In a poignant moment at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, the Jamaican sprint legend, bid farewell to the track, while American sprinter Melissa Jefferson-Wooden emerged as the new queen of the sprints.
A Legendary Career Culminates
Fraser-Pryce’s final race took place in the same city where her international journey began 18 years ago. At 38, she concluded her illustrious career with a silver medal in the women’s 4x100m relay, marking her 17th World Championship medal. Her journey from a young sprinter in Jamaica to a global icon is a testament to her resilience and dedication.
The Passing of the Baton
As Fraser-Pryce took her final strides, Jefferson-Wooden was already making history. The 24-year-old American secured gold in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay events at the Tokyo Championships, becoming only the second woman to achieve this sprint triple at a single World Championships. Her dominant performances have drawn comparisons to Fraser-Pryce’s 2013 sweep, solidifying her place among sprinting’s elite.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Fraser-Pryce’s impact extends beyond her athletic achievements. She has been a trailblazer for women in sports, particularly mothers, demonstrating that athletic excellence and motherhood can coexist. Her legacy continues to inspire athletes worldwide, including Jefferson-Wooden, who acknowledged the influence of the Jamaican legend on her career
