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It was a surprise withdraw from the Jamaican sprinter.
WASHINGTON — Jamaica's Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce did not race in Saturday's 100-meter semifinal heat.
The sprinter was a top contender for the dash and no reason was given for two-time Olympic champion's late scratch. This is the 37-year-old's fifth and final Olympics.
Fraser-Pryce's withdrawal means the entire podium from the last Olympic 100, including Shericka Jackson and Elaine Thompson-Herah, will not be in the final this time.
The Olympian previously won the 100 in 2008 and 2012.
She's the second sprinter from Jamaica to withdraw from the 100-meter dash.
Just days before the track and field events got underway, Shericka Jackson of Jamaica announced she will not be participating in the race due to an injury she suffered earlier this month.
“It was a combination of things," Jackson said. "I got hurt, and me and my coach felt like it was a good decision to only run one event.”
Sha’Carri Richardson overcame a slow start to qualify for the Olympic 100-meter final despite finishing second to Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia.
In a race featuring the two fastest Olympians in the field this year, Alfred finished in 10.84 seconds, a full body length and .05 seconds ahead of the reigning world champion.
During the final, Richardson will try to become the first U.S. woman to capture Olympic gold in the sport's marquee event since Gail Devers in 1996. Marion Jones won the 100 in 2000 but later had the medal stripped for doping.
This is a developing story. Check back later for more updates.
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