Jamaica’s 2008 and 2012 Olympic 100m gold medalist Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce defied a slight pain she felt after her semi-final run and stormed to a world leading 10.71secs for victory over a strong field at the Moscow, Russia World Championships yesterday.
In regaining the title she lost at the 2011 Daegu editon, the 2009 World champion defeated Murielle Ahoure of the Ivory Coast by a wide margin and the defending champion Carmelita Jeter of the USA. Ahoure posted 10.93 for the silver, her first World medal, while Jeter clocked 10.94 for the bronze.
Fraser-Pryce’s compatriot Kerron Stewart was edged out into fifth place in 10.97 by the American champion English Gardner (fourth), who blasted to 10.94 in her very first heat. She was the only semi-finalist to dip below 11 seconds.
Meanwhile, Blessing Okagbare, Nigeria’s pre-race threat to Fraser-Pryce, ended the race in sixth place with 11.04. The African record holder became the main danger to Fraser-Pryce in recent weeks, particularly after she defeated Fraser-Pryce with a 10.79 run at the London Diamond League last month.
Frazer-Pryce begins he quest for the 200m crown on Day 6, August 15.