UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Fraser-Pryce wants to dip below 10.70
It is the quest to do something that only three women have done in the history of the sport which is preventing her from retiring to the role of a fulltime mom to her son, Zyon, Fraser Pryce told The Sunday
WHEN SHELLY-ANN Fraser-Pryce announced to the world her intention to return to track and field after giving birth to her son, many questioned what could be pushing the diminutive athlete back into the sport. She had practically achieved all there is to achieve in the sport, having won multiple global titles in the sprint events.
But it is the quest to do something that only three women have done in the history of the sport that is preventing her from retiring to the role of a full-time mom to her son, Zyon, Fraser-Pryce, told The Sunday Gleaner yesterday after participating in the first SFP/Hugh Senior 5K run-walk race in Waterhouse.
“I haven’t achieved everything. I just think, time-wise, I believe I can dip below the 10.70 barrier,” Fraser Pryce said. “I know I can do it. You just have to put your foot forward and commit yourself and just work hard towards it. A lot of persons may think that coming back from a baby is hard. Listen, every day is hard. Training itself is hard, so I am looking forward to the challenge.”
She continued: “I always tell people that I was a full-time student when I first won at the Olympic Games and I had to stay up and study. So that gave me a lot of practice to be a mom and to continue to run.”
The three athletes who have gone under 10.70 seconds are world record holder in the event Florence Griffith-Joyner (10.49) and fellow Americans Carmelita Jeter (10.64) and Marion Jones (10.65). Fraser-Pryce and her training partner, Elaine Thompson, are close with personal best times of 10.70 seconds.
“I have always said to myself that if they can do it, you can do it too,” Fraser-Pryce said.
PLEASED WITH PROGRESS
And the former Wolmer’s Girls standout believes that she is on pace to doing it as she is pleased with the progress made since she resumed training last September.
“Training is good. I had my son eight months ago, so I am back in the full swing of things. I have had some hiccups, but nonetheless, it is still wonderful. I am back to where I am supposed to be in terms of what my body is feeling. I am really excited about next year,” Fraser-Pryce explained.
Though she is not ready yet to reveal when she will make her official return to competitive action, Fraser-Pryce said that track and field fans would see her back on the track soon.
I haven’t achieved everything. I just think, time-wise, I believe I can dip below the 10.70 barrier