Paris Summer Olympics 2024: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Locked Out of Venue and Withdraws from 100m Semi-Finals

by Denise N. Fyffe

In Paris there has been a litany of embarrassing and damaging incidents, starting from the Opening Ceremony. Today, the latest victim was Jamaican sprint legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. The two-time Olympic 100m champion, made headlines during the Paris 2024 Olympics when she unexpectedly withdrew from the women’s 100m semi-finals. Her decision left fans and fellow athletes puzzled.

Fraser-Pryce was scheduled to compete in the 100m semi-final but did not start the race. She was listed as a “Did Not Start” (DNS) after qualifying for the run. This surprising turn of events ended her bid for an individual medal in the 100m event at her fifth and final Olympic Games.

A Historic Quest

The 37-year-old Jamaican had an impressive track record, having won gold in the 100m at the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympics. She aimed to claim a medal in the 100m for a fifth consecutive Games, having previously won bronze in 2016 and silver in 2021. With her compatriot Elaine Thompson-Herah, the reigning Olympic champion, not competing in Paris due to injury, the field was wide open for a new champion.

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Relay Team Participation

Despite her individual withdrawal, Fraser-Pryce remained scheduled to run with the Jamaican 4x100m relay team. She had already secured a third gold medal with the relay team at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, in addition to her two 100m triumphs.

Late Rule Change Controversy

However, controversy surrounded Fraser-Pryce’s absence from the semi-finals. Reports suggest that she was locked out of the warm-up area right before the race due to a late rule change. The absence of such a decorated athlete surprised everyone, and questions arose about the fairness of the situation.

In summary, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s unexpected withdrawal from the 100m semi-finals marked the end of her individual quest for a fifth Olympic medal in the event. The women’s 100m saw a new champion emerge for the first time since Athens 2004. Fraser-Pryce’s decision, coupled with the warm-up area incident, remains a significant moment in Olympic history.

Stay tuned for more updates and catch all the action as the world’s greatest athletes compete for glory at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics!

** Paris is six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST).

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About the writer: Denise N. Fyffe is a publisher and author of over 50 books, for more than 15 years, and enjoys mentoring, gardening and traveling. She is also a trainer and educator, helping others to achieve their dreams.