Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce retired from competitive sprinting following her silver medal exploits at the Tokyo World Championships after a succesful 18-year career, and has now revealed the biggest lesson learnt.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has officially closed the curtain on one of the most decorated careers in athletics history, delivering a powerful farewell message that went beyond medals and records.

Fraser-Pryce bowed out in style, helping Jamaica’s 4 x 100m women’s side to a silver medal at the Tokyo World Championships, while also making the 100 meter final.

The 38-year old opted to give it one last go after injury prevented her from taking part at the Paris Olympic Games. 

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Speaking to Inside Lane in an interview, Fraser-Pryce, who made her senior international debut at the 2007 Osaka World Championships in Japan, revealed the biggest lesson learnt from her glittering career that saw her win two Olympic gold medals and 10 world championship titles.

Looking back at her journey from bursting onto the scene as a 20-year-old to becoming a global role model, Fraser-Pryce revealed that the biggest difference between her younger self and who she is today is clarity and confidence.

“I think the big difference is I know who I am. I’m confident. I’m driven. I’m all woman … Being able to know who I am, know what I want, speak that way, and to show up in that way is truly remarkable,” she said.

She added that throughout her career she often felt the temptation to tone herself down in different settings but ultimately chose to embrace her full identity.

“People think we’re too much. And there’s nothing wrong with being too much. Not everybody’s going to be your cup of tea — and that’s fine. I like coffee,” she joked.

Fraser-Pryce stressed that her legacy is not just about what she achieved on the track but about the message she leaves behind for women.

“Impact for me is showing women that you can be more. You don’t have to limit yourself. … We are mothers, we are friends, we are sisters, we are athletes, we are so much more.”

As a mother, mentor, and champion, she encouraged women to embrace every dimension of their identity and to remain relentless in chasing their goals.

“Time will honour greatness. If it’s not today, it’s tomorrow. If it’s not tomorrow, it’s next year. … Ultimately, chase everything that you want and be relentless in that pursuit.”

Over nearly two decades, Fraser-Pryce transformed sprinting, amassing three Olympic gold medals and 14 World Championship medals, while cementing herself as one of the greatest 100m sprinters in history. Known affectionately as the “Pocket Rocket,” she inspired countless young athletes in Jamaica and around the world with her consistency, humility, and resilience.

As she steps away from competition, her words remind the next generation that while medals and titles are historic, true greatness lies in self-belief, authenticity, and the courage to be more.