So I am hoping that with me there in that moment they will feel inspired and understand that there is so much more for them to achieve and they only have to go for it."

In 2018 the government of Jamaica awarded Fraser-Pryce the Order of Distinction and that was upgraded in 2022 to the Order of Jamaica.