Tia Clayton: Why Receiving Baton From Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce in Her Last Ever 4x100m Dash Was Special

Jamaican sprinter Tia Clayton has explained how receiving the barton from Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce in what was her last ever race representing Jamaica at the international stage was a special feeling, especially given she is one of the new crop of athletes tipped to maintain the country’s dominance.

Fraser-Pryce confirmed that the 2025 World Athletics Championships was her last event representing Jamaica, and she bowed out in style, as she helped the country clinch silver in the 4 by 100 meter women’s relay.

The legendary athlete was in the lead-off leg, before passing the barton on to Clayton, who then passed it on to her twin sister Tina, before she handed the barton over to Jonielle Smith, who anchored the side to second place.

In so doing, Fraser-Pryce, 38, literally and figuratively, passed the barton over to one of the next generation of athletes during the race.

Speaking to the media afterwards, Clayton, who suffered an unfortunate injury that prevented her from making the Jamaican side in both individual sprint events, explained why the moment was so special for her.

“It was such a great feeling, knowing this was her final lap and that she passed the baton to me,” she said. “

"It’s very special. Shelly has always been someone who motivates us, and to share that moment with her is something I’ll never forget.”

Clayton’s silver medal was made all the more special given that she had missed out on competing in the individual sprints due to injury setbacks earlier in the season. She explained how difficult it was to bounce back, but insisted that the relay gave her an opportunity to prove her worth.

“I just came out here to do my best. Honestly, I wanted a medal so badly. Unfortunately, I didn’t make the team for the 100m, so this was my first real chance to contribute — and it helped us win a silver medal. That means a lot to me.”

Typically an anchor runner, Clayton revealed that she was still adjusting to her new position in the relay but embraced the challenge:

“This was only my third time passing the baton. I usually run anchor, so stepping into this role was definitely a challenge. But I think I handled it well, and for my third time doing it, I’m proud of how I managed.”

Despite the frustrations of missing out on individual events, Clayton found strength in resilience.

“It was hard, really hard. I knew I was capable of making the team, but injuries held me back. This sport can be unfair — things happen that you don’t expect. When I went to the Diamond League and didn’t get the wild card, it really hit me.

"But I told myself, ‘You need to get back up, this isn’t the end.’ So I came here determined to give my all in the 4x1, because I knew my team needed me.”

For Tia, the moment was doubly special as she shared the podium with her twin sister Tina, with whom she hopes to build a lasting legacy in Jamaican sprinting.

“It’s very special. We hope to have many more years of moments like this together. When we leave track and field, we want to leave behind a legacy — the ‘Twin Turbo.’ We want our names in the good book, remembered for what we did together.”

With Fraser-Pryce now passing the torch, the stage is set for young stars like Tia and Tina Clayton to write the next chapter of Jamaican sprinting history.