Is this the changing of the guard?

Article by Mia Milano 

No one stays on top forever. Sooner or later, a new star rises.

At the Wanda Diamond League in Doha on Friday (May 16), sprint queen Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce came fourth, beaten by both Tina and Tia Clayton, with Tia winning the women’s 100-metre dash, in 10.92 seconds.

The Clayton twins have been making steady progress, and the hard work is paying off. Tina Clayton looks fit and strong and is in good form for this season.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce was expected to win this race and must be a little disappointed, but the season is still early and she will it is hoped put in better performances.

The last Olympics were not particularly good for the Jamaican team, and questions were being asked as to whether the conveyor belt of sprint champions can continue.

The answer is yes, and the Clayton twins are showing just that.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Elaine Thompson and Sherika Jackson are legends, albeit ageing legends. Can they push the sun back in the sky for one more summer of glory?

At 38, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is on a farewell tour. Does she have it in her to win one more gold medal at the World Championships? She’s up against a strong, competitive field with younger rivals. Gabby Thomas has proven she will be hard to beat. Then you have St Lucia’s Julien Alfred, who stole the show at the last Olympics. Of course, Sha’Carri Richardson has to be in the conversation. The British and Spanish girls cannot be ignored.

Then you have Elaine Thompson-Herah, now 32, plagued by injuries and coaching changes.  Can she muster another victory and prove her doubters wrong?

Shericka Jackson, at 30, is in her prime, and this will not be her last hurrah. Again, she didn’t have a good Olympics and will be out to prove a point at the World Championships.

These three champions now must contend with a threat from their much younger countrywomen. Can experience overcome youth and vitality? We will see. 

Briana Williams should by now be staking her claim, but seems preoccupied posing on Instagram and modelling. Has her window passed?

It is highly unlikely that Shelly-Ann, Elaine, Shericka, Tia, Tina, and Bianca can all qualify for the sprints. Some will be disappointed and will not make it to Tokyo. This only proves Jamaica has strength in depth when it comes to women’s sprinters.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce was gracious in defeat and demonstrated just how good she is at addressing the press. The way she conducts herself is admirable. She has gotten better over the years and is the consummate professional. Others can learn from her here.

The Mama Rocket said, “ It’s been a while since I competed consistently. I’m glad that I finished healthy, which is good. I look forward to going back, building and getting ready for the next one.

“Doha is a great place to be. In 2019, I won my World Championships here. The atmosphere here is electric, and the reception has been wonderful. I was excited to be able to come back here again.

“It’s a long season, so I’ll continue to work and just hope for the best.”

Well done, Tia and Tina Clayton. Keep working and keep getting ahead at the finish line.