PARIS — A wave of surprise swept through Stade de France on Saturday evening when the lane set for Jamaican sprint star Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce was unexpectedly vacant before the semifinal of the women’s 100 meters at the Paris Olympics.
Fraser-Pryce, a prominent figure in the event with Olympic golds in 2008 and 2012, a bronze in 2016, and a silver in 2021, did not start the race. Her withdrawal was not announced publicly until her competitors lined up at the starting blocks.
No explanation was given for her decision, and Fraser-Pryce did not provide any details in a later Instagram post.
In her post, Fraser-Pryce expressed her gratitude to her fans for their support and acknowledged her disappointment.
“It is difficult for me to find the words to describe the depth of my disappointment,” she said. “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 marks the second unexpected withdrawal of a Jamaican star at these Olympics, following Shericka Jackson’s earlier withdrawal from the 100 meters. Jackson is set to run the 200 meters. Fraser-Pryce’s Olympic journey might not be over, as she remains eligible to compete in the 4×100-meter relay.
With Jackson and Fraser-Pryce out, and Great Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith failing to advance past the semifinal round, U.S. star Sha’Carri Richardson finds a clearer path to gold in her Olympic debut. Richardson, who won the world championship last year, advanced safely to Saturday night’s final despite being bested in her semifinal by Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia. In the final, Richardson and Alfred finished in the same order, with Richardson’s training partner, USA’s Melissa Jefferson, taking the bronze.