Jamaican sprint queen Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce on Sunday surged to an unprecedented fourth 100m crown and US legend Allyson Felix broke Usain Bolt’s record gold medal tally as returning new mothers lit up the World Championships in Doha.
Fraser-Pryce and Felix, both racing in their first major championships since taking time off from the sport to have children, lit up a pulsating third day of competition, even if the action was played out inside a near-empty Khalifa Stadium.
The 32-year-old Fraser-Pryce, who skipped the 2017 championships to give birth to her first child, delivered a barnstorming run to take the 100m in 10.71 seconds.
Photo: AFP
Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith took silver with a time of 10.83, while Ivory Coast’s Marie-Josee Ta Lou claimed bronze in 10.90.
“To be standing here as world champion again after having my baby, I am elated,” Fraser-Pryce said. “The females keep showing up. We love to put on a performance and for me I am just really happy to come away with the win.”
Fraser-Pryce was in control from the gun, rocketing out of the blocks and taking the lead in the opening 20m. From that point there was only going to be one winner, and the veteran Jamaican swept over the line majestically to add to the world titles won in 2009, 2013 and 2015, before setting off on a victory lap carrying her two-year-old son, Zyon.
The two-time Olympic champion’s dominant display was the highlight of a day which also saw US track queen Felix win a record 12th World Championship gold medal.
Felix only returned to the sport in July after a 13-month layoff which saw her give birth to her daughter, Camryn, by emergency caesarean section in November last year.
The 33-year-old, who failed to qualify for the individual 400m, took gold in the 4x400m mixed relay as the US motored to victory in a world record time of 3 minutes, 9.34 seconds.
Felix’s 12th gold medal broke Jamaican legend Bolt’s record tally of 11 World Championship gold medals.
Overall, Felix now has an incredible 26 medals, a dazzling haul that also includes six Olympic golds.
“So special, to have my daughter here watching means the world to me,” Felix said. “It’s been a crazy year for me.”
Felix later paid tribute to the support of Fraser-Pryce as she worked her way back to fitness this season.
“We’ve talked a lot this year and been there for each other,” Felix said. “She’s been an amazing support. I’m just thrilled to see her back on top and better than ever, and I hope that is an inspiration to others. I know that she’s an inspiration to me.”
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