The anticipation among her dedicated fans was palpable, but eight-time Olympic medalist Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce finally kicked off her 2024 season on Saturday night at the French Foray III meet at the National Stadium.
Fraser-Pryce clocked a modest 11.15 seconds in the 100 meters to lead the timed finals. It wasn’t the typical flawless performance from the 37-year-old ‘Pocket Rocket,’ as she just edged out local sprinter Jodean Williams at the finish line.
Despite a slower-than-usual start, Fraser-Pryce had to come from behind to overtake SprinTec Track Club’s Williams 10 meters from the end.
Williams finished second overall in 11.20 seconds, with Sabrina Dockery of Lacovia High taking third in 11.46 seconds.
With the National Championships just 10 days away, it will be interesting to see what improvements Fraser-Pryce can make before the event, which runs from June 27-30.
Williams had a strong night, securing second place in the women’s 200m with a time of 23.53 seconds. Kemba Nelson of Elite Performance Track Club won in 23.51 seconds, while Jura Levy of Legacy Track Club finished third in 24.29 seconds.
In the women’s 400m, Ronda Whyte of Swept Track Club claimed victory with a time of 53.59 seconds, followed by Roneisha McGregor of UWI, Mona in 54.71 seconds, and Abrina Wright of Holmwood Technical in third with 55.66 seconds.
National junior record holder Bouwahjgie Nkrumie of Racers Track Club made a rare appearance in the men’s 100m, winning his heat in 10.21 seconds for the fastest overall time.
Sandrey Davison of Dynamic Speed Track Club was second overall with 10.25 seconds, narrowly beating schoolboy Deandre Daley of Herbert Morrison High, who clocked 10.26 seconds.
Ackeem Blake, finishing second behind Nkrumie in their heat with 10.30 seconds, placed fourth overall.
Former national 400m champion Javon Francis, competing unattached, won the men’s 200m in 21.00 seconds. Jehlani Gordon finished second in 21.02 seconds, and Davison came in third with 21.24 seconds.
Assinia Williams of Titans Track Club dominated the men’s 400m hurdles, winning in 49.08 seconds. Demar Murray, competing unattached, took second place in 50.39 seconds, while Antonio Forbes of Dynamic Speed Track Club finished third in 51.04 seconds.
