Track star Fraser-Pryce to compete at Cayman Invitational

CNS Editor | 27/05/2018

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (Photo courtesy of NBC Sports)

(CNS Local Life): Jamaican Olympic sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has joined the line-up for the Cayman Invitational which takes place on Saturday, 2 June at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex starting at 6pm. Fraser-Pryce’s countryman Asafa Powell and American LaShawn Merritt are also headlining the meet, along with more than 70 other international athletes and at least 20 local participants.

Fraser-Pryce, who is a 100m specialist, first caught the attention of the world at the 2008 Olympic Games when, at 21 years old and relatively unknown, she became the first Caribbean woman to win gold in that event at the Olympics, stated a press release. In 2012, she defended her 100m title, becoming the third woman to win two consecutive 100m gold medals at the Olympics. Then, after winning bronze at the 2016 games, she became the first woman in history to win 100m medals at three consecutive Olympics. She has also won seven world championship gold medals across the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay events.

Fraser-Pryce’s appearance at the Cayman Invitational marks the start of her return to the international track-and-field scene. She missed the 2016-2017 season to have her son Zyon and also recover from a nagging toe injury. Her first competitive race in over a year took place less than a month ago in Kingston, where she won her section of the JAAA’s All-Comers Meet women’s 100m dash in 11.52 seconds.

“We are so excited to have the great Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce with us at this year’s Invitational,” said meet director Cydonie Mothersill. “She announced in February that she intends to have the greatest comeback ever and we hope this meet will help her as she prepares for the upcoming season.

“The consummate professional and sportswoman, Shelly is so gifted yet so humble with such a warm personality. Fans are definitely in for a treat, and we wish her all the best in her mission to return again to the top spot in women’s track and field.”

Other athletes competing include Nesta Carter (Jamaica), Jeff Demps (US), Kemar Hyman (Cayman), Jason Rogers (St Kitts), Schillone Calvert-Powell (Jamaica), Sherone Simpson (Jamaica), Jeanna Prandini (US) and Ristannana Tracey (Jamaica). The Calabar High School team from Jamaica will also be participating as well as Special Olympics athletes.

Tickets for the event are available from Funky Tang’s at $50 for VIP, $30 for the finish line and $25 for the grandstand.