Jamaican sprinting icon Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce stunned the world of athletics on Saturday when she unexpectedly failed to qualify for the final of the women's 100 meters at the Paris Olympics.
PARIS, France – A collective gasp reverberated through the Stade de France on Saturday night as Jamaican sprinting great Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce was surprisingly eliminated from the women's 100-meter semifinals at the Paris Olympics.
Fraser-Pryce, a two-time Olympic champion and one of the greatest sprinters of all time, was widely expected to cruise into the final. However, in a stunning turn of events, she finished third in her semifinal heat, missing out on a top-two automatic qualifying spot.
Fraser-Pryce's Unexpected Exit at Paris Olympics Sends Shockwaves Through Athletics
The five-time world champion's time of 11.15 seconds was well below her season's best of 10.67 seconds and fell short of the qualifying time of 11.05 seconds. This unexpected exit sent shockwaves through the athletics world and left many scratching their heads.
Fraser-Pryce, who turns 36 later this month, had been in impressive form leading up to the Olympics. She had won five of her six races this season, including a victory at the Jamaican National Championships in June. Her absence from the final will be a major blow to Jamaican hopes of securing a medal in the women's 100 meters.
The Jamaican sprinter's elimination leaves the door open for other competitors to step up and claim the Olympic title. Reigning champion Elaine Thompson-Herah, who finished second in Fraser-Pryce's semifinal heat, is now the favorite to win gold.
American sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson, who has had a turbulent season, could also be a contender for a medal. Richardson, who was suspended from competition for 30 days earlier this season after testing positive for marijuana, has shown some promise in recent races.
The women's 100-meter final will take place on Sunday at the Stade de France. The absence of Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce will undoubtedly add an element of uncertainty to the race, as the field of competitors is now wide open.
