Jamaican sprinter Tia Clayton has sparked controversy with her recent remarks about fellow Jamaican athlete Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce following her victory at the Diamond League meet in Doha. Clayton, who clinched the 100m title with a personal best of 10.86 seconds, was asked about her thoughts on Fraser-Pryce’s performance. In a candid response, Clayton stated, “She’s been around long enough to know that age catches up with everyone. Maybe it’s time for the younger generation to take over.”

Fraser-Pryce, a two-time Olympic champion, has been a dominant force in sprinting for over a decade. Her recent performances, however, have shown signs of slowing down, leading to speculation about her future in the sport. Clayton’s comments have been met with mixed reactions, with some praising her confidence and others criticizing her perceived disrespect towards a seasoned champion.

The rivalry between Clayton and Fraser-Pryce has been building over the past year. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Clayton finished seventh in the 100m final, while Fraser-Pryce withdrew from the semifinals due to an undisclosed injury. Clayton’s recent victory in Doha has further fueled the narrative of a changing of the guard in Jamaican sprinting.

As the athletics season progresses, all eyes will be on how this rivalry develops and whether Clayton can continue to back up her bold statements with performances on the track.