Fraser Pryce Picked Up an Injury Before Losing to Richardson’s USA Team

• Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is understood to have picked an injury during the 4x100m relay race
• Jamaica finished second to the USA with Sha'Carri Richardson pulling away in the anchor leg
• Elaine Thompson-Herah was surprisingly omitted from Jamaica's final team for the relay race

Jamaica's relay team failed to reclaim the 4 by 100m race as the United States of America ran a championship record to defend the title they won on home soil last year.

It was a battle of wits, pitting the newly crowned 100m champion - Sha'carri Richardson - against the two-time 200m champion - Shericka Jackson - who anchored their teams.

Jamaica also had the more-than-formidable five-time world 100m champion, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, in the second leg with Natasha Morrison and Sashalee Forbes filling the other spots.

Richardson was joined by 200m silver medalist in Budapest, Gabby Thomas, along with Tamari Davis and Twanisha Terry.

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A new video has now surfaced online possibly explaining why Jamaica lagged behind their rivals. By the time the baton was reaching Jackson on the last leg, Richardson already had a headstart and despite her best efforts, she couldn't close down the American.

Fraser-Pryce suffered an injury

In the second leg, Fraser-Pryce seemingly picked up an injury on her right leg with around 15m to go before she passed the baton.

The 36-year-old, who is always in full flight when in her stride, appeared to move rather uncomfortably with Terry breathing down her neck.

She nonetheless soldiered on and passed on the baton. Jamaica Gleaner has confirmed that she is set to go for an ultrasound after aggravating a knee injury that delayed the start of her season.

The mother-of-one left the field immediately and was absent during the celebrations.

Fraser-Pryce had earlier earned bronze in the 100m behind Richardson and Jackson. She did not compete in the 200m as she continues to manage her workload in what many believe is her sunset years of an illustrious career.

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Jamaica missing Thompson-Herah

There were also questions about why the fastest woman alive, Elaine Thompson-Herah, was omitted from the final lineup.

Like Fraser-Pryce, Thompson-Herah has had a fair share of fitness concerns this season. She did not make it to either the 100m or 200m teams but was selected for the relay race.

In the absence of Jackson, she ran a beautiful second leg in the heats as Jamaica qualified easily for the finals.

Medal ranking table

The USA has continued with its perfect start to the 2023 World Athletics Championships as they seek to defend a title they won on home soil last year.

Noah Lyles, Ryan Crouser, and Sha'Carri Richardson are among the superstar athletes who have already claimed gold medals for the American team.

Sports Brief takes a look at the current World Athletics Championships medal table as the competition in Budapest, Hungary, enters its final thrilling day.