Paris Games 2024: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce lifts lid on security stoush and missing 100m finals

Jamaican legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s 100m campaign ended in controversy, and the three-time Olympic gold medallist has addressed what happened just hours before she went missing.

Three-time Olympic gold medallist Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has expressed her disappointment at missing the 100 metre semi-final but failed to address reports that she was denied entry to the warm-up track only hours before she was due to race.

Fraser-Pryce, one of the greatest sprinters in the sport’s history was a shock absentee when they lined up for the semi-finals of the blue-riband event at Stade de France on Sunday morning (AEST).

A video circulating on social media only moments after her withdrawal showed Fraser-Pryce and American superstar Sha’Carri Richardson waiting outside a gate to enter the facility at the stadium, only for security officials to deny them entry.

There has been speculation that her stoush with security may have contributed to her no-show in the semis, although 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.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce was refused entry into the althetics at Paris 2024. Picture: X

“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.”

In the video, Fraser-Pryce could be seen arguing with Olympic officials as she attempted to make her way into the warm-up track, insisting that she had entered through the gate a day earlier for the 100m heats.

“How can you change the rule and then not say?” Fraser-Pryce said.

“So, they’re asking all the athletes who, for whatever reason, don’t stay in the village, they can’t come through the gate?

“We came through this gate yesterday and went through security and were okay.

“The man said we have to go all the way up where everybody else is entering to come back down here. That’s crazy.”

Mystery surrounds the situation with the legend. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

It’s unclear whether the incident contributed to her decision or the apparent injury that reportedly led to her being scratched from the field.

St Lucia’s Julien Alfred went on to win the 100m final over Richardson, setting a new national record as she claimed the crown as Paris’ sprint queen.

Australia’s lone remaining hope Bree Masters was run out in the semi-finals after finishing seventh in her race.

Masters, who was meant to race against Fraser-Pryce, said she was unaware of why the Jamaican legend pulled out but was disappointed she didn’t get the opportunity to race against her.

“I had no clue,” Masters said.

“I thought she might have been injured, which was really disappointing. I hope she’s okay. But, you know, she’s been one of my idols for a very, very long time.

“And to see that start list coming out - semi-final of death - I was like, I’m so happy to be a part of this.”

Originally published as Paris Games 2024: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce lifts lid on security stoush and missing 100m finals