Paris Olympic Games 2024: What has happened to the Jamaican sprint queens

For over a decade Jamaican women have dominated the sprint events like no other country, but after two of their stars withdrew from their races it appears the empire is starting to crumble.

The Jamaican empire is crumbling in Paris.

Falling apart at the seams.

Less than 24 hours after legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce was a shock withdrawal from the semifinals of the 100 metres, Shericka Jackson — one of the stars of the Sprint series on Netflix — withdrew from the heats of the 200 metres.

Three years ago in Tokyo, the Jamaican women produced a clean sweep in the 100 metres. The past four golds in the women’s 100m have all been won by Jamaicans. You can throw in the 200m as well — in Tokyo, Elaine Thompson-Herah defended the gold she won in Rio.

Yet there is every chance they will leave Paris with nothing in the women’s sprints. A big fat duck egg. The greatest sprinting nation on earth is on the rocks.

Briana Williams, Elaine Thompson-Herah, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson celebrate gold in the relay in Tokyo in 2021. Picture: David Ramos/Getty Images

Jackson, who has been affected by injury and withdrew from the 100m to focus on the 200m, hinted at trouble brewing on her social media accounts 24 hours before her heat was due to be run.

“God’s plan is always the best,’ she wrote. “Sometimes the process is painful and hard. But don’t forget that when God is silent, he is doing something good for you.” Her absence means the 200m will be deprived of two of the biggest stars in the sport — Sha’Carri Richardson missed selection after bombing out in the US trials.

Even more intriguing than Jackson’s absence was Fraser-Pryce’s surprise decision to withdraw from the 100m, although video later emerged of one of the world’s greatest ever sprinters arguing with security officials outside the warm-up entry only hours before she was due to run.

There has been speculation that her stoush with security may have contributed to her no-show in the semis – Jamaican chef de mission Ian Kelly later told Reuters that she had suffered an injury while warming up.

Fraser-Pryce, who has announced she will retire after Paris, said she was disappointed to miss the race.

“It is difficult for me to find the words to describe the depth of my disappointment,” Fraser-Pryce said on social media. “I know that my supporters share and shoulder this disappointment with me. I am truly blessed to have had the steadfast support of my fans since my Olympic debut in 2008.

“The support of my fans, my country, and the larger community has rooted me in immense gratitude that has sustained me throughout my career. With every step and win, you all have been there for me. My faith has always affirmed my trust in my journey. Thank you for continuing to be with me today and every day.”

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce was a shock withdrawal from the 100m sprint. Picture: Michael Steele/Getty Images

These types of unexpected withdrawals in bizarre circumstances have historically caused nervousness in Olympic circles. Sprinters suddenly going AWOL has the conspiracy theorists looking for answers and history has shown sometimes there is more to it. Ironically while one empire may have fallen, the old guard, America, failed to take its opportunity to remerge.

The last time an American woman won the women’s 100m crown was in Atlanta in 1996.

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(Marion Jones’ victory in Sydney 2000 has been scrapped from history because of her cheating history).

Richardson won last year’s world title and was the overwhelming favourite in Paris but she had to settle for silver while her US teammate Melissa Jefferson won bronze.

They were both in the slipstream 23-year-old Saint Lucia’s Julien Alfred, who has emerged as the flag bearer of the new wave.

Originally published as Paris Olympic Games 2024: What has happened to the Jamaican sprint queens