We are Sleeping on A Remarkable Feat
Shelly Ann Fraser-Pryce officially became the fastest woman alive after running 10.63 seconds 2 days ago at the Kingston invitational in Jamaica. This run made her the second fastest woman of all time and her 10.63 the fourth fastest time ever only bettered by Flo-Jo Griffith with her 3 fastest legal times in 1988.
Unfortunately this time my not get as much glamour and attention as it should because it is technically not a World record. But if you decide to look in-depth into women's sprinting history you would realize why this run was truly something special.
Only four women in history have ever run below 10.70 seconds - Flo-Jo Griffith, Fraser-Pryce, Marion Jones and Carmelita Jeter. Now the jury is very much out on Marion Jones as we all know how her story went, and Flo-Jo Griffith's World record, as well as her short-lived career has remained controversial till this day. The World record of 10.49 seconds was allegedly aided by excessive tailwinds that could not be detected due to an alleged faulty anemometer. Quite frankly considering she (Flo-Jo) never got below 10.6 seconds with legal times again, it certainly lends credence to the suspicion. That leaves Jeter and Pryce with times of 10.64 and 10.63 respectively.
34 and Strong
Another factor to consider is the level of consistency and longevity Fraser-Pryce has had. Perhaps the greatest female sprinter of all time, and certainly the most decorated, she has unbelievably managed to peak again in her career as a late bloomer and a mother. For someone who announced that she'll retire after 2022. going by current form I reckon she could still be among the very best in the World in 5 years if she wanted to.
Next up for her will be the Olympics where she has a chance to further cement her legacy and add to her 2 previous gold medals. She will undoubtedly be entering as the favorite but is expected to face stiff competition from 21 year old American Sha Carri Richardson who has run 10.72 this year. It will definitely be one of the events to watch out for.
While Flo-Jo's time may not be broken anytime soon, we are indeed witnessing the very best of sprinting from who many will agree to be the greatest female sprinter alive.
I absolutely think Flo-Jo's time was suspect. It's so odd how these times were set in the 80s but there has been no time improvement in women sprinting in 30+ years?
Men's records have continually improved but women have stayed static, I find it to very difficult to comprehend.
Nice writing and best wishes :-)
Nice article but Flo Jo was as crooked as they come lol. I know Marion Jones couldn't beat it even when se was doped up. Unfortunately they all seem to be doing it and have certain steps to combat detection.