One of the best of my career – Fraser-Pryce
Five-time World 100m champ hopes Laureus Sportswoman of the Year win will inspire the next generation of women in Ja
Published:Tuesday | May 9, 2023 | 1:02 AMDaniel Wheeler/Staff Reporter
Describing the moment as one of the greatest honours of her career, five-time World 100 metres champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce hopes that her Laureus Sportswoman of the Year award win will inspire the next generation of women in Jamaica to unlock their limitless potential.
Fraser-Pryce received the award yesterday at the Laureus Sports World Sports Awards in Paris, finally winning the prize on her sixth nomination. She also ensures that the award stays in Jamaican hands after double sprint Olympic champion Elaine Thompson Herah won the prize last year.
The honour comes after a 2022 season where she set the bar high in athletics at the age of 36, winning her fifth World title at the World Athletics Championships in Oregon, her fifth Diamond League title and clocking seven sub-10.7 seconds times, including her 10.67 championship record performance in last year’s World Championships 100m final.
Reflecting on her track and field journey, Fraser-Pryce said that it was a testament to trusting in her purpose and her ability despite the challenges put in front of her.
“To consider that when I was 13 in 2000 the Laureus Award started. ... A young girl from Kingston, Jamaica. Waterhouse mainly (and) being poor. Looking back now I say that there is no barrier when it comes to your passion and your calling as time honours your greatness,” Fraser-Pryce said.
She cherished the accomplishment given that she was nominated with formidable athletes in the past, having been first nominated in 2010 and would be shortlisted for the award four more times after that in 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2020.
“This is the sixth time that I’ve been nominated in this category, so to finally hold the Laureus statuette in my hands is one of the greatest honours of my career,” Fraser-Pryce later told World Athletics.
With a look to the future, Fraser-Pryce said she hopes the award will inspire the next generation of Jamaican women to find success in their respective fields.
“I pray that it will be an inspiration to all Jamaican young girls to know that there is no limit when you believe what you believe. Continue to work hard, continue to inspire the next generation of women to understand that we are strong, we are powerful and most importantly we are fearless,” Fraser-Pryce said.
Lionel Messi was named Sportsman of the Year for leading Argentina to their third World Cup title last year in Doha, Qatar, and their first since 1986.
Fraser-Pryce is slated to make her 2023 season debut this Saturday at the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi, Kenya, in the 100m. She made her 2022 season debut at the same meet where she ran the first of her seven sub-10.7 clockings.