‘Blast off’ - Fraser-Pryce to launch Olympic preparations with indoor campaign

Jamaica’s sprinting superstar Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce says she will be competing on the Indoor circuit this season as a part of her build-up to this year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.

Fraser-Pryce, a two-time Olympic and four-time 100-metre world champion, told The Gleaner that despite being a bit behind in her preparations this season, she is confident that everything will come together in time for the Games, which take place in Tokyo, Japan, from July 24 - August 9.

“The preparations have been going good. As you know, the (last) season was a long season and as to when I would start competing, that will be delayed a bit but nonetheless, I think it has been going very well,” said Fraser-Pryce.

“It is just a day at a time. I will be doing indoors, and so that is where I head off to first and just continue to work on finishing strong and starting better, and just continuing to execute the way I want to,” added Fraser-Pryce.

Fraser-Pryce’s Goal

The 33-year-old Fraser-Pryce, who will be aiming to become the first woman to win three Olympic gold medals in the 100m, is the second joint-fastest Jamaican women over 60m along with Elaine Thompson, with a time 6.98 seconds. Merlene Ottey is the fastest Jamaica over the distance with a time of 6.96 seconds.

Fraser-Pryce, who is also the only sprinter to be crowned world champion in the 100m four times (2009, 2013, 2015 and 2019), underlines that with the successes of last season now a thing of the past, she is now refocused and looking forward to replicating her achievements this season, with another productive campaign.

“It is just all about the work now, because 2019 has ended and it is now a new track season, and my focus is on just laying the foundation for a successful season,” said Fraser-Pryce.

“This is my fourth Olympic bid and for me there is no pressure, because I have already said to myself that 2019 was an extraordinary year and I was so humble and grateful for all that I was able to achieve,” she said.

“I never take anything for granted, nothing is given, it is earned and as usual, I will be going out there to earn my spot and to earn whatever it is that comes after that,” Fraser-Pryce said.