Fraser-Pryce building legacy for son
Sprint sensation leads pack as 9 others collect OJ; 241 J’cans receive national recognition
Published:Tuesday | October 18, 2022 | 12:11 AMKimone Francis/Senior Staff Reporter
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As sprint icon Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce crossed the stage on Monday to be officially inducted into the Order of Jamaica (OJ), her son Zyon consumed her thoughts. In that moment, the 35-year-old multi-Olympic and World Championships gold medallist...
As sprint icon Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce crossed the stage on Monday to be officially inducted into the Order of Jamaica (OJ), her son Zyon consumed her thoughts.
In that moment, the 35-year-old multi-Olympic and World Championships gold medallist was satisfied that she had created a legacy and had set an example for her five-year-old son to emulate.
“He's now able to understand a little of what is happening,” a jet-lagged Fraser-Pryce told The Gleaner, moments after receiving the honour on the lawns of King's House in St Andrew.
“I'm hoping that the legacy that I leave behind for him will help him to have a bright future, to trust in his abilities, and just to continue to dream because his mommy accomplished so much, and I'm hoping that he'll use it as a stepping stone to the future,” she added.
But a future filled with endless possibilities that she now sees for Zyon is not one she saw for herself, growing up in the inner-city community of Waterhouse, the athletic powerhouse admitted.
Fraser-Pryce, who was last year conferred with the Order of Distinction, Commander class and in 2008 the Officer class, relished her improved rank.
“Growing up, I really never had much of a dream. I didn't see a future, and it was because of the environment that I was in. I just never had hope.
“But being in this position right now has definitely shown me that if you continue to believe and trust that God has something more for you and to work hard and be diligent in your work, something good will come. This is something good and I'm grateful for the acknowledgement and being able to celebrate with my family and friends,” the double Olympic and five-time World champion said.
The track legend – the only woman to win five gold medals in the 100 metres at the World Championships and who last season ran under 10.70 seconds on seven occasions – was among 10 Jamaicans to receive the fourth-highest honour.
Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia 'Babsy' Grange and Emmy Award-winning actress Sheryl-Lee Ralph were also among those to receive the high honour.
Meanwhile, national 200-metre record holder, Shericka Jackson, was the standout among the 30 Jamaicans to receive the Order of Distinction, Commander class.
Jackson, the fastest woman alive over 200 metres with 21.45 seconds, said she never dreamt of being honoured on such a platform, but was pleased.
“I am here. I have worked hard and I am just grateful,” Jackson said on Monday, noting that it was satisfying to see sporting personalities awarded.
“To young girls out there, never give up. No matter what the obstacles are, keep going. Hard work definitely pays off,” the 28-year-old World Championships 200m gold medallist added.
Two hundred and forty-one Jamaicans were awarded during the ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards.
Chief of Defence Staff Antonette Wemyss Gorman, Government Minister Everald Warmington, Chief Medical Officer Dr Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie, team doctor in national sports Warren Blake, Opposition Member of Parliament Dr Morais Guy, businessman Richard Pandohie, educator Esther Tyson, Professor Maureen Samms-Vaughan, Permanent Secretary Audrey Sewell, veteran journalist Vernon Davidson, and entertainer Jeffrey 'Agent Sasco' Campbell were also among the honourees.