Three-time World 100m champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is expecting a baby.
Fraser-Pryce, who, following this new development, will not be able to defend her world title in London this summer, made the announcement via her social media pages on Wednesday morning.
She won 100m world titles in 2009, 2013 and 2015.
“All my focus heading into training for my 2017 season was on getting healthy and putting myself in the best possible fitness to successfully defend my title in London 2017. But life is filled with many blessings with God. So here I am thinking about being the greatest mother I can be with my biggest blessing and the promise God made me,” the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympic Games 100m champion wrote on her page.
Fraser-Pryce, Jamaica’s most decorated sprinter at the senior level, was quick to point out she will not retire from the sport.
“Moving forward on this journey, I look forward to seeing you all in 2018 when I return to competition on tracks and around the World,” Fraser-Pryce, who in 2011 married Jason Pryce.
Olympic sprint double champion and Fraser-Pryce’s MVP teammate, reacted “A magical time that every woman awaits to have in her lifetime, to carry a soul within her, being pregnant is such an inspirational time for any woman. It brings the joy of being able to nurture an angel coupled with the pain that does not let her sleep for weeks or months. A magnificent time which brings a new life to the world, pregnancy makes a woman grow to be a kind and loving mother. Congratulations boo can’t wait to see the one to call me aunty Elaine ?#proud mom#happiness #angel#trackbaby?#?????#am excited ✌? @realshellyannfp ?. Happy Women’s International Day”
Fraser-Pryce thanked her sponsors NIKE, GraceKennedy and Digicel for their unwavering support while adding “and a loyal fan base that’s willing to join and share in my journey.”
She ended with Psalm 127:3 “Children are a heritage from The Lord, offspring a reward from him.”