100 Meters Madness! Shelly-Ann Fraser-Price vs Sha’Carri Richardson

The Runners Mark
4 min readJan 17, 2024

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Unraveling the Rivalry: Sha’Carri Richardson vs. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce

In the ever-evolving landscape of women’s sprinting, the dynamics of rivalries can shift unexpectedly. In a recent revelation, a shift in perspective prompts a reconsideration of the anticipated rivals in the women’s 100 meters. Previously, the spotlight was on Sha’Carri Richardson and Marie-Josée Ta Lou, but a deeper analysis has led to a revised conclusion — the new contender for the crown is none other than Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.

Sha’Carri Richardson remains an exceptional young athlete with a promising future, but the spotlight now turns to Fraser-Pryce, who has showcased unparalleled success not just over her career but notably in 2023 and 2022.

The discussion extends beyond the realm of subjective fan opinions. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s consistent excellence in the sport draws parallels with other legends like Usain Bolt and Eliud Kipchoge, hinting at an ascent toward Greatest of All Time (GOAT) status.

Fraser-Pryce’s Monumental Consistency

One striking commonality between Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Eliud Kipchoge is their unwavering consistency in the sport. With her first global championship 15 years ago, Fraser-Pryce has accumulated an impressive 13 global championship gold medals, totaling 22 medals when considering non-gold achievements. A glance at her extensive list of accomplishments exemplifies the sustained dedication she has devoted to her craft.

Photo by Austris Augusts on Unsplash

This remarkable track record has earned Fraser-Pryce immense respect from fans and instilled a sense of fear in her competitors. At 35 years old in 2022, she defies the notion of losing the ‘young blood’ effect in her races.

Fraser-Pryce’s Phenomenal 2022 Season

Contrary to any expectations of a decline, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce showcased exceptional form in 2022. Running an impressive seven races under 10.70 seconds, she secured her 5th individual world championship gold medal and triumphed in the Diamond League finals with a staggering time of 10.65. The crowning achievement was setting the masters world record at 10.62 seconds.

To put this into perspective, the history of women’s athletics has witnessed only 26 instances of a sub 10.7-second finish in the 100 meters. Astonishingly, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce accounts for 11 of these times, with 7 achieved in 2022 alone:

The sheer dominance of Fraser-Pryce is unparalleled, solidifying her status as a force to be reckoned with on the track.

The Ambitious Pursuit of 6 Individual Titles

Adding to the narrative of Fraser-Pryce’s greatness is her ambitious attempt to achieve something unprecedented in athletics — winning six individual titles in the world championships. This Herculean task has eluded even seasoned athletes like Merlene Ottey, who competed for over two decades and won 33 major international championship medals.

While such a feat appears almost impossible in track and field, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s determination and skill make her a prime candidate to redefine eras and etch her name in

the annals of history. The world eagerly awaits to witness if Fraser-Pryce can conquer this formidable challenge.

The comparison is drawn to other seemingly unattainable targets that crumbled when talented and dedicated athletes emerged. The sub-2-hour marathon, considered impossible for the longest time, was shattered by Eliud Kipchoge, who surpassed the barrier by 20 seconds.

Fraser-Pryce’s Position in Betting Odds

Betting odds, often a reflection of performance expectations, place Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce at the number one spot with a substantial margin. DraftKings lists Fraser-Pryce at -105, followed by Marie-Josee Ta Lou at +350, indicating a considerable gap in expectations.

As Fraser-Pryce prepares to face the best female sprinters worldwide in the upcoming championships, the competition promises to be fierce. Notable contenders include Sha’Carri Richardson, Shericka Jackson, Marie-Josee Ta Lou, Julien Alfred, and Dina Asher-Smith. The diversity of nations represented in this lineup ensures an exhilarating spectacle.

Photo by Clique Images on Unsplash

A closer look at the athletes’ best times reveals varying degrees of proximity to challenging Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. Notably, Shericka Jackson’s remarkable time of 10.65 suggests that even Fraser-Pryce might find it challenging to keep up. The competition is intense, with each athlete hailing from different countries, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown.

However, it’s essential to consider Fraser-Pryce’s lower position in the rankings, attributed to her late start in the season due to a hamstring injury in May. While prematurely counting athletes out of contention is unwise, Fraser-Pryce, with her track record and 2022 season, emerges as a frontrunner for victory.

In conclusion, the anticipation for this year’s world championships is palpable. As discussions unfold about potential underdogs and rising stars, the prevailing sentiment aligns with the prediction that the seasoned legend, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, is the athlete to watch. The athletic world braces for an era-defining performance, as Fraser-Pryce aims for greatness once again.

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Thank you for delving into the intricacies of the women’s sprinting landscape with us!

Check out my video below which covers everything you need to know:

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