The love story between Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Jamaica is second to none.

I can’t remember another Jamaican being shown that affection. Not the charismatic Prime Minister Michael Manley. Not Bob Marley, the greatest Reggae Singer when he was alive, nor the greatest sprinter of all time Usain Bolt.

But Fraser-Pryce, the 38-year-old affectionately called “Pocket Rocket” or later “Mommy Rocket” is the darling of Jamaican athletics. One cannot remember hearing a negative comment about her.

Fans at the Stadium witnessed the changing of the guard on the track but not in their hearts.

Young Tina Clayton crowned herself the Queen of Jamaican sprinting with a personal best of 10.81, but it was the third-placed runner Fraser-Pryce that got all the adoration, overshadowing the brilliant Clayton.

The crowd stood in admiration of Fraser-Pryce, widely considered the greatest female sprinter of all time and cheered her as she walked passed the Grandstand for the last time.

The graceful Fraser-Pryce waved to her adoring subjects as the applause grew louder with every step she took, booking her eighth Jamaican team to the World Championships.

Fraser-Pryce, who won ten (10) gold, five silver medals and a bronze, is the only sprinter to win five World Championships in the 100m in 2009, 2013, 2015, 2019 and 2022. Her win in 2019 made her the first mother in 24 years to claim a global 100 m title.

She is also a two-time Olympic 100m champion in 2008 and 2012 and won triple gold at the 2013 World Championship, capturing gold in the 100m, 200m and 4×100 relay.

But outside of her outstanding performances and achievements, what makes her the darling of the track to the Jamaicans is her personality and her willingness to engage fans and journalists.

She was honoured at the end of Friday night with a floral bouquet so large that even the organisers couldn’t lift it to present it to her.

Before the National Championship started, Fraser-Pryce announced on her social media that this would be her final Trials and that she was filled with gratitude for the journey.

“Jamaica your love has carried me and your pride has fuelled me. Every step I’ve taken has been with you beside me. Thanks for your unwavering belief in me,” said Fraser-Pryce.