Jamaica's Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce posted a season's best and world-leading time of 10.67 seconds to win the women's 100m at the third edition of the Kip Kieno Classic in Nairobi, Kenya on Saturday May 7, 2022. The thirty-five-year-old Fraser-Pryce was in imperious form as she decimated a lineup that included the young Namibian sensation, Christine Mboma, and the American Javian Oliver. And even though the time was done at high altitude of 1700m above sea level, it was nonetheless a stellar performance from the two-times Olympic and four-times World Champion. Indeed, the 10.67 was done in a -0.4W, and is Fraser-Pryce's third fastest time ever, and the ninth fastest time in history.
Proven veteran
Without doubt, Fraser-Pryce is proving herself to be one of the most enduring and talented athletes of all times with a consistent string of high-level performances that befuddle logic. Fraser-Pryce is like fine wine; the older she gets, the better she performs. The question is though: just how fast will Fraser-Pryce go this season? Given the fact that towards the end of last season she has posted an electrifying 10.60 seconds in the 100m.
Is Mama Rocket Peaking Too Soon?
Fraser-Pryce training strategy has dramatically changed. She is obviously going through a new periodization cycle that is "unloading" her well-ahead of the 2022 Oregon World Championship from July 15 to 24 in Eugene, Oregon. But is this a good thing or a bad thing for her? Is Fraser-Pryce peaking too early or is she on course for something special? Indeed, can she sustain this form over the next two months and beyond?
History lesson
Last year (June 2021), Fraser-Pryce ran a magnificent 10.63 at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica, to destroy the previous National Record of 10.70 that was shared between herself and Elaine Thompson-Herah. That 10.63 was then the second fastest time ever which made her undoubtedly the fastest woman alive. Fraser-Pryce also went on to win the JAAA National Trials defeating Shericka Jackson and Elaine Thompson-Herah, respectively.
Based on those performances, Fraser-Pryce was considered the overwhelming favorite by pundits and sports journalists, to win the Olympic title at the 2020 Tokyo Games. However, it was not to be as Elaine Thompson-Herah went on to crown herself in majestic glory, delivering massively in the 100m final. Thompson-Herah won in an Olympic Record 10.61, and in the process relegated Fraser-Pryce to the silver medal, and Shericka Jackson to the bronze medal.
What’s Next for SAFP
Fraser-Pryce's 10.67 performance in Kenya was indeed an impressive run. But what should we infer or conclude about her prospects for the rest of the season, particularly the World Championships? Does it mean that Fraser-Pryce will win in Oregon? Will the defending World Champion, Fraser-Pryce be dethroned by her countrywoman Elaine Thompson-Herah or Shericka Jackson? One thing we are certain of is that we are in a new age of sprinting and only the best will be good enough! I will venture to say this much. “It will take a World Record to win the women's 100m final in Oregon!”
Henley Taylor
Freelance Sportswriter
Edited by Raymond Byfield
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