Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce
Track and Field
Jamaica
Overview
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has carved out one of the most extraordinary careers in the history of track and field, emerging as a global icon of speed, resilience, and inspiration. The Jamaican sprinter first stunned the world at the 2008 Beijing Olympics by winning gold in the 100 metres, becoming the first Caribbean woman to do so. Dubbed the “Pocket Rocket” for her explosive starts and compact power, she quickly established herself as a dominant force in women’s sprinting. Over the years, she has amassed a remarkable collection of medals, including eight Olympic medals and ten World Championship titles—five of which are in the 100 metres, making her the most decorated sprinter in that event’s history. Her ability to maintain world-class form across four Olympic Games and well over a decade of elite competition places her in rarefied territory.
What truly sets Fraser-Pryce apart is her journey beyond the track. After giving birth to her son in 2017, she made a historic comeback, winning gold at the 2019 World Championships in Doha at the age of 32, a triumph that redefined narratives around motherhood and peak athletic performance. Her vibrant personality, often expressed through bold hairstyles and colourful competition kits, has made her a cultural icon as well as a sporting one. Beyond her athletic achievements, she is a passionate advocate for education and youth empowerment through her Pocket Rocket Foundation. As she continues to defy expectations with blistering times and unwavering determination, Fraser-Pryce’s legacy is not only measured in medals but in her powerful example of perseverance, reinvention, and leadership for future generations.
• 2× Olympic Gold Medalist – 100m
• Beijing 2008
• London 2012
• 2× Olympic Silver Medalist – 100m & 4x100m Relay
• Tokyo 2020 (100m)
• Rio 2016 (4x100m Relay)
• 4× Olympic Bronze Medalist
• London 2012 (200m)
• Rio 2016 (100m)
• Beijing 2008 (4x100m Relay)
• Tokyo 2020 (4x100m Relay)
• 10× World Championship Gold Medals
• 5× 100m Champion (2009, 2013, 2015, 2019, 2022) – a world record for women
• 4x100m Relay Champion (2009, 2013, 2015, 2019)
• 200m Champion (2013)
• 4× World Championship Silver Medals
• 200m (2011, 2022)
• 100m (2011)
• 4x100m Relay (2011)
• 1× World Championship Bronze Medal
• 200m (2019)
• 3× Diamond League Trophy Winner – 100m
• Fastest 100m Time by a Mother – 10.60 seconds (2021)
• First Caribbean woman to win Olympic 100m gold
• Over 20 major international medals across Olympics and World Championships