Rivals on the track, sisters off it: The beautiful friendship between Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Marie Josee Ta Lou-Smith

Often, competitive sports produce great friendships that develop from unexpected circumstances. One such example is between Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Marie Josee Ta Lou-Smith, who share an awesome sisterly bond in athletics.

The track queens are legends of the sport and their respective countries, currently ranked among the top 10 fastest women in history.

Despite fiercely competing against each other, the two athletes share a deep bond, often seen embracing and supporting each other at events. 

Their marked years of friendly rivalry and mutual respect have spanned more than a decade, as Fraser-Pryce has served as a significant inspiration for Ta Lou-Smith, who views her as a "goat" (greatest of all time).

The Ivorian sprint icon, in an interview with olympics.com, heaped praises on the retiring five-time world champion, calling her a 'true inspiration' to every athlete.

“When I heard she was going to retire, I was like…Ah no!” she said of the Jamaican athletics legend, who confirmed she will retire at the end of the 2025 season.

“She's a true inspiration to all of us, and I'm so grateful that she is back. I pray that she stays healthy. I pray to see her at the World Champs again, to hug her and tell her how much I love her and how much she has been an inspiration to me.”

Ta Lou-Smith and Fraser-Pryce were placed in the same 100m heats at the ongoing Tokyo 2025 World Championships.

Shortly after the Ivorian won the race, they shared a warm embrace, highlighting their supportive relationship. 

The same scenario played out in the 100m final. Despite not winning a medal, it didn't deter their lost moment on the track together as they're both expected to retire at the end of the season.

Their legendary career is highlighted by Ta Lou-Smith being Africa's fastest woman in history and a two-time world championships silver medallist, while Fraser-Pryce is a ten-time world champion and seven-time Olympic medallist.