Julien Alfred: Saint Lucia’s Historic Olympic Champion

Julien Alfred, a 23-year-old sprinter from Saint Lucia, made history at the 2024 Paris Olympics by winning the women’s 100m gold medal. Her stunning victory not only secured Saint Lucia’s first-ever Olympic medal but also set a new national record of 10.72 seconds.

Alfred’s journey to the top began with her early success in youth competitions. In 2017, she won the 100m gold at the Commonwealth Youth Games and followed it up with a silver medal at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games. Her talent and dedication continued to shine through as she transitioned to the senior level.

In 2022, Julien Alfred made her mark on the global stage by winning silver in the 100m at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, finishing behind Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson-Herah. This achievement set the stage for her breakthrough performances in 2023 and 2024.

At the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, Julien Alfred qualified for the 100m and 200m finals, finishing fifth and fourth, respectively. This experience prepared her for the ultimate challenge at the 2024 Olympics.

Alfred’s Olympic journey began with a heat win in the 100m, clocking 10.95 seconds, the fourth-fastest time overall. In the semifinals, she faced off against world champion Sha’Carri Richardson and the legendary Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. 

However, Fraser-Pryce withdrew due to injury, leaving Alfred to battle it out with Richardson. Alfred edged out Richardson with a time of 10.84 seconds, setting up a highly anticipated final.

In the 100m final, Alfred lined up alongside Richardson in lanes 6 and 7. From the start, Alfred charged out of the blocks, putting immediate pressure on Richardson. As the race progressed, Alfred continued to accelerate, leaving Richardson unable to catch up.

Julien Alfred crossed the finish line in a new national record and personal best of 10.72 seconds, making history as Saint Lucia’s first Olympic champion. Richardson claimed silver in 10.87 seconds, while her American teammate Melissa Jefferson took bronze in 10.92 seconds.

Alfred’s victory was celebrated not only by her nation but also by the global athletics community. In her post-race interview, she paid tribute to her late father, who passed away in 2013, and expressed her gratitude to God, her coach, and her supporters.

The Saint Lucian sprinter’s success extends beyond the Olympics. Earlier in 2024, she won gold in the 60m at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow, becoming Saint Lucia’s first world indoor champion. This achievement, along with her NCAA titles and collegiate records, solidifies Alfred’s status as one of the rising stars in women’s sprinting.

Julien Alfred’s historic triumph at the 2024 Paris Olympics has not only made her a national hero but has also inspired a new generation of athletes from Saint Lucia and around the world. Her journey from youth competitions to the pinnacle of Olympic success is a testament to her hard work, determination, and unwavering belief in her abilities.