Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce roared to an unprecedented third women’s 100 metres world title in a flash of green dreadlocks as she emulated countryman Usain Bolt at the World Athletics meet in Beijing on Monday.
The double Olympic champion, wearing a band of yellow daisies in her green-dyed hair, clocked 10.76 seconds to win easily in Beijing, a day after Bolt blazed to glory in the men’s 100m.
“There is always the excitement of running races,” said Fraser-Pryce, adding that she was “happy and proud” with the win.
Fraser-Pryce got off to an explosive start and was never seriously threatened, winning in relative comfort from Dutchwoman Dafne Schippers, who took silver in a time of 10.81 with American Tori Bowie third in 10.86.
“I knew from the start the race was won,” said the pint-sized Jamaican, who captured the world title in 2009 and 2013 but will not attempt to repeat the 100-200m sprint double she achieved in Moscow two years ago.
“Last year was not a good year for me but I was able to work hard and trust the process. It made me even hungrier for this one. Sometimes things are a blessing in disguise.
“I like it when I’m chirpy and happy so I decided to do my hair green,” she said waving her matching green and yellow fingernails. “I got my sunflowers too — I was like a living, walking garden.
“I didn’t know I was the first woman to have won three world titles but, hey, that’s awesome!” she explained. “There was too much emotion, coming back to where it all started in 2008. I was just 21 and nobody knew who I was — I didn’t know who I was at that time.
“My message always is: No matter where you are from, no matter what past you have, it is all about your future and your goals. No matter what comes, I will always work hard and do my best.”
Fraser-Pryce’s task was eased when countrywoman Sherone Simpson, silver medallist at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, missed the final along with Ivory Coast’s Murielle Ahoure, second in the 100 and 200m in Moscow two years. See race below:
