- Former Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce did not participate in the 100m semi-final
- Fraser-Pryce reportedly sustained an unfortunate injury during her warm-up
- Videos have surfaced showing her engaged in a dispute regarding access to the warm-up track
Former Jamaican Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce appeared on video disputing with officials over access to a warm-up track at the Stade de France shortly before withdrawing from the women’s 100m semi-final in Paris due to a reported injury.
The 37-year-old was seen in footage shared on social media involved in a tense exchange with stewards right before she was set to compete on Saturday.
As reported by The Telegraph, Fraser-Pryce, along with world champion Sha’Carri Richardson, was initially barred from entering the warm-up area—an exclusive space adjacent to the athletics venue—creating tension that could have affected their performance.
The specific cause of Fraser-Pryce’s unexpected exit was not immediately disclosed.
Richardson successfully advanced to the final, finishing in second place behind Julien Alfred, who later claimed the gold medal with Richardson securing silver.
Jamaican sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce withdrew from the semi-final
Fraser-Pryce was caught arguing with officials regarding access to the warm-up track
According to World Athletics, Fraser-Pryce’s choice to withdraw was related solely to injury issues.
However, prior to this, the two-time Olympic 100m champion was seen confronting officials about being barred from entering the warm-up track.
‘She [security] said they changed the rule yesterday,’ Fraser-Pryce could be heard saying in the video. ‘How can they change the rule and not inform anyone?’
‘They are asking athletes who, for whatever reason, don’t stay in the village, to enter through a different gate. This doesn’t make sense.’
The Jamaican team later confirmed via social media that Fraser-Pryce was ultimately granted access, but she subsequently sustained a hamstring injury.
They did not specify if the dispute regarding access was connected to her withdrawal.
World Athletics stated Fraser-Pryce’s withdrawal was related solely to injury
Her lane remained unoccupied as Sha’Carri Richardson, who was also blocked from entry, secured second place
In response to the incident, Fraser-Pryce stated: ‘It’s challenging for me to express the intensity of my disappointment.
‘I am aware that my fans share this disappointment with me.
‘I feel extremely fortunate to have had the unwavering support of my fans since my Olympic debut in 2008 (in Beijing).
‘The backing from my fans, my country, and the broader community fills me with immense gratitude, a feeling that has supported me throughout my career.
‘With every stride and achievement, you have all been by my side. My faith has consistently reinforced my confidence in my path. Thank you for remaining with me.’
Fraser-Pryce is participating in her final Olympics before retirement and had remarkably qualified through her initial round earlier on Saturday.
