The 37-year-old athlete, who has previously won two gold medals, a silver and a bronze in the event across five Olympic Games, was listed as a “did not start” on the official records.
Prior to the unfortunate incident, Fraser-Pryce’s preparation for the race was disrupted by security personnel at the Stade de France, who delayed her entry into the stadium.
WATCH FRASER-PRYCE REQUESTING ENTRY INTO THE STADIUM
Video footage circulated on social media platforms showed the renowned sprinter, along with other members of the Jamaican team, engaged in a heated discussion with officials who refused to allow their vehicle to enter the premises. The video also featured American sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson.
“They’ve changed the rules. We came through this gate before but now they’re saying athletes who have left can’t use this gate,” Fraser-Pryce could be heard saying in the video.
Ian Kelly, the Jamaican chef de mission, later informed Reuters that Fraser-Pryce’s nonattendance was attributed to an injury.
“Mrs Fraser-Pryce was allowed to enter the warm up track but from another gate from which she was directed to enter from,” he said.
“There is no truth that she was not allowed to enter the stadium. Unfortunately she was not able to compete due to an injury sustained during her final warmup.”
Julien Alfred from St Lucia emerged victorious in both the semi-final and final of the competition to claim gold, while Richardson secured the silver medal.
In a post on Instagram, Fraser-Pryce, who had in February this year announced her intention to retire following the Paris Games, shared her feelings of disappointment regarding the situation.
“I know that my supporters share and shoulder this disappointment with me,” she wrote. “I’m truly blessed to have had the steadfast support of my fans since my Olympic debut in 2008.”
