She's the game-changer - Gabby Thomas acknowledges Fraser-Pryce's legendary impact in women's athletics

Paris Olympics star Gabby Thomas has joined a long list of superstars to praise Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce's inspirational legendary career, who retired from the sport after the Tokyo 2025 World Championships.

The American track queen took a moment to reflect on the career of the Jamaican sprinting icon Fraser-Pryce, a three-time Olympic champion and eight-time medalist - widely regarded as one of the greatest female sprinters of all time.

Her legendary career concluded with a silver medal in the 4x100m relay at the World Championships, her 17th podium finish at the event, 18 years after her first.

Reflecting on the legend's career, Thomas acknowledged her as an immense talent who defined women's sprinting for years, citing her as a childhood hero and a major source of inspiration.

"I mean, I grew up watching Shelly," Thomas said in an interview with Olympics.com. "We all knew Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. So even being able to compete alongside her was such an honour. And racing against her pushed me to be better."

The 29-year-old emphasized the profound impact Fraser-Pryce had on track and field, noting her ability to draw attention to the sport and inspire a new generation of athletes.

"She pushed the sport forward. She gave it so much attention, and she was so loved, and she inspired so many young girls like myself," she added. "Hopefully, we can continue to do the same thing for the next generation of young girls. But I'm so proud of her, and I love where she left the sport."

Thomas is gunning to make a major comeback this year after an Achilles injury sidelined her for most of the 2025 season. She recently made her intentions known on running the 400m more this year, which she believes would be "an opportunity to see what she's capable of."