Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Opens Up on How Hometown Inspired Her Flamboyant Look on the Track

Jamaican sprint legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is more than just a dominant force on the track, she’s a cultural icon.

With five Olympic appearances, three gold medals, and a personal best of 10.6 seconds in the 100 meters, Fraser-Pryce is celebrated as the third-fastest woman in history.

But in addition to her electrifying speed, she is equally recognized for her vibrant, ever-changing hairstyles, a trademark she says is as intentional as it is empowering.

In a recent episode of the Marie Claire podcast Nice Talk, Fraser-Pryce delved into the story behind her bold on-track aesthetic and how it’s rooted in both personal motivation and cultural pride.

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For Fraser-Pryce, colorful hair is more than flair, it’s part of her preparation.

“I’m knowing where I’m going. I’m knowing the color of the flags. I know what color I did the year before and that I don’t want to do anymore,” she said on the podcast.

The planning process adds excitement and helps ease the pressure that comes with high-stakes competition.

“It forces you to kind of take your mind off the competition,” she explained.

“Because it can help you to really just settle the nerves and not make the competition the sole focus.”

Unlike athletes who choose to be hyper-focused and reserved before races, Fraser-Pryce finds that keeping things light, through self-expression, helps her perform at her peak.

“If you constantly make everything about the competition, it makes the moment too big that you feel like you can’t fit in the moment.”

Beneath the dazzling colors lies a deeper narrative, one grounded in the vibrant style and resilient spirit of Fraser-Pryce’s hometown.

Born and raised in the Waterhouse area of Kingston, Jamaica, the sprinter says her bold aesthetic pays tribute to the culture of the inner city.

“They’re known for styles like big earrings, gold teeth, different wigs and colors. That’s how they represent,” she shared.

“For a lot of persons in my inner city or from Waterhouse, it’s making a statement. It’s like, ‘Hey, I’m here.’ You know, showing up. It’s representing that boldness and just standing out.”

Whether blazing down the track or showcasing her heritage with every color in the rainbow, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is running with purpose and proudly bringing Waterhouse with her every step of the way.