Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s much-anticipated debut for the 2023 season will be postponed after she withdrew from the Botswana Golden Grand Prix.
In a media release dated April 20, 2023, Fraser-Pryce explained that a family emergency was the reason for her withdrawal, saying, “I was very excited to kick off my season in Botswana, and while it comes as a disappointment, I will unfortunately no longer be able to compete in the Golden Grand Prix due to a family emergency.”
The organizers of the event expressed their concern for Fraser-Pryce and her family and wished them well during this difficult time. Although they were looking forward to Fraser-Pryce participating in the women’s 100m race, they are now focused on finding a replacement athlete to fill the gap.
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The event has already sold out all of its grandstand tickets, with 15,000 spectators expected to attend the second-ever Golden Meet in Africa after Nairobi. The latest announcement includes Nigerian World and Olympic medalist Ese Brume, who will be the long jump star, Kenyan 800m specialist, and Eugene bronze winner Mary Moraa, who is confirmed for the 400m.