Another Leading Competitor Withdraws from Women’s 100-Meter Dash

It was a surprise withdrawal from the Jamaican sprinter.

WASHINGTON — Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce did not participate in Saturday’s 100-meter semifinal.

The sprinter, a top contender for the dash, did not provide a reason for her late scratch. This marks the 37-year-old’s fifth and final Olympics.

Fraser-Pryce had previously won the 100 meters in both 2008 and 2012.

She is the second sprinter from Jamaica to withdraw from the 100-meter dash.

Days before the track and field events began, Shericka Jackson of Jamaica opted out due to an injury sustained earlier this month.

“It was a combination of things,” Jackson said. “I got hurt, and my coach and I decided it was best to focus on one event.”

Meanwhile, Sha’Carri Richardson qualified for the Olympic 100-meter final despite a slow start, finishing second to Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia.

In a race dominated by the field’s fastest Olympians this year, Alfred completed the dash in 10.84 seconds, edging out the reigning world champion by .05 seconds.

This is a developing story. Check back later for more updates.