Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, mother and champion: “Many people told me that I should retire”

[Inkriql]

This Sunday, the Jamaican Shelly Ann Fraser-Pryce became champion in the 100 meters in the World Athletics Championship that takes place in Doha, Qatar. It was the fourth world title for the athlete who, in addition, confirmed his great return to the foreground after having been a mother two years ago.

With a time of 10.71, the sprinter added the eighth world gold of her career and the tenth medal in her total in this competition, and celebrated it on the track with her two-year-old son Zyon.

"It seems easy, but it took a lot of mental effort to be here," said Fraser-Pryce, 32, after the race was over.
 

The Jamaican talked about how motherhood impacted her life and sports career: “My son is the source of my strength, my inspiration. and I work hard for him. Returning after having a baby and being 32 years old is different. That makes me stronger than before. ”

“I had my son for a C-section and I had to quit the practice for a few months. It was very hard. There were many days when I had to stop practicing because of the pain. Also, I breastfed him for 15 months and there were days when I couldn't go training. Many things have happened, but I wouldn't change them for anything because they made me stronger, ”he told reporters.

The champion also told how, upon learning that she was going to have a child, many people recommended that she put an end to her career, something that never came into her consideration. “When I learned that I was pregnant, many people told me that I should retire, but I never had plans to do so. I always thought about going back. Here I am and I am very excited about that, ”he said.

Fraser-Pryce also told a funny anecdote about how he lived the 100 meters final at the 2017 World Athletics Championships, in which he was unable to participate because of his advanced pregnancy: “I was watching him at my house. At that time I was encouraging Elaine (Thompson) and went into labor to watch the race. Finally, I had my son a day later. ”

The Jamaican, one of the big stars that will be at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, plans to continue competing for at least two more years at the highest level. “I'm 32 years old, I'm a mother and here I am, breaking down barriers. I want to inspire the women of my nation to continue dreaming and believe that anything is possible if you believe in it. Returning after having a baby is possible, running faster after 30 is possible, ”he concluded.