The true story behind sprinting legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s dramatic no-show for her 100m semi-final at State de France has come to light.
Shockwaves swept through the Paris when the Jamaican superstar was seen arguing with an official (outside the stadium) ahead of her race four days ago.
Given it was Fraser-Pryce’s fifth and final Olympics, the world went into meltdown when the the vision surfaced and people realised she was not going to take her part in the event.
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It was first reported that the rules had suddenly changed and Fraser-Pryce was trying to enter the stadium through the wrong gate.
At the time Nine commentator Gerard Whateley fanned the flame, saying Fraser-Pryce had “fallen on the wrong side of” the rule.
“She has been denied entry. So, rather than withdrawing, she has (been) withdrawn, and it seems as though there is video evidence of her pleading her case to get in,” he said.
“This is a disaster for Paris if that turns out to be the case.”
In the vision Fraser-Pryce could be heard saying: “You’re asking all the athletes who, for whatever reason, don’t stay in the village, then can’t come through the gate? We came through this gate yesterday and went through security and it was OK! That’s crazy!”
And while the rule change was correct, it was not the reason Fraser-Pryce missed the race.
In fact, she ended up eventually entering through another gate.
Jamaican chef de mission Ian Kelly has since explained what really happened.
“There is no truth that she was not allowed to enter the stadium,” Kelly said in a statement.
“Unfortunately she was not able to compete due to an injury sustained during her final warm-up.”
Fraser-Pryce has also taken to social media to express her disappointment about the injury, although it is still unclear if she will represent her country in 4x100m relay.
“It is difficult for me to find the words to describe the depth of my disappointment,” she said.
“I know that my supporters share and shoulder this disappointment with me.
“I am truly Blessed to have had the steadfast support of my fans since my Olympic debut in 2008.
“The support of my fans, my country, and the larger community has rooted me in immense gratitude that has sustained me throughout my career.”
The relays begin on Thursday night (AEST).