# **Eight-Time Olympic Medalist Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Announces Retirement, Makes Final World Championship Team**
*By James Carter | July 1, 2025*
### **The End of an Era: A Legend Bows Out**
In an emotional press conference held in Kingston, Jamaica, sprinting icon Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce announced her retirement from professional athletics, marking the end of a career that has defined an era of women’s sprinting. The 38-year-old, affectionately known as the “Pocket Rocket” for her explosive speed and diminutive stature, revealed that the upcoming 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo will be her final competition.
Fraser-Pryce, an eight-time Olympic medalist (including two golds in the 100m), leaves behind a legacy as one of the greatest sprinters of all time. Her dominance on the track, signature colorful hairstyles, and unwavering spirit have made her a global icon.
### **A Career Built on Speed, Resilience, and Heart**
Fraser-Pryce burst onto the international scene in 2008 when, at just 21 years old, she stunned the world by winning the 100m gold at the Beijing Olympics. Defying expectations, she became the first Caribbean woman to claim Olympic gold in the event. From that moment, her trajectory was unstoppable.
Over the next 17 years, she amassed an astonishing collection of accolades:
– **8 Olympic medals** (2 gold, 4 silver, 2 bronze)
– **14 World Championship medals** (10 gold, 3 silver, 1 bronze)
– **The only sprinter to win five world titles in the 100m** (2009, 2013, 2015, 2019, 2022)
– **First woman to run under 10.7 seconds six times**
But her journey wasn’t without challenges. Injuries, motherhood, and fierce competition from rivals like Elaine Thompson-Herah and Sha’Carri Richardson tested her resolve. After giving birth to her son, Zyon, in 2017, Fraser-Pryce made a triumphant return, proving that age and motherhood were no barriers to greatness.
### **”It’s Time”: Fraser-Pryce Reflects on Her Decision**
At the press conference, a composed but visibly emotional Fraser-Pryce shared her reasons for stepping away.
*”This sport has given me everything—joy, pain, triumph, lessons. But there comes a time when you just know it’s right to move on,”* she said. *”I’ve achieved more than I ever dreamed. Now, I want to focus on my family, my foundation, and helping the next generation of athletes.”*
When asked about her final World Championships, she smiled. *”I’m not just going there to say goodbye. I’m going to compete. One last time.”*
### **The Final Bow: Tokyo 2025**
Fraser-Pryce has been named to Jamaica’s team for the 100m and 4x100m relay at the World Championships, setting the stage for an electrifying farewell. Fans and rivals alike are eager to see her race against the current crop of stars, including American phenom Sha’Carri Richardson and her longtime Jamaican teammate Elaine Thompson-Herah.
*”Shelly-Ann is a legend,”* Richardson said in a recent interview. *”Racing her in her last Worlds? That’s an honor. I know she’s going to bring that fire.”*
### **What’s Next for the Pocket Rocket?**
Though her competitive days are ending, Fraser-Pryce has no plans to slow down. She runs the Pocket Rocket Foundation, which supports young athletes in Jamaica, and has expressed interest in coaching and commentary.
*”I’ll always be involved in track and field,”* she said. *”This isn’t the end—just a new chapter.”*
### **A Legacy Unmatched**
As the sun sets on her illustrious career, Fraser-Pryce’s impact extends beyond medals. She redefined what it means to be a sprinter—combining speed, longevity, and charisma in a way few ever have.
When she steps onto the track in Tokyo, the world will watch, not just to see a champion race, but to bid farewell to a legend. And knowing Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, she’ll make sure it’s a finish to remember.
**#ThankYouShellyAnn** is already trending worldwide.
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*James Carter is a senior sports journalist with over 15 years of experience covering athletics. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @JamesCarterSport for more updates.*