In what was going to be her last ever race at the international stage, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce handed the baton over to Tia Clayton during the women’s 4 x 100m relay final in Tokyo, literally and figuratively handing it over to the next generation of Jamaican athletes.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has reflected on the profound honour of closing her international career by handing over the baton to Jamaica’s rising stars in the women’s 4x100m relay final at the World Championships in Tokyo.

The 37-year-old sprint icon, affectionately known as the “Pocket Rocket,” began her global journey in Japan back in 2007 as a reserve on the 4x100m team, anchoring the squad to silver. 

Seventeen years later, she found herself in Japan once again, this time opening the relay and passing the baton to a new generation.

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“I started in Japan back in 2007 as the reserve on the 4×1 team, and I anchored us to a silver medal,” Fraser-Pryce recalled. 

“Tonight felt like coming full circle. I started the race this time and had the privilege of handing over to our young, upcoming superstars and queens. That was truly special.”

Jamaica’s team, which also comprised Tia and Tina Clayton, Jonielle Smith, went on to claim silver behind the United States. Fraser-Pryce stressed that while gold was the target, the podium finish was still a proud moment.

“My goal was to give them the best possible start so they could go for gold, because I knew we had a strong team and were real contenders. We didn’t get the gold, but we came away with a silver after a brilliant run — and that’s something to be proud of,” she said.

“For Tia, Janiel, and Jonielle, walking away with a medal is huge. At the end of the day, we didn’t leave empty-handed, and I’m grateful for what we accomplished together. I think it’s a moment we’ll all cherish.”

Fraser-Pryce retires as one of the most decorated sprinters in history: a two-time Olympic 100m champion, 10-time world champion, and the first woman to win five world titles in the same event. Her blistering speed, consistency, and fierce competitiveness made her the face of women’s sprinting for over a decade.

Yet in Tokyo, the medals seemed secondary to the symbolism. By opening the relay and handing over to the younger generation, Fraser-Pryce offered a visible sign that Jamaica’s sprinting dynasty is built to last.

Her words carried the weight of experience and hope: “It’s about giving them the chance to shine. I wanted to set it up so they could go after gold. For me, to end my career in this way — with them, in this moment — is truly fantastic.”