Reports have revealed the nightmarish experience faced by Jamaican star Shelley-Ann Fraser-Pryce at the Paris Olympics just hours before her dramatic withdrawal from the women's 100 meter semifinal. Video footage showed the former Olympic champion arguing about accessing the warm-up track at Stade de France shortly before she withdrew from the semifinal amid visible injury concerns.
The 37-year-old Fraser-Pryce was seen in clips shared on social media in a heated argument with officials shortly before her scheduled race on Saturday. According to the British newspaper "The Telegraph," Fraser-Pryce and world champion Sha'Carri Richardson were initially barred from entering the warm-up area, a separate section adjacent to the athletics track, in a dispute that may have overshadowed their preparations.
No immediate explanation was given for Fraser-Pryce's sudden absence. Richardson proceeded to reach the final after finishing second behind Julien Alfred, who later won the gold medal while Richardson secured the silver. The International Athletics Committee stated that Fraser-Pryce's withdrawal was due solely to injury.
However, the two-time 100 meter Olympic champion was seen earlier arguing with officials over her exclusion from the warm-up track. Fraser-Pryce was heard in the video saying, "The security guys said they changed the entry rule yesterday. How can they change the rule without telling you? So you are asking all athletes who are not staying in the village for any reason not to enter through the gate. This is madness."
The Jamaican team confirmed on social media that Fraser-Pryce was eventually allowed to enter before it was reported that she suffered a hamstring issue. However, they did not disclose whether the dispute over entry was linked to her absence.
In response to this setback, Fraser-Pryce stated, "It's hard for me to find the words to express how disappointed I am. I know my supporters share this feeling of disappointment and bear it with me. I am truly fortunate to have had consistent support from my fans since I first appeared at the Olympics in Beijing in 2008. The support from my fans, my country, and the wider community has instilled in me immense gratitude that has supported me throughout my career."
She added, "With every step and victory, you have all been by my side. Your faith has always reaffirmed my confidence in my journey. Thank you for continuing to stay with me."
