Jamaicans stunned by Richardson’s 100 win

(News4usonline) – Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is a Hall of Fame runner. There is no denying this fact. She is the only sprinter to claim five world titles in a single event. Her specialty is running the 100 meters. In 2022, Fraser-Pryce led a Jamaican sweep in the women’s 100 race at the world championships. 

There was no reason not to believe that Fraser-Pryce could not add to her world championship totals at the World Athletics Championships Budapest 23 in Hungary. Sure, American sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson was going to make some noise, but Fraser-Pryce has sprinted her way into legendary status over the course of her career. 

At 36, Fraser-Pryce is the Queen in track and field now that USA superstar Allyson Felix has retired. Fraser-Pryce is a 10-time world champion. She is a three-time Olympic gold medalist. For female sprinters, Fraser-Pryce has been one of the dominant forces in track and field ever since she won her first world title back in 2009.  

A sixth title in the women’s 100 at the world championships without question would have elevated Fraser-Pryce into the best of all-time conversation. Richardson, who had her own thing going on, disrupted Fraser-Pryce’s plans with a stunning jolt of speed from Lane 9 to win the 2023 world championships in the women’s 100 meters. 

“I’m here. I’m the champion, a bodacious Richardson said after pulling off the upset with a 10.65 clocking. “I told you all. I’m not back, I’m better.”

Richardson’s burst at the end of the race allowed her to nudge Fraser-Pryce’s Jamaican teammate, Shericka Jackson at the tape. Jackson finished second with a time of 10.72. Fraser-Pryce wound up taking the bronze at 10.77. Richardson’s win not only shocked the world, but it also must have surprised the highly coveted Jamaican sprinters. 

“This has not been the best season but to be on start on the line, come away with the bronze medal in the end is a real joy,” Fraser-Pryce said. “I had a late start this season because of a knee injury. Despite that, I decided to come here. What still drives me is I know that I can do more. I just want to make sure that before I close my career I really gave everything I had.”

Though she lost out on the gold medal in the 100 meters, Fraser-Pryce is pining away for a victory in the 4×100 relay.  

“I still believe there is more to come, which excites me,” Fraser-Pryce added. “I will skip the 200m and I am happy about to do so because I will be able to rest a bit before the relay. I will probably come to the stands and watch and enjoy the competition and then run fast with my relay team.” 

Before losing out to Richardson in the short sprint, Jackson ranked No. 1 in the world in both the 100 and 200. The loss in the 100 has Jackson laser-focused on the 200. 

“You must expect anything to happen when you are running 100m,” Jackson said. “I did a pretty good job tonight. I got silver and I cannot complain. One of my goals was to win the double. Unfortunately, I did not win the 100m, but I have another shot at 200m. It is about going back to the track and refocusing for the 200m.”