They say a mother will go the distance for her child. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, on the other hand, will sprint 100 meters and set a couple of records in the process.
At 32 years old, Fraser-Pryce became the oldest woman to ever win a 100-meter race at the world or Olympic level. She also became the first mother to do so when she ran the event in 10.71 seconds, which was just 0.01 seconds off her personal best set in 2012.
The Jamaican and six-time Olympian’s impressive performance came on Sunday at the World Championships in Doha, in front of her 2-year-old son, Zyon. It was her eighth world title.
“Standing here having done it again at 32, and holding my baby, is a dream come true,” she said after the race, according to IAAF. “I had no sleep last night. Last time I was at a major championship was 2016 and I just could not sleep with nerves. But with mental toughness you will get what you want.”
When people first learned about Fraser-Pryce’s pregnancy, they said she would never be a top contender on the world stage again. But, she proved her critics wrong and credited family for elevating her performance.
“I can’t believe it. I worked so hard to be back. The field was so strong I had to come good here and I’m so excited to come out with victory,” she added. “Zyon and my husband have been my strength. When everybody else doubted me, they never did. It’s down to them that I am here again.”
Fraser-Pryce took to the oval with unicorn styled hair and showed younger generations what is possible during motherhood.
“I am so grateful for the outpouring of love from my friends, family, fellow athletes, supporters and sponsors over the years,” she wrote on Instagram. “Your belief and encouragement gave me strength. But I am even more grateful for those girls who will come after me or the women who are still holding their own and working on their greatness in their own way and never trying to be anyone but themselves!
“I am humbled to be filling my shoes with my potential, fill yours and never stop for anyone and do it with all your heart and all your courage, and do it well🙏. The story continues…”