Jamaican track legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce did not show up to compete in the semifinals of the 100-meter sprint at the Paris Olympics on Saturday.
The 37-year-old, a two-time gold medalist in the event, didn’t immediately provide a reason for her withdrawal. She had qualified in her earlier heat but didn’t arrive at the starting line to compete in the semi, where she had been expected to go head to head with American star Sha’Carri Richardson.
A commentator on BBC announced moments before the race that Fraser-Pryce would not participate.
“The entire stadium was in shock that Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce scratched from the 100 semis,” USA Today national track and field reporter Tyler Dragon tweeted of the development, adding that “the final isn’t going to be the same” without Fraser-Pryce.
Jamaica’s chef de mission, Ian Kelly, later told Reuters that Fraser-Pryce had sustained an injury during her final warmup. She was delayed getting into the warmup area by security officials, as seen in videos that had circulated on social media before the event.
“It is difficult for me to find the words to describe the depth of my disappointment,” Fraser-Pryce said in a statement late Saturday, thanking her fans for their “steadfast support” since her Olympic debut in 2008.
“The support of my fans, my country, and the larger community has rooted me in immense gratitude that has sustained me throughout my career,” she added.
A five-time world champion and eight-time Olympic medalist, Fraser-Pryce has said this will be her last Games.
The 100-meter was the only individual race she qualified for, but she was also scheduled to compete in the 4×100-meter relay next week. It’s not clear if she’ll go ahead.
