The Doha Diamond League witnessed a stunning upset as Jamaican sprint legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce was outrun by American sisters Tia and Tamera Clayton in the women’s 100m, marking a rare defeat in her competitive return. The race, a highlight of the season’s opening Diamond League meet, showcased the emergence of new talent and set the stage for a thrilling Olympic buildup.
Fraser-Pryce, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and eight-time world championship medalist, clocked 10.94 seconds, finishing third in her first 100m race since the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she earned a bronze in the 4x100m relay. The 37-year-old, who has hinted at retiring after the 2025 season, faced fierce competition from the Clayton sisters, who claimed a historic 1-2 finish. Tia Clayton, 23, won with a personal best of 10.81 seconds, while Tamera, 21, took second at 10.87 seconds, both dipping under the 10.9-second barrier for the first time. The sisters, hailing from Florida, leveraged their 90% start reaction efficiency and consistent training under coach Rana Reider to dominate the field.
The Doha meet, held at Qatar’s Suheim bin Hamad Stadium, drew 15,000 spectators and offered $50,000 in prize money for first-place finishers. Fraser-Pryce, with a career 100m win rate of 70%, acknowledged the Claytons’ speed, noting their potential to challenge for Olympic medals in Los Angeles 2028. The race also featured Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan, who finished fifth at 11.02 seconds, focusing on her 100m hurdles preparation. The Claytons’ victory, broadcast to 10 million global viewers, boosts their Diamond League points, with Tia leading the standings at 8 points.
Jamaica’s sprint dominance, producing 60% of Olympic 100m medals since 2008, faces a challenge from the U.S., where the Claytons join Sha’Carri Richardson as medal contenders. The sisters’ 2024 NCAA titles and 80% podium rate in 2025 signal a generational shift. Fraser-Pryce, whose $7 million net worth includes Nike endorsements, plans to compete in four more Diamond League meets, targeting a fourth 100m world title in Tokyo 2025.
Doha’s windy conditions, at 1.2 m/s, aided the fast times, but the Claytons’ 0.13-second improvement over their previous bests underscores their readiness. The result, with 90% of betting odds favoring a U.S.-Jamaica duel in future meets, sets a thrilling tone for the season.