Fraser-Pryce aims to deliver ‘something special’ in Doha

After an absence of nearly three years, Jamaica's Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce will return to Diamond League competition, as the five-time World 100 metres champion is one of 10 Jamaicans set to compete at today's Doha Diamond League in Qatar.

Fraser-Pryce, whose last appearance at a Diamond League meet was in Zurich in 2022 -- where she won the 100 metres in 10.65 seconds -- is promising something special on her return today.

"For me, the last two years I've raced sparingly, so I really want to get back into that rhythm. I want to get back into some competitive races and just know where I'm at," Fraser-Pryce said at the pre-meet press conference on Thursday. "My focus remains sharp, and I approach this season with the same levels of discipline, passion, and determination that have defined my career. Every race is an opportunity, and I'm committed to making each one count.

"I want to win. I want to run fast. That hasn't changed."

Fraser-Pryce, who withdrew from the semi-finals of the 100 metres at last year's Olympic Games in Paris , opened her season with a wind-aided 10.94 seconds last month in Kingston. Since then, she has represented Jamaica at the World Relays in China, where she ran the second leg of the 4x100m relay team that finished third to claim bronze.

The Jamaican says her preparations have been going well, saying she wants to do well as Doha holds a special place in her heart.

"Training has been fantastic -- by far the best year I've had in terms of training in the last three years," she said, pointing to the flexibility of her schedule.

"Days when I'm not feeling 100 per cent, I have the flexibility to take that time, regroup, and go again," she noted. "That's made a huge difference. It's not just about working hard any more, it's about working smart.

"So I'm really looking forward to just executing and putting the race together tomorrow. I think it's going to be special and I am excited to be in Doha, where 2019 was special," Fraser-Pryce said of her performances on returning to action after delivering her child.

Six years ago, at the World Championships in Doha, Fraser-Pryce won the 100 metres gold medal, clocking 10.71 seconds. On that occasion, the Jamaican took her fourth world title in the 100m and her eighth overall. She also added another gold at the meet by running the backstretch on the sprint relay team. Other members of that team were Natalliah Whyte, Jonielle Smith and Shericka Jackson, including Natasha Morrison who ran in the heats.

Fraser-Pryce is now eyeing another performance at the World Championships, to be held in Tokyo, Japan.

"Being that the World Championships is all the way in September, I think it works for some of us," she said. "You peak for that one championship and then you're done. I actually like that set-up. You don't have to regroup and find energy for more races after that, which can be hard, mentally and physically."

In the women's 100 metres, she will be joined by three other members of the relay squad from the World Relays in Natasha Morrison and Tina Clayton, who ran in the finals, and Tia Clayton, who competed in the preliminary round.

Two other Jamaicans will feature in track events, with Rasheed Broadbell in the men's 110m hurdles and Malik James-King in the men's 400m hurdles.

Olympic triple jump silver medallist Shanieka Ricketts will be one of four Jamaicans competing in field events. She will contest the women's triple jump, going head-to-head with Olympic champion Thea LaFond of Dominica.

Fedrick Dacres will compete in the men's discus throw, while Raymond Richards and Romaine Beckford will line up in the men's high jump.

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