Fraser-Pryce: Advocacy is always a part of the future
Veteran sprinter encourages young athletes to stand up for themselves
Published:Saturday | September 13, 2025 | 12:11 AMGregory Bryce/Staff Reporter
Jamaican sprint icon Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has sent a strong message to the next generation of athletes about the importance of advocacy and the strength to speak up for themselves throughout their careers.
Fraser-Pryce is set to wind down an illustrious career, spanning nearly two decades, where she stands as one of the most decorated athletes of all time.
But while she has been a pioneer on the track, Fraser-Pryce as also proven herself a leader off the track as well.
Speaking ahead of the start of the Tokyo World Athletics Championships, the veteran speedster encouraged the next generation of athletes to remain confident in themselves and their abilities throughout their career.
“I think ultimately, it’s just for the advocacy and teaching young athletes to say what you want and be confident in who you are and understand that track and field is for a time.
She continued, “You just have to stand in your power on the track and off the track.”
Fraser-Pryce said while it is important to have others who are able to speak up for athletes, it is equally important for athletes to be able to stand up for their own interests.
This, he said, while daunting, is vital for the growth of the sport and for the well-being of each individual athlete.
“It’s big because I think sometimes we have to have individuals who advocate for us,” she explained.
“You have been given a platform for that very reason. I know sometimes people don’t want to take it on. But if you don’t do it, who’s going to do it? So for me, definitely the future is bright and I look forward to it.”
PEOPLE ARE GOING TO TALK
The 16-time World Championships medallist said the issue is one she is passionate about as she draws from own experiences both on and off the track.
She recalled her time as an inexperienced professional who was unaware of how to stand up for her own interests as she feared how others would think of her.
Now as a mother of one, and a legend in her field, she encourages others to find their own voice, regardless of other opinions.
“I remember when I just started, I didn’t know how to advocate for myself because I didn’t want persons to think a certain way,” she said. “And what I’ve learned throughout my career is people are going to talk regardless.”
“You can’t please everybody. Only you know what you are going through, only you know what you can do. For me, I think it’s important to always echo advocacy for athletes who are coming up so they too will make better decisions and they too will have a voice and say what’s on their mind because if you don’t say today, you may not get the chance to say tomorrow.”
Fraser-Pryce has enjoyed an extremely brilliant career since her first international championship at the 2007 Osaka World Championships.
The 38-year-old has won eight Olympic medals and 16 World Championships medals across her career.
She will be hoping to add to their accolades one final time, with her eyes set on a podium finish at the Tokyo World Championships.