Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce won her record fifth world 100m title in Eugene, Oregon, on Sunday, leading an unprecedented Jamaican podium sweep.
Fraser-Pryce had an electric start and led from gun to tape at Hayward Field, winning a championship record of 10.67 seconds. Shericka Jackson took silver in a personal best of 10.73sec, with four-time Olympic sprint champion Elaine Thompson-Herah claiming bronze (10.81).
It was the first time a nation had swept the medals in the women’s 100m at the worlds and came just a day after Fred Kerley led a US sweep of the men’s blue riband event, albeit for the third time in the history of the world.
Fraser-Pryce is also the first athlete to ever win five gold medals in a track event at the World Championships in the same discipline, with Sunday’s win following 100m golds in 2009, 2013, 2015 and 2019.
“I can’t even imagine the number of times I’ve had setbacks, and I’ve bounced back, and I’m here again,” said Fraser-Pryce.
“I continue to remind myself that sometimes it’s not because you don’t have the ability, but it’s the right time.
“Today was the right time, and I’m so grateful for the continuous support.”
Fraser-Pryce added: “This is the third 1-2-3 that I’ve been a part of, and I’m so excited. Today I was able to come away with the win.
“I feel blessed to have this talent and to continue to do it at 35, having a baby, still going, and hopefully inspiring women that they can make their journey.”
One of the first athletes to congratulate Fraser-Pryce was American Allyson Felix, who bowed out of competition with a 19th world medal, a bronze, in the 4×400 mixed relay in Eugene.
“35 years old! A mother! 10.67! 5th world title! Yessss @realshellyannfp it’s your night!!!” tweeted Felix, a leading advocate for female athletes’ rights.
Lined up in lane six in perfect sprinting conditions, Fraser-Pryce sported a shock of hair trailing down her back dyed in the Jamaican flag’s green, gold and black colours.
Nicknamed the ‘Pocket Rocket’, the packed stadium could easily see why as the 35-year-old shot out of her blocks and never ceded the lead.
Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith, in lane eight, emerged as the sprinter most likely to wreck Jamaican plans, but Jackson and Thompson-Herah reeled her in.
Asher-Smith eventually finished fourth, equalling her national record of 10.83sec.
“I’m disappointed I didn’t get a medal and knew I was in shape, and I nearly did. I came looking to be on the podium. 200 it is,” said Asher-Smith, the reigning world 200m champion.
“I did a good race, and I’m happy to equal a personal best for me, especially in a world final which means you execute when it matters.”
The Jamaican clean sweep is even more remarkable as it mirrors what they managed at last year’s Tokyo Olympics. In the Japanese capital, it finished with Thompson-Herah taking gold, Fraser-Pryce silver and Jackson bronze.
While Thompson-Herah’s Tokyo triumph brought her Olympic tally to four golds, she and Jackson are still seeking their first individual world titles.
