Ashoka Road celebrates with Fraser-Pryce
Ashoka Road in Waterhouse, St Andrew erupted into excitement as residents witnessed their favourite sprinter ShellyAnn Fraser-Pryce stun an impressive field at the IAAF World championship in Doha, Qatar, yesterday. Fraser-Pryce, who grew up on that street, captured her fourth World Championships 100m title, and her first since giving birth.
When STAR Sports arrived in Waterhouse at minutes to three in the afternoon, the community appeared scanty, with only a few onlookers at a stall across the road from Fraser-Pryce’s grandmother’s residence, patiently awaiting the start of the race.
However, only one family member, cousin Kemar Johnson, was on hand at the time, and checks by him for other family members at the residence proved futile, as no one was home. Johnson revealed they were out and that most of them would watch the race wherever it was convenient for them.
But as the race drew closer, more persons started filtering in, especially after one resident, Brian, decided to carry out his brand new television so that the community could view the race, instead of an outdated analogue model.
“Ah Shelly ting dis,” one resident commented. “Big TV fi string up,” he added.
WE WANT TO ONE-TWO
As the race inched closer even more spectators began to converge on the spot for the race. Then just before the start of the race another fan commented that: “We don’t need to watch the race, we know who win already.” Another said: “We want to one-two (Fraser-Pryce, Elaine Thompson quinella).”
Moments after the starter sent the sprinters off in the final, FraserPryce got her customary bullet start to lead the field after 30m, the Ashoka Road residents erupted in excitement, as Fraser-Pryce hit her stride, hit the front and blazed to victory in a time of 10.71 seconds.
Johnson said they never doubted the sprint queen’s ability to deliver on the big occasion.
“I feel happy, her hard work has paid off again,” he said. “She has returned to reclaim the World Championship, so we feel elated. From the heats, she looked comfortable and her (final) performance was also superb. She looked smooth and it (final) was a class performance.”
Her grandmother, Phedalia Simpson, who was granted a front row seat for the viewing, said divine intervention was responsible for this victory. “Yes [I knew she would win], if she put her mind to it, because she is very determined. Her performance was good but it is God’s plan, so you have to give Him the praise.”