‘Pocket Rocket’ aiming for gold hat-trick

AWAY from the hysteria that accompanies Usain Bolt every time he steps on to a track, don’t forget there is another Jamaican sprinter bidding to make history in Rio. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is only 5ft tall, but the ‘Pocket Rocket’ will, barring an upset, attempt to win a third consecutive gold medal in the women’s 100 metres tonight — becoming the first female to win three back-to-back Olympic titles on the track. Known for her explosive start, Fraser-Pryce hopes to beat Bolt to the honour of winning three Olympic gold medals in the 100m. The men’s final takes place on Sunday night. ‘That 100m would be so iconic,’ she said. ‘Not only for me, but as a female athlete to do it — and, hopefully, get in before Usain. ‘We’ve never spoken about it but, of course, I would like to have that. So I can tell him I have something he wants. ‘At least I would have something over him!’ Fraser-Pryce, 29, matched Bolt in London by winning the sprint treble — 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay — but one of the world’s fastest women has been second fiddle to her illustrious compatriot. ‘I’m over it,’ she said. ‘Usain is the greatest athlete the world has seen — nobody can take that away from him. ‘But female athletes have also done great things.’ All eyes are on the 100m for Fraser-Pryce because she will not be able to defend her 200m title in Rio after she failed to qualify last month. Elaine Thompson and Dafne Schippers are the favourites to win gold.