Jamaican sprint superstar Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce will officially open her 2025 season this Saturday at Velocity Fest 17 inside Kingston’s National Stadium, marking the beginning of what she has announced will be her final professional campaign.
The 38-year-old eight-time Olympic medalist, popularly known as “Pocket Rocket” recently made headlines for a different kind of race—dominating the parents’ 100-meter event at her son Zyon’s school sports day. That playful victory comes as she prepares for her more serious return to elite competition over the Easter weekend.
“I have unfinished business,” Fraser-Pryce stated when confirming her decision to compete for one final season before hanging up her spikes.
The sprint legend’s 2024 Olympic journey ended in disappointment when she was forced to withdraw from the 100m semi-finals in Paris due to a warm-up injury.
Fraser-Pryce brings an impressive resume to her farewell tour, including two Olympic 100m gold medals (2008 Beijing, 2012 London) and a 4x100m relay gold from Tokyo 2021. Her collection of ten world championship titles further establishes her as one of track and field’s all-time greats.
“Time will honor your greatness,” said Fraser-Pryce in the Instagram post.
Track fans expect her final competitive season to culminate at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo 2025 this September, potentially marking the last race of her storied career.
The Velocity Fest 17 meeting in Kingston, Jamaica this weekend will provide the first glimpse of Fraser-Pryce’s form as she begins this final chapter.
Her return to the track holds significance beyond medal prospects, as Fraser-Pryce continues to inspire a new generation of athletes with her longevity, resilience, and competitive spirit.
Velocity Fest 17 begins at 4:00 p.m. local time on Saturday, with Fraser-Pryce racing from heat one of the women’s 100m at 4:00 p.m.
