Saint Lucia’s Julien Alfred secured a historic gold medal in the 100m sprint at the 2024 Paris Olympics, marking a significant milestone in her career and for her nation. Her triumph came in a fiercely competitive field featuring Sha’Carri Richardson, who led the world rankings in 2024, and Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, an eight-time Olympic medalist and three-time Olympic champion. While many expected either Richardson or Fraser-Pryce to claim gold, Alfred delivered a stunning performance that redefined expectations.
The Lead-Up to Victory
Before the semi-finals, an unexpected turn of events disrupted the plans of Alfred’s main competitors. Both Richardson and Fraser-Pryce faced logistical issues after opting for private transportation rather than the athletes’ shuttle. Arriving late, they were denied access to the warm-up track. Fraser-Pryce subsequently withdrew due to an undisclosed injury, while Richardson competed without a proper warm-up, leaving her off her usual form.
In the semi-finals, Alfred showcased her dominance with a time of 10.84 seconds, the fastest of the round. Richardson and Jamaica’s Shericka Clayton both followed closely at 10.89 seconds. Reflecting on this performance, Alfred expressed a newfound confidence, saying that crossing the finish line in the semi-final gave her a strong belief that the final was hers to win.
The Final Race
Heading into the final, Alfred remained composed and focused on execution. At the starting blocks, she burst forward with remarkable acceleration, gaining an early lead in the first 10 meters. Richardson, on the other hand, experienced a slight delay in reaction time, which hindered her performance. Alfred maintained her momentum throughout the race, crossing the finish line in 10.72 seconds, a national record for Saint Lucia. Richardson finished second in 10.87 seconds.
This victory marked Saint Lucia’s first-ever Olympic gold medal. Alfred’s coach, Edrick Floreal, kept her grounded by reminding her that more challenges lay ahead, but the win was a moment of immense pride for both Alfred and her country. She reflected on her achievement, stating, “The way the time turned out was the best thing that could have happened.”
Beyond Paris: What’s Next?
Alfred’s Olympic gold adds to an impressive list of accomplishments, including victories at the World Indoor Championships and the Diamond League finals. Despite her success, Alfred remains focused on the future, particularly on claiming a World Championship title. She noted that while she has Olympic titles in the 100m, she is yet to secure World Championship titles in the 100m or 200m.
At just 23 years old, Alfred has already established herself as a track star. Her career began in 2015 when she won the Central American and Caribbean U15 championship. More recently, she earned silver in the 200m at the Paris Olympics, finishing behind Gabby Thomas with a time of 22.08 seconds.
A Legacy for Saint Lucia
Alfred’s achievements have brought immense pride to her nation. In an interview, she declared, “I’m a proud Lucian forever and always.” Her historic gold medal victory has also earned her the title of Female Athlete of the Year from the World Athletics Association.
Looking ahead, Alfred is preparing for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo. She remains committed to improving both physically and mentally, aiming to solidify her position as one of the world’s top sprinters. As she continues to excel, Alfred’s journey serves as an inspiration, not just for her country but for the global athletic community.