Images: Sofieke van Bilsen
When the most decorated 100-meter sprinter ever stepped to the line for a final time, she told herself what she knew: That she was prepared, powerful, and this race was hers — for her. The next handful of seconds were to honor everything that had brought her to this moment.
Green, yellow, and black hair whipping behind her — a self-proclaimed “daughter of the soil,” who chose to wear the colors of her nation’s flag for her final finish — gold-hued nails splayed in front of her, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce exploded off the blocks in the World Athletics Championship final in a capacity-filled Japan National Stadium in Tokyo. She ended her 100-meter career in the same way she began racing 18 years ago in Japan — with fierce speed, strength, and composure. It was a bold tribute to Jamaica, the nation whose unyielding support has carried her through two decades at the top of the sport.
In her decades of dominance — from becoming the first Caribbean woman to win Olympic gold in the 100-meters in 2008, to returning as World Champion in 2019 after giving birth to her son, Zyon — Shelly-Ann has embodied the power of duality. The ability to have longevity in track and field’s shortest, most intense discipline; exuding femininity and self-expression in a physically demanding sport; proving motherhood and greatness can coexist.
What athletes everywhere, and especially young girls, can take from Shelly-Ann’s lead: The courage to run your own race, on your terms. To trust that setbacks don’t define you, only your response to them. And the assurance that, if you believe in yourself and work with discipline, harmony is possible. Dreams and family, career and legacy.
For that, and the now 276 incredible races and finish line moments, thank you, Shelly-Ann.
Below, go behind the scenes of the G.O.A.T.’s final meet days in Tokyo.
Over her 20-year professional career, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has become the most decorated 100-meter sprinter in history, winning three Olympic gold medals and five World Championships.
Shelly traveled to Tokyo with her husband, Jason, and eight-year-old son, Zyon — who did his first weeks of school remotely to be able to witness his mom's final race.
Shelly-Ann's impact on sport extends far beyond her 100-meter-long receipts. Her 20 years in the upper echelon of track and field has inspired generations of athletes and young women.
A local fan approached Shelly and they compared personalized nails.
Shelly-Ann's faith has been paramount throughout her career; she still attends church weekly in her hometown in Jamaica.
For her qualifying race on Saturday, Shelly-Ann chose vibrant rainbow hair, an homage to her many looks leading up to this moment.
Last summer, Nike created an Electric Pack Maxfly 2 spike for Shelly-Ann in a fiery red with three individual crystals at the heel, representing the birthstones of her grandmother, her son, and her.
Shelly-Ann clocked an 11:00 flat time in the semifinal Sunday night in Tokyo, cruising through to her final 100-meter race.
A roar came from the stands of nearly 60,000 fans in Tokyo National Stadium as Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce was announced for a final time.
Crossing the line in sixth, she embraced teammate Tia Clayton, who took silver; a torch pass from one generational powerhouse to the next.
The final race was a moment of gratitude, Shelly says, for the privilege of closing her chapter in Tokyo, on her terms, in her way.
