‘It has been my honour, really’

WELL AND truly into the twilight of her illustrious sprinting career, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce said it was an honour to still be among those who count as world stars after securing qualification to the Paris Olympic Games in the women’s 100m.

Fraser-Pryce finished third on Friday night in the women’s 100-metre final at the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA)/PUMA National Junior and Senior Championships when she clocked 10.94 seconds.

She finished behind defending champion Shericka Jackson, 10.84, while teenage sensation Tia Clayton made her first Olympic team, clocking 10.90 for second.

The 37-year-old Fraser-Pryce said it is always an honour to represent Jamaica on the global stage, and will be hoping to stay healthy ahead of her fifth Olympic appearance.

“It has been my honour, really, and as I go through the rest of the season, I’m just praying that I stay healthy and continue to work, because it’s never over until it’s over,” she said.

Before the national championships, Fraser-Pryce had only competed once, stopping the clock at a modest 11.15 at the JAAA Olympic French Foray meet.

There were fitness concerns surrounding the record five-time world champion and three-time Olympic champion, which she laid to rest throughout the rounds at Trials.

Acknowledging while she is not at her brilliant best, Fraser-Pryce said she is grateful for the result after a difficult season where she struggled with injuries.

“Tonight, it was all God,” she said. “It has been such a trying season but tonight, as always, I think every athlete carries their own share of burdens and problems and we all got to the line. So I’m really grateful.”

She sought to thank her family for their continued support, as well as offered her congratulations to the national champion Jackson and the newest starlet on the block, Clayton.

“Massive congrats to the other ladies, Shericka and Tia, for also making the team. I look forward to representing my country again at another Olympics.

“Big up to Jason Pryce and Zion Pryce for always having my back. I love you guys deeply. Thank you,” she said.