‘I emptied it and left it all’

WHEN SHELLY-ANN Fraser-Pryce handed over the baton to Tia Clayton in the women’s 4x400-metre relay at the World Athletics Championships, she was absolutely sure that her decision to step away from the main stage was the right one.

“When I stepped off the track on Sunday night in the pouring rain I could actually say ‘I emptied it and left it all’ [on the track],” said Fraser-Pryce upon her arrival at the Norman Manley International Airport on Monday evening.

Fraser-Pryce, her husband Jason and son Zyon, returned to Jamaica on Monday evening and were met by family, friends, sponsors GraceKennedy and Minister of Sports Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange and hosted at a reception in the VIP Lounge at the airport.

The Sports Minister and GraceKennedy’s Chief Legal Counsel and Corporate Secretary Gail Moss-Solomon, in their addresses, heaped praise on the global superstar, chronicling her breathtaking career where she lifted Olympic and World Championship titles and medals almost at will.

In her remarks, Fraser-Pryce pointed to what was another full-circle moment for her, noting that on her return from her first senior competition she was also part of a reception at the Kingston airport and she voiced gratitude to her country for celebrating another milestone with her.

The 36-year-old said she hoped her remarkable journey, especially over the last few years when she returned to the top of the podium after giving birth to her son and battled through a slew of injuries to earn medals, would inspire others facing challenges.

“Because you know we are all chasing something, we all have a dream and we are all looking for more and if you only start, it’s just a start. I know there are a lot of persons who are afraid to start but sometimes [when] our blessings come, they are bottled or wrapped in some obstacles and some hurdles but they don’t last forever and it is up to us to find our way through them,” said Fraser-Pryce.

Fraser-Pryce also hailed the athletes, who competed before and during her career, saying she hoped it was an inspiration for others to come.

“To be able to share the moment with upcoming queens that was also remarkable because I remember in 2007 when I started in Osaka (Japan), I was so intimidated by all the other athletes — and I don’t think it’s any fault of theirs — it’s just how I looked at myself at that time. So I am hoping that with me there in that moment they will feel inspired and understand that there is so much more for them to achieve and they only have to go for it. And yes you gonna be 21, you gonna be 30 and all the other ages, but as far as I am concerned, nobody can tell you where and how, only you.”