'She didn't feel her best': John Steffensen reveals coy twist in sprint legend's withdrawal
Updated . First published
John Steffensen believes Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce's withdrawal from the 100m is more likely due to a combination of error in routine and stress, rather than an injury.
The huge controversy began brewing at the athletics track in Paris after the Jamaican sprint legend, who is the winner of eight Olympic medals, was absent as the second semi-finalists made their way to the starting blocks.
Shortly after, footage surfaced online of Fraser-Pryce and Sha'Carri Richardson being denied entry into the venue and instructed to enter via a different gate.
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But Steffensen does not believe that was the sole reason for her absence.
"I think it was more along the lines of she didn't feel her best," he said on Stan Sports' Olympics Daily.
"[Rumours] are saying that her hamstring could have been a little bit tight.
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce was a shock withdrawal from the women's 100m semi-finals. Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images
"She didn't get the best of warm ups. They are trying to put the two together that she couldn't get into the track then the warm up and the stress was put on her.
"She is in the September of her career and she's performing unbelievably. It was just unfortunate not to see her out there."
Jamaica chef de mission Ian Kelly said the five-time Olympian's absence was due to an injury picked up during her limited warm up.
"Fraser-Pryce was allowed to enter the warm-up track, but from another gate from which she was directed to enter from," Kelly told Reuters.
"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 warm-up."
(L-R) Gladymar Torres of Team Puerto Rico, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce of Team Jamaica and Rani Rosius of Team Belgium compete during the Women's 100m Round 1 Heat 6 on day seven of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on August 2, 2024 in Paris, France. Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images
While there was immediate speculation that she had picked up an injury, Nine commentator Gerard Whateley confirmed a late change to how athletes are allowed to access the track and field facilities appeared to be the likely culprit.
"There has been a rule change in the warm-up area and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has fallen on the wrong side of it," he said.
"She has been denied entry rather than withdrawing ... it seems as though there is video evidence of her pleading her case to get in.
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"So this is a disaster for Paris, if that turns out to be the case, if there is something that's changed between yesterday and today ahead of the semi-finals and the greatest ever female sprinter has been denied access to the stadium to compete in a semi-final.
"That's right up there with the Seine being unfit to swim in."
Fraser-Pryce has since released a statement via social media - but the sprinter failed to clarify the reason behind her withdrawal.
"It is difficult for me to find the words to describe the depth of my disappointment," she said via Instagram.
"I know that my supporters share and shoulder this disappointment with me. I am truly Blessed to have had the steadfast support of my fans since my Olympic debut in 2008.
"The support of my fans, my country, and the larger community has rooted me in immense gratitude that has sustained me throughout my career. With every step and win, you all have been there for me.
"My faith has always affirmed my trust in my journey. Thank you for continuing to be with me today and every day. "
According to Nine's Tamsyn Lewis-Manou, the initial venue entry issue may have been because Fraser-Pryce did not arrive at the venue in a team bus.
"When she didn't show up, it was weird," the former Aussie athlete said.
"We heard whispers there were problems on the warm-up track that she couldn't get in. Apparently, there's a new rule that you couldn't get in unless you were on a team bus.
"She's probably not staying at the village. She's probably come in on her own and they haven't let her in. She's got a son, she might've wanted to see him before she competed.
"There is a whisper there is a hamstring issue. There is footage of her looking not too happy ... if it is the case, [it's] super disappointing not to have her there."
Fraser-Pryce is still listed to run in Jamaica's 4x100m relay team, making an injury-forced withdrawal unlikely.
