Fraser-Pryce cops top Laureus award

The sixth time was the charm for five-time World Championships 100 metres winner Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce as she finally claimed the Laureus Sportswoman of the Year award.

Fraser-Pryce was presented with the trophy yesterday at the Laureus World Sports Awards in Paris, celebrating the past year in sports. Fraser-Pryce had previously been nominated five times for the award in 2010, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2020.

Last season was a landmark year for the 36-year-old who won her fifth 100 metres title at the World Championships in Oregon and went on to clock seven sub-10.7 seconds, the first woman sprinter to do so.

Describing the achievement as "one of the greatest honours of my career" Fraser-Pryce said she was humbled to be recognised by some of the best sportsmen and women in their craft.

"I was thrilled to be nominated alongside such inspiring women athletes, and to win this award voted for by some of the greatest sportsmen and women of all time, is just amazing," Fraser-Pryce told World Athletics.

Fraser-Pryce was nominated in a group which included World Championships and Olympic Games winner and world record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, two-time women's Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas and grand slam tennis champion Iga Swiatek.

Fraser-Pryce said she doesn't take the honour lightly, as the award reminded her of the power to inspire future athletes.

"When athletes have the spotlight, it's important the example we set is the best that it can be. We have a responsibility to influence the next generation positively, and that's what the Laureus Awards are about," Fraser-Pryce said.

She becomes the second Jamaican to win the award and ensures it stays in Jamaican hands after double sprint Olympic Games champion Elaine Thompson-Herah won the prize a year ago.

Combined, three Jamaican have now won either the Laureus Sportsman or Sportswoman of the Year award, the first being multiple World Championships and Olympic Games champion Usain Bolt, who won the Sportsman of the Year four times.