Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Most Decorated 100m Sprinter, Retires

Jamaican sprint icon Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has called time on one of track and field’s great careers, confirming in an Instagram post that she is retiring from competition.

An eight-time Olympic medallist and the most decorated 100m sprinter in history, the 38-year-old leaves the sport as a global symbol of excellence and personality—famous as much for her explosive starts and immaculate execution as for the bold, colorful hairstyles that often mirrored Jamaica’s national pride.

For the past 18 years, time down to the very millisecond, has been at the epicenter of my life,” she began as she reflected on her past 275 races. “For nearly two decades, I have made every second count, and I give God all the glory for blessing me with a career in something I have grown to love so deeply.”

She continued, “This sport has given me joy beyond measure. It has shaped me, disciplined me, and carried me to heights I could only dream of as a young girl in Waterhouse. Yet as I reflect, I no longer see time only in seconds—I see it in years. The years I gave to sprinting will forever remain among the greatest of my life.”

“For the past 18 years, time, down to the millisecond—has been at the center of my life,” she wrote, reflecting on 275 races and crediting faith, family and discipline for sustaining her journey. “As I pass the baton to the next generation, let this be your reminder that time will honor your greatness.”

Raised in Waterhouse, Kingston, Fraser-Pryce stormed into history at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, becoming the first Caribbean woman to win 100m gold. She reclaimed the Olympic 100m title at London 2012 and added silver and bronze in subsequent Games, cementing her legacy as the defining sprinter of the event across four Olympics.

Standing just five feet tall, the “Pocket Rocket” became a giant of the sport—collecting world titles, inspiring Caribbean athletes, and proudly carrying Jamaica’s flag on the global stage. She thanked her husband, Jason, and their son, Zyon, for their support, and paid tribute to Jamaicans for “unyielding love, loyalty and pride.”

Fraser-Pryce said she will focus on the Pocket Rocket Foundation, which provides scholarships to student-athletes. “From Waterhouse to the world,” she wrote, “every second has been for something greater.”