"Difficult to find words to describe the depth of disappointment"- Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce breaks silence after withdrawing from 100m SF in Paris 

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce withdrew moments before the commencement of the women's 100m semifinal at the Paris Olympics. Her decision to withdraw came as a shocker as fans were expecting to witness the star Jamaican athlete in action in her fifth Olympic Games appearance.

The Jamaican was the second-fastest qualifier in Round 1 with a time of 10.92s. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce was scheduled to compete in Semi-final 2 against top athletes like Julian Alfred and Sha'Carri Richardson.

With two automatic qualifiers from each heat and the next two fastest being the qualification criteria for the finals, fans and track enthusiasts from around the world were looking forward to an incredible contest in the women's 100m semi-finals.

The Jamaican athlete is yet to release an official statement regarding the reason for her withdrawal. However, a few hours after her withdrawal, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce took to Instagram and broke her silence about opting out of the race at the Paris Olympics.

She expressed her disappointment and thanked her fans for their unwavering support since her Olympic debut in 2008.

"It is difficult for me to find the words to describe the depth of my disappointment. I know that my supporters share and shoulder this disappointment with me. I am truly Blessed to have had the steadfast support of my fans since my Olympic debut in 2008. The support of my fans, my country, and the larger community has rooted me in immense gratitude that has sustained me throughout my career," she wrote.

She added:

"With every step and win, you all have been there for me. My Faith has always affirmed my trust in my journey. Thank you for continuing to be with me today and every day."

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce on her final Olympics appearance in Paris

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games - Day 7 - Athletics - Source: Getty

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce had announced early in the 2024 season that the Paris Olympics would be her fifth and final appearance. After being in the professional circuit for over 20 years, the Jamaican expressed that it was the right time to bid adieu to the sport to spend more time with her family and explore different opportunities.

“There’s not a day I’m getting up to go practice and I’m like, ‘I’m over this’. My son needs me. My husband and I have been together since before I won in 2008. He has sacrificed for me. We’re a partnership, a team. And it’s because of that support that I’m able to do the things that I have been doing for all these years. And I think I now owe it to them to do something else,” she said.

The 100m was the only individual event Fraser-Pryce had qualified for at the Paris Olympics. After her withdrawal, it is safe to say that the 100m round 1 was the Jamaican's final individual appearance in the Olympics.