Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has shattered Usain Bolt‘s record by emerging as the most accomplished Jamaican athlete in the annals of the World Outdoor Athletics Championships.
Luck was not on Fraser-Pryce’s side in her bid to defend the women’s 100-meter title, as Sha’Carri Richardson astonished everyone by securing the gold in a thrilling race on August 21.
The American blazed through in the last 20 metres to deny Shericka Jackson and Fraser-Pryce another Jamaican sweep. Jackson settled for silver as the latter took bronze.
Richardson posted a world-leading time of 10.65 seconds, with Jackson recording 10.72 seconds. Fraser-Pryce clocked a season-best time of 10.77 seconds.
Fraser-Pryce’s third-place finish now sees her move above Usain Bolt to 15 medals in the World Championships. Bolt won 14 medals – 11 of them gold – during his illustrious career.
His compatriot is now second in the all-time list behind American great Allyson Felix, who leads the standings with 20 medals.
The 36-year-old has won 10 gold medals, including five in the 100m and four silver. Her third-place finish was her first-ever bronze medal in the World Championships.
Fraser-Pryce could medal again if she represents Jamaica in the 4 by 100m relays final on Sunday. She will not be participating in the 200m.
Why Fraser-Pryce wears colourful wigs
Sports Brief also reported that apart from her frightening pace whenever she takes off, the mother of one is always unmistakable when picking her out of the starting line-ups due to her colourful wigs.
Last year during the World Championships in Oregon, Fraser-Pryce had a different colourful wig for every day she stepped out on the track, from the heats to the semi-finals to the finals. The five-time World Champion has previously explained why she wears a wig on race days.