The Jamaican 'Pocket Rocket' Shelley-Ann Fraser-Pryce will surely go down in history as one of the greatest athletes in history
Shelley-Ann Fraser-Pryce is a name that resonates with excellence and speed in the world of athletics. Known as the "Pocket Rocket," she has dominated the track for nearly two decades, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
As she nears the end of her illustrious career, fans and sports enthusiasts alike are eager to know more about this iconic sprinter's life, achievements, and future plans.
Who is Shelley-Ann Fraser-Pryce?
Jamaican sprinter Shelley-Ann Fraser-Pryce is often called the fastest woman alive and was born on December 27, 1986, in Kingston, Jamaica, in the Waterhouse district, where she was raised by her mother, a former athlete, who provided for the family by being an unlicensed street vendor.
From a young age, Fraser-Pryce’s sprinting talent was obvious as she dashed barefoot through primary school. Initially unsure about a career in track and field, her potential was undeniable at Wolmer's High School for Girls, where she sparkled in the Inter-Secondary Schools Boys and Girls Championships, bagging a 100m bronze at just 16.
Her early triumphs included capturing the 200m title at the Jamaican Under-18 Championships in 2002 and helping the Jamaican junior team win gold in the 4 × 100m relay at the Central American and Caribbean Junior Championships.
In 2006, Fraser-Pryce began attending the University of Technology, Jamaica, where she crossed paths with coach Stephen Francis of the MVP Track Club. Initially, her focus and commitment wavered, but by 2007, she was soaring, placing fifth in the 100m at the Jamaican National Senior Championships with a personal best of 11.31 seconds.
This performance earned her a spot as a reserve for Jamaica's 4 × 100m relay team at the 2007 Osaka World Championships. Competing on the European athletics circuit that summer, she dazzled with victories at the Budapest Iharos Memorial and the Meeting Terra Sarda in Italy.
Fraser-Pryce’s international breakthrough came at the World Championships in September 2007, where she helped Jamaica secure a silver medal in the 4 × 100m relay. This experience not only boosted her confidence but also transformed her approach to athletics, setting the stage for her extraordinary career as one of the world’s fastest women and a multiple Olympic and World Championship medallist.
Shelley-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s age, height, and weight
Fraser-Pryce, who was born in 1986, is currently 37 years old in August 2024 and will be 38 in December.
She is one of the most formidable competitors on the track thanks to her explosive speed and powerful sprints. She is 5 feet 0 inches (152 cm) tall and weighs about 52 kg.
Shelley-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s career records and achievements
Fraser-Pryce has received various distinctions throughout her career. She made history in 2008 when she won the gold medal in the 100 meters at the Beijing Olympics, making history as the first woman from the Caribbean to do so.
In the 2012 London Olympics, she successfully defended her title, and she has won several World Championships.
Shelley-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s major achievements
Shelley-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s Olympic Medals
2008 Beijing Games: Gold in 100 metres with a time of 10.78 seconds.
2012 London Games: Gold in 100 metres with a personal best of 10.70 seconds, Silver in 200 metres, and Silver in the 4 × 100-metre relay.
2016 Rio de Janeiro Games: Silver in the 4 × 100-metre relay and Bronze in the 100 metres.
2020 Tokyo Games: Gold in the 4 × 100-metre relay and Silver in the 100 metres.
Shelley-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s World Championship medals
Berlin 2009: Gold in 100 metres and 4 × 100-metre relay.
Moscow 2013: Gold in 100 metres, 200 metres, and 4 × 100-metre relay.
Beijing 2015: Gold in 100 metres and 4 × 100-metre relay.
Doha 2019: Gold in 100 metres and 4 × 100-metre relay.
Eugene 2022: Gold in 100 metres and Silver in 200 metres and 4 × 100-metre relay.
Budapest 2023: Bronze in 100 metres and Silver in 4 × 100-metre relay.
Shelley-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s most notable performances
Beijing 2008: Fraser-Pryce's breakthrough in 2008 was a breath of fresh air in athletics. The Jamaican became the first Caribbean woman to win Olympic 100m gold, and her winning time of 10.78 seconds was the second-fastest in Olympic history at the time, behind only Florence Griffith Joyner's 1988 Olympic Record 20 years earlier.
Berlin 2009: Fraser-Pryce won her first 100m world title, making a flying start and holding off a late challenge from Kerron Stewart with a new personal best of 10.73 seconds.
London 2012: Despite not being the favourite, Fraser-Pryce blazed to a successful title defence in 10.75 seconds, joining an elite group of women who have defended their Olympic 100m title.
Moscow 2013: Fraser-Pryce became the first woman to sweep the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m at a single World Championship.
Sopot 2014: Fraser-Pryce made indoor athletics history, becoming the first woman to hold world titles in the 60m, 100m, 200m, and 4x100m simultaneously.
Doha 2019: Fraser-Pryce earned a victory for motherhood in athletics after giving birth to her son Zyon when she returned to win her fourth 100-metre world title with a time of 10.71 seconds.
Eugene 2022: Fraser-Pryce proved that age is nothing but a number when, at 35, she won her fifth 100-metre world title with a championship record time of 10.67 seconds.
Why Shelley-Ann Fraser-Pryce pulled out of the 2024 Paris Olympics
Fraser-Pryce's intention to retire following the 2024 Paris Olympics was momentous news as she decided to end her career after the games, citing her desire to spend more time with her family, especially her son Zyon and husband Jason Pryce.
She thanked her family for supporting her throughout her career in an interview with Essence magazine, saying it was time to give them her whole attention.
Unfortunately, she had to withdraw from the 100m semifinals in the 2024 Paris Olympics due to an injury acquired during her final warm-up.
Shelley-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s husband and son
Shelley-Ann Fraser-Pryce is married to Jason Pryce. The couple has been together since before her Olympic victory in 2008 and married in 2011, celebrating their 13th anniversary in 2024.
They have a son named Zyon, born in 2017. Fraser-Pryce often shares her family's moments on social media, including Zyon’s football skills and athletic excellence.
Her son Zyon has shown interest in both athletics and football, winning gold medals in school sports and scoring goals in football matches. Fraser-Pryce proudly supports his endeavours, whether he follows in her footsteps or charts his own path in football.
Shelley-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s net worth
As of 2024, Shelley-Ann Fraser-Pryce's net worth is estimated to be around $4 million. Her earnings come from her successful career in athletics, endorsements, and sponsorships.
She has been a brand ambassador for various companies, adding to her huge financial success.
Shelley-Ann Fraser-Pryce on social media
Shelley-Ann Fraser-Pryce frequently posts updates on her personal, professional, and familial life on social media, particularly Instagram. She has more than one million followers on Instagram under the handle @realshellyannfp.
Her social media posts frequently give fans an inside look at her workout regimens, accomplishments, and treasured family moments, giving followers an insight into her life off the track.