Usain Bolt lauds Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce's legendary career

Jamaican sprint icon Usain Bolt has shared his profound respect for fellow Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, highlighting the qualities that he believes cement her status as one of track and field's all-time greats.

Fraser-Pryce, who is the same age as Bolt, recently concluded her illustrious international career, which began in 2007. In contrast, Bolt retired in 2017 at the age of 31, while Fraser-Pryce continued to compete at the highest level for several more years.

Speaking to World Athletics, Bolt praised Fraser-Pryce’s remarkable longevity, resilience, and unwavering self-belief, calling her a "legend" whose influence on Jamaican athletics is undeniable.

"She’s a legend for me," Bolt stated. "She’s done so much for the sport in general and for Jamaica. Honestly, she proved that I probably could have gone a little bit longer."

The world's fastest man admitted to playfully teasing Fraser-Pryce about her sustained dominance into her 30s, particularly after she took a break to start a family.

"I’ve said it to her — like, come on, why do you keep doing this?" he laughed. "But she keeps proving that she’s still at the top. She’s so resilient. She went away, had a child, came back, and won again. That, for me, is just incredible."

Bolt emphasized that Fraser-Pryce's most impressive attribute is her mental fortitude and the deep-seated faith she brings to her craft.

"She shows that when you have strength and fortitude, and you truly believe in yourself, anything is possible," he explained. "That’s something I really admire about her."

Bolt also recalled being present for Fraser-Pryce’s farewell race in Jamaica, a moment filled with both admiration and lighthearted humor.

"I remember seeing her last race in Jamaica," Bolt said. "I told her, ‘Listen, pack it up now and come hang out with me.’ But honestly, I’m just happy to see her finish on such a high. I’m proud, and I’m glad I got to be in the stadium to witness it."