Challenges in the Life of Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce's life and career.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is a celebrated Jamaican track and field sprinter, renowned for her prowess in the 60m, 100m, and 200m events. She is considered one of the greatest sprinters in the history of the sport.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2008: Olympic Trials and Team Selection Controversy

In 2008, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce had a breakthrough at the Jamaican Olympic trials, finishing second in the 100 m final. Despite some controversy and petitions to replace her with Veronica Campbell-Brown, the JAAA upheld its rule, allowing Fraser-Pryce to compete at the Olympics.

2008: Pressure at the Olympic Games

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce felt a lot of pressure at the 2008 Olympic Games to prove that she was good and that she belonged.

2009: Injury and National Title

In 2009, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce's early season was marred by injury and surgery, but she later claimed her first 100 m national title at the Jamaican Championships.

June 2010: Six-Month Suspension

In June 2010, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce received a six-month suspension from athletics after a urine sample tested positive for oxycodone.

2010: Career Dip

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce's career dip in 2010 saw U.S. sprinter Carmelita Jeter rising to prominence in the 100 m.

2012: Personal Best

After the Olympics, Fraser-Pryce briefly parted ways with longtime coach Stephen Francis, whom she shared with Thompson. Francis disclosed that Fraser-Pryce was unhappy with their preparation for the Olympics, and had expressed a lack of confidence in his training programme. He also alluded to her dissatisfaction over the years with being unable to surpass her 10.70 s personal best (set in 2012). However, with no official statement, Fraser-Pryce and her coach reconciled and she resumed training at the MVP Track Club in November of that year.

November 2013: Threatened to Boycott International Competitions

In November 2013, following accusations of using performance-enhancing drugs, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce threatened to boycott international competitions due to the Jamaica's Athletics Administrative Authority's lacklustre approach in defending Jamaican athletes.

2014: Struggles with Shin Splints

In 2014, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce struggled with shin splints for the rest of her season, resulting in poor showings on the international circuit.

2016: Hindered Season

By 2016, Fraser-Pryce was the most decorated female sprinter in the 100m. For the upcoming 2016 Rio Olympics, she aimed to capture an unprecedented third consecutive Olympic 100m title, but an onset of sesamoiditis caused chronic pain and inflammation to her big toe, hindering her ability to train or compete.

2016: The Washington Post headline

On the eve of the 2016 Olympics, The Washington Post alluded to the disparity between Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Usain Bolt's global profiles with the headline "A Jamaican will go for a third gold medal in Rio — and it’s not who you think."

2021: Tokyo Olympics Postponement

The rest of Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce's 2020 season was inhibited by the COVID-19 pandemic, which also led to the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics until 2021.

2023: 2023 Season

In 2023, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce was expected to open her season at the Botswana Golden Grand Prix on April 29, but withdrew shortly before the event due to an undisclosed family emergency. In early May 2023, she suffered a knee injury during her warmup at the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi, Kenya, and left Kenya to seek treatment.