Fraser-Pryce ready to close out World Champs career
Published:Saturday | September 20, 2025 | 12:10 AMGregory Bryce/Staff Reporter
Jamaican veteran sprint icon Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce said she is ready to play her role as a senior member of Jamaica’s women’s 4x100m relay team as she is optimistic about the team’s chances of finishing on the podium at the Tokyo World Athletics Championships.
In her swansong appearance at the championships, Fraser-Pryce said she would be hoping to help the team in its quest for glory.
At 38 years old, she is the most experienced athlete in the pool, a fact she acknowledges as she hopes to use her experience to guide the team.
“I look forward to adding to that team and making sure that as a senior part of the squad, we’re able to get the stick around and, you know, hopefully, God’s willing, give Jamaica a medal,” Fraser-Pryce told The Gleaner after a team training session on Friday.
Across her illustrious career, Fraser-Pryce has medalled eight times in the 4x100m at the World Championships.
She was a member of the quartet that won gold in 2009, 2013, 2015, and 2019, with silver medals in 2007, 2011, 2022, and 2023.
With consecutive second-place finishes at the last two championships, Fraser-Pryce said the team has a strong chance to claim the gold medal this time around.
She credits the depth of athletes available for the relays and the work being done by coach Paul Francis, who has been working tirelessly to prepare the squad.
“I think right now we have a very good pool. I know that last year and the the years before we’ve had mishaps, but we still managed to medal,” she explained.
“But I think this time around, Paul Francis is the coach of the 4x100 team, and he has put in a lot of work. I think we’re confident that the ladies are prepared and ready,” Fraser-Pryce said.
THE RIGHT SELECTION
Along with Fraser-Pryce, Jamaica’s relay pool will include Shericka Jackson, Tina Clayton, Tia Clayton, Jonielle Smith, and Jodean Williams.
Tina, the reigning national champion and world 100m silver medallist, stands with the fastest time of the pool this year with a personal best of 10.76 seconds, which she set in the final.
She will join forces with her twin sister, Tia, who holds a season’s best of 10.82, with Jackson, 10.88, and Fraser-Pryce, 10.91, following close behind.
Williams enters the pool with a season’s best of 11.00, just ahead of Smith, 11.03.
The heats of the 4x100m are set to begin today, at 6:45 a.m. Jamaica time, with the finals set for Sunday at 7:06 a.m.