Above: Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce

Caribbean Journal is proud to name Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce as our 2012 Sportswoman of the Year.

Fraser-Pryce, defended her gold medal in the 100m in Beijing in 2008 with a repeat in London, along with a pair of silvers in the 200m and the 4 x 100m relay, respectively.

The repeat golds in the 100m represented the first time anyone outside of the United States had accomplished the feat.

The “pocket rocket” finished this year’s 100m final in 10.75.

Fraser-Pryce was part of a Jamaican squad that took home the country’s largest-ever medal haul, with 12 medals — including four golds — good for 18th in the world in London.

Fraser-Pryce, a native of Kingston, is just 25 (she turns 26 this week, in fact), and we hope that she’ll make Jamaica proud again in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 by winning a third 100m in a row.

Her success this year exemplifies the best of Caribbean sporting excellence and sportsmanship.

It’s also a reminder of the power and prowess that extends far beyond the Caribbean’s shores.

Congratulations, Shelly-Ann!

— CJ