Fraser-Pryce makes shortlist for Female Athlete of the Year award

Jamaica sprint queen Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has predictably been named to a shortlist for the 2019 IAAF Female World Athlete of the Year award.

The 32-year-old Fraser-Pryce set the track alight at the Doha World Championships, this year, after clocking 10.71 to claim a fourth 100m world title. The diminutive athlete is back to the peak of her powers after taking time off to have her first child two years ago. Fraser-Pryce’s winning time was the fastest in the world over the distance this year, edging out compatriot Elaine Thompson’s 10.73.

Joining the Jamaican on the overall list of 1 athletes is Beatrice Chepkoech, Katarina Johnson-Thompson, Sifan Hassan, Brigid Kosgei, Mariya Lasitskene, Malaika Mihambo, Dalilah Muhammad, Salwa Eid Naser, Hellen Obiri and Yulimar Rojas.

Fraser-Pryce, who won the award in 2013 after claiming the sprint double at the Moscow World Championships, will face stiff competition for the top prize.

Muhammad broke the world record with 52.20 at the US Championships and went on to improve that mark to win the world 400m hurdles title in 52.16. She then added the 4x400m title to her accolades.

Hasan claimed the world 1,500m and 10,000m titles in Doha with world-leading times of 3:51.95 and 30:17.62. She also won the IAAF Diamond League 1,500m and 5,000m titles in addition to breaking the world mile record with 4:12.33.

Bahrain’s Eid Naser won the world 400m title in 48.14, the third-fastest time in history. She also won the Diamond League title and three gold medals at the Asian Championships.