What We Know About Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s Unexpected 100M Withdrawal

Rumors swirled on social media after Jamaican sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce withdrew from the 100-meter semifinal against Sha’Carri Richardson.

On Aug. 3, fans anticipated a thrilling showdown between Sha’Carri Richardson and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Yet, just before the semifinal, Fraser-Pryce unexpectedly pulled out.

Subsequently, a video showing Fraser-Pryce and Richardson being turned away at an Olympics warm-up track gate went viral, sparking speculation.

Some believed Fraser-Pryce’s withdrawal was due to a rule change that prevented her from warming up properly.

In the video, Fraser-Pryce is heard saying, “She said they changed the rule yesterday. So you’re asking all the athletes who, for whatever reason, don’t stay in the [Olympic] village, they can’t come through the gate? We came through this gate yesterday and went through security and was OK.”

However, these speculations were debunked by the Jamaican Olympic Association.

Official sources confirmed Fraser-Pryce withdrew due to an injury, not a rule change. The Paris 2024 Organizing Committee clarified that some athletes had tried to access the warm-up track through the wrong gate but were redirected without issue.

Jamaica Olympic Association chef de mission Ian Kelly stated Fraser-Pryce was allowed access but couldn’t compete due to an injury during her final warmup.

The Jamaican Gleaner reported that Fraser-Pryce had been managing a knee injury throughout the season, possibly exacerbated during warmup.

In an Instagram post on Aug. 4, Fraser-Pryce expressed her disappointment and thanked her supporters but didn’t provide specifics about her injury.

Fraser-Pryce has had a stellar career with eight Olympic medals and 16 world championship medals, including five titles in the 100 meters.

Efforts to reach Fraser-Pryce for further comments were unsuccessful.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.