Jamaica has ‘given me the platform’ Fraser-Pryce underlines loyalty to country

For Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, representing Jamaica was never a difficult choice. The retired sprint star says the support she received from Jamaicans played a role in her rise to global stardom and called for greater investment in athletes.

Addressing the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference in Montego Bay on Wednesday, Fraser-Pryce in a panel discussion on athletes in Jamaica, stressed that they need more than patriotic pride to sustain their careers.

“I consider myself a daughter of the soil, and the reason is the fact that where I am today is because of Jamaica and Jamaicans,” she said.

“Now I have proudly stated many times that what gives me pride is the fact that everything that I've accomplished I have done so with Jamaicans,” said Fraser-Pryce, noting that representing Jamaica is about honouring those who have invested in her and the sporting infrastructure.

“It’s not hard for me to represent Jamaica because Jamaica has given me a lot, and has given me the platform to really showcase the history of what we've been able to accomplish over the years,” added Fraser-Pryce.

SWITCHING ALLEGIANCE

One issue Fraser-Pryce was asked is what can Jamaica do to prevent athletes from switching allegiance.

She emphasised that while many athletes remain loyal, patriotism alone cannot offset the financial and personal challenges.

She argued that challenges such as costs, injuries, branding and family responsibilities require stronger backing from both the diaspora and local stakeholders.

“Athletes don't run away from things that they are benefiting from. I think as a country, we have to understand that when athletes go to compete, you are talking about their families, themselves, injuries, and branding. You are talking about Olympic Games, that only come around every four years; World Championship, that comes around every two years; and other sporting events during that time,” said Fraser-Pryce, who noted healthcare expenses, injury management and career-development as other expenses.

“There's nothing more that fills us with pride when we represent our country, but that cannot be enough.”

COMMITTED

Fraser-Pryce maintained that athletes are more likely to remain committed to Jamaica when they feel supported and valued.

“You have athletes who are spending $20,000 just on health issues, flying out to go see an orthopaedic surgeon, going to the doctor.”

Reports surfaced that Türkiye was aggressively targeting elite field athletes from Jamaica with financial incentives, training support and expedited citizenship in late 2024, and intensified early 2025.

However, World Athletics blocked the four Jamaican elite field athletes who proposed to switch to Türkiye, ruling the move part of a coordinated recruitment strategy.

These athletes include Olympic discus gold medallist and record-holder Roje Stona, Olympic bronze medallist Rajindra Campbell, and Under-20 triple jump world record-holder Jaydon Hibbert.

A member of the disapora, Debbie Jolly Jarrett, president, Jamaican Cultural Connection, Inc. in Orlando, Florida, said more needs to be done to assist Jamaica’s athletes.

“It is time to step up to the plate and help them more. I do believe we can do more globally as the diaspora and government. We celebrate them when they win, so we should also do so when they are going,” Jolly Jarrett said.

PENN RELAYS

Jamaican athletes have generally gained good experience and overwhelming support from the diaspora, at the very popular Penn Relays. With eight Olympic and 17 World Championship medals to her name, Fraser-Pryce stated that the role of the diaspora in the Penn Relays is integral in the development of athletes in Jamaica.
“My first interaction with the diaspora would have to be the Penn Relays. We go and are all excited to be there, but how are the athletes fed, or taken care of? It’s because of the diaspora.”

Fraser-Pryce recently retired from the sport. As for life after professional competiton, she said the discipline from training still carries forward.

‘HEALTH IS WEALTH’

“As a professional athlete, the resillence and discipline you get from track and field still carries forward into everything you do. It is about how you maintain an active life and still blowing off steam and staying fit because health is wealth,” Fraser-Pryce said.
The star athlete was seen in a video on Instagram at the National Stadium working out ahead of the Popeyes JAAA Senior and Junior Championships, which started on Thursday and ends on Sunday.

The video sparked speculation as to whether the retired track star would be making a return. Jamaican Icon, Usain Bolt commented on the video stating, “Somebody Don’t look retired.”

In response, Fraser-Pryce said: “Okay. I’m speculating just like them.”