PARIS — An unexpected hush fell over Stade de France on Saturday evening when Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, the celebrated Jamaican sprinter, did not appear for her semifinal heat in the women’s 100 meters at the Paris Olympics.
Fraser-Pryce, a dominant figure in the event with two Olympic gold medals (2008, 2012), one bronze (2016), and a silver (2021) to her name, was absent from her lane, a surprising development that was only revealed when her fellow competitors approached the starting blocks.
No official reason was offered for her withdrawal, and Fraser-Pryce did not elaborate on the situation in her Instagram post later that day.
In her post, Fraser-Pryce expressed her gratitude to her supporters and conveyed her sense of disappointment.
“It is difficult for me to find the words to describe the depth of my disappointment,” she wrote. “With every step and win, you all have been there for me. My Faith has always affirmed my trust in my journey. Thank you for continuing to be with me today and every day.”
This marked the second unexpected withdrawal by a prominent Jamaican athlete at these Olympics, following Shericka Jackson’s earlier exit from the 100 meters. Jackson is slated to compete in the 200 meters. Fraser-Pryce’s participation in the Games might still continue, as she remains eligible for the 4×100-meter relay.
With Fraser-Pryce and Jackson out of the 100 meters, and British sprinter Dina Asher-Smith failing to move past the semifinal round, U.S. sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson’s path to gold appeared clearer in her Olympic debut. Richardson, who won the world championship last year, safely advanced to the final.
In the final, Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia bested Richardson, who finished second, while Melissa Jefferson of the USA, one of Richardson’s training partners, secured the bronze.