END OF AN ERA: Sprint icon Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce signals the end of her legendary career

Track icon Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce hinted this year would be the last dance on her legendary career after announcing she'll be making her final appearance at the Jamaican National Championships.

The championships set to take place this weekend from June 26 - 29, will serve as a selection of Jamaica's representatives for the World Championships in Tokyo in September.

Fraser-Pryce who was speaking at a special and intimate ceremony organised by her longtime sponsor Nike at AC Hotel, announced this in the presence of family members, close friends, longtime sponsors, select media, and government officials.

“In the next two days, it will be my final time gracing the National Stadium and it is honestly one of those moments that I’m looking forward to. You know why? Because I have absolutely nothing to lose and all to gain because it is your love and it’s your support and it’s your encouragement that has kept me,” said the 38-year-old five-time world champion.

“It is the ways you have celebrated me, it is the ways you have showed up for me. And as I stand on the track in the next two days, it’s not just about the track, but it’s what’s possible. It’s how we continue to shift and change the narrative of our own female or elite sprinting. It’s about your time; honouring your time,” she added.

“When I stand on that track on Thursday, it’s not for me, It’s for you, for the love, for the support, for the encouragement, for the resilience, for the prize, for the purpose, and the passion that you have given me, you have inspired me.”

Fraser-Pryce is unarguably one of the greatest sprinters in history, having competed and medalled in all major championships from 2008 to date.

She ushered in the new generation of Jamaican female sprinters including five-time Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah and multiple world and Olympic medallist Shericka Jackson as they became known as the Big 3.

Fraser-Pryce is scheduled to feature in the women’s 100m prelims on Thursday, competing to qualify for the semifinals and final. If she makes the Jamaican team again, it inevitably means the world championships in Tokyo will be her final international appearance and possibly the end of her legendary career.