Jamaica's Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has called on the country's track athletes to step up at next year's Tokyo Olympics -- the first since sprint king Usain Bolt hung up his spikes.
The two-time Olympic 100m champ, competing at this weekend's world relays in Yokohama after returning from maternity leave, predicted a bright future for Jamaican sprinting after Bolt bowed out in 2017 with eight Olympic gold medals and 11 world titles.
"It's a totally different feeling without Usain," Fraser-Pryce told AFP.
"But as anything, with time things change. We have a lot of young athletes here and this is a time for them to create a name for themselves.
"I don't think any athlete should try and pressure themselves to fill Usain's shoes," added the 32-year-old.
"What he did was remarkable for the sport, so for us it's just a case of trying to do our best."
"Yes he left a legacy that I don't think anyone will match for a very long time. But we have it to look to as inspiration. I think it's going to be a beautiful transition for Jamaica."
- Sleepless nights -
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"It's still a surreal moment for me because as a mum I would love to bond with my son every day. But you don't get that chance as an athlete. It's very hard to be away."
"But it comes with the territory and competing with such a strong team gives me motivation."
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