Jamaica’s Sprint Queen Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Exits Semifinal with Shocking Injury

In a surprising turn of events, Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce did not compete in Saturday’s 100-meter semifinal heat at the Olympics. The absence of the two-time Olympic champion left spectators and participants alike in shock.

The 37-year-old sprinter, competing in her fifth and final Olympics, was widely anticipated to be a top contender in the race. Yet, no initial explanation was provided for her sudden withdrawal. Olympic officials later disclosed that Fraser-Pryce was dealing with an undisclosed injury. Her name on the scoreboard was marked “DNS” — Did Not Start — just moments before she was scheduled to compete against Sha’Carri Richardson and Julien Alfred in the evening’s second semifinal.

“We only got the information that she is injured, but a team doctor is addressing the matter, and we will speak further on the matter,” Jamaica team manager Ludlow Watts told the Jamaica Observer.

In her absence, Julien Alfred triumphed over Sha’Carri Richardson in both the semifinal and final, clinching the gold medal. Fraser-Pryce’s sudden withdrawal also meant that the entire podium from the last Olympic 100-meter race, including fellow Jamaicans Shericka Jackson and Elaine Thompson-Herah, was missing this time around.

Earlier in the day, a separate issue arose when Fraser-Pryce and several other athletes were temporarily blocked from entering the training track. The Jamaica team clarified on social media that she was eventually allowed access. Paris organizers cited a misunderstanding, noting she had arrived at the wrong gate and needed to go to a different one to get into the practice area.

Fraser-Pryce’s absence marks the second time a Jamaican sprinter has withdrawn from the 100-meter dash at these Olympic Games. Shericka Jackson announced just days before the track and field events began that she would not participate due to an injury suffered earlier this month. “It was a combination of things,” Jackson stated. “I got hurt, and me and my coach felt like it was a good decision to only run one event.”