Letter of the Day | Shelly-Ann’s life lessons for Jamaica

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is more than a sprint legend; she is the embodiment of perseverance, humility, and excellence. Rising from Waterhouse to the world stage, she has proven that greatness can emerge from the most humble beginnings. Her journey reminds us that Jamaica’s strength lies not in where we start, but in how we commit to running our race with discipline, courage, and purpose.

Her countless medals and record-breaking performances are not just personal triumphs – they are national treasures. Each time she stepped on the track draped in national colours she showed us the power of preparation, resilience, and consistency. She faced injuries, doubters, and setbacks, yet returned stronger each time. Similarly, Jamaica’s development as a nation requires resilience – the ability to rise above challenges such as crime, inequality, and economic hardship, and to keep pressing forward with renewed energy and strategy.

Shelly-Ann is not only celebrated for her speed but also for her character. Her humility in victory and grace in defeat teach us that true greatness is not just about achievement, but about how we carry ourselves and uplift others along the way. In nation-building, this translates into values of integrity, respect, and unity – principles that must guide our leaders and citizens if we are to grow stronger together.

Her legacy also reminds us of the importance of investing in people. Behind her success were coaches, teachers, and a community that believed in her potential. Jamaica, too, must invest in education, innovation, and the empowerment of its people. Just as her coaches sharpened her natural talent into world-class excellence, so too must we sharpen the potential of our youth to become the innovators, leaders, and visionaries of tomorrow.

Finally, Shelly-Ann’s iconic smile – always radiant, even under the pressure of competition – symbolizes hope. She teaches us that no matter the hurdles, we can face our challenges with determination and optimism. Jamaica’s future depends on this same spirit: believing in ourselves, celebrating our victories, and never losing hope in what we can achieve together.

Her name will forever echo across the world, but her greater gift is the example she leaves us at home. Her life says to Jamaica: Run your race with purpose. Stay grounded. Invest in your people. Rise after every fall. And never lose hope in your own greatness. As she has carried our flag to the highest podiums, so too must we carry her lessons in building a Jamaica that is fast, strong, united, and unstoppable.

LEROY FEARON JR