'Sometimes I Didn’t Have Breakfast'- Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Reflects on Emotional Street Renaming Honor

Jamaican sprint legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.

'Sometimes I Didn’t Have Breakfast'- Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Reflects on Emotional Street Renaming Honor

Festus Chuma 21:00 - 10.07.2025

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce reflects on an emotional honor as her childhood street is renamed to celebrate her legacy.

Jamaican sprint queen Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has opened up about the profound impact of receiving a major honor in her homeland as the street where she grew up was renamed in her honor.

In 2025, Ashoka Road in the Waterhouse community of Kingston officially became Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Drive, a lasting tribute to the Olympic champion’s extraordinary career and contributions to Jamaica.

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The eight-time Olympic medalist, often hailed as one of the greatest sprinters of all time, shared her reflections in an interview with Marie Claire, recalling how the same street once bore witness to her struggles and humble beginnings.

“All of those years I’d walk that street at six o'clock in the morning, often with my head low. Sometimes I didn't have any breakfast. I was always quiet. That day, I stood on that same street with my head held high, alongside my son, my husband, and a whole host of my family,” she said.

Fraser-Pryce’s story has long inspired Jamaicans, from aspiring athletes to young women determined to overcome adversity. Her journey from modest roots to global stardom has become a testament to resilience, hard work, and an unyielding spirit.

Counselor Byron Clarke of the Waterhouse division underscored her powerful legacy not just on the track but within the community. He praised her work through the Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Foundation, which has supported countless families and young athletes.

“Fraser-Pryce's contribution to the community with the help of her foundation is an embodiment of her passion for Jamaica,” Clarke said.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce: A Symbol of Hope for Future Generations

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce

The renaming ceremony drew hundreds of supporters, local leaders, and fellow athletes who gathered to pay tribute to a figure whose life has become a symbol of hope.

With multiple World Championship titles and three Olympic gold medals, Fraser-Pryce has shattered barriers and defied expectations, demonstrating that determination can change not just personal destiny but entire communities.

Before the honor was officially announced, Fraser-Pryce once again demonstrated her generosity and commitment to uplifting others.

The sprint icon donated $50,000 to her alma mater, Wolmer’s High School for Girls, aiming to expand educational opportunities for underprivileged children. The gift was celebrated by educators and students alike, many of whom cited her as their greatest role model.

The moment of standing tall on the street that shaped her early years marked a full-circle triumph for the athlete known affectionately as the “Pocket Rocket.”

Fraser-Pryce said the experience was deeply emotional, reminding her of how far she had come and how much she still hopes to give back.