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Julien Alfred Makes History for Saint Lucia with 100m Gold at Paris 2024-Dominant Performance Secures First Olympic Medal for the Caribbean Island
Julien Alfred, a 23-year-old sprinter from Saint Lucia, stormed to victory in the women’s 100m final at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Her win not only secured her a gold medal but also marked a historic moment for her nation, becoming Saint Lucia’s first-ever Olympic medallist.
USA Medal Winners at Paris Olympics 2024: A Complete List
Alfred Powers Through Rain and Competition
The Stade de France witnessed a thrilling race despite the pouring rain. Alfred dominated the final, leaving her competitors behind with a commanding lead. She crossed the finish line in a national record time of 10.72 seconds, a clear margin ahead of the pack. American favorite Sha’Carri Richardson followed closely behind with a silver medal finish (10.87 seconds), while Melissa Jefferson (10.92 seconds) secured bronze for the USA.
British Athletes Fall Short of Podium
Great Britain’s Daryll Neita finished fourth in 10.96 seconds, narrowly missing out on a medal. This result marked the best finish for a British female athlete in an Olympic sprint final in 64 years, but it was not enough to secure a podium position. Dina Asher-Smith and Imani-Lara Lansiquot, Neita’s teammates, faced disappointment after failing to advance to the final.
Emotional Celebration for Alfred
Alfred’s victory was filled with emotion. Overcome with joy, she celebrated far beyond the finish line, tearing off her name tag and raising it high for the crowd. Her triumph was dedicated to her late father, who passed away in 2013. “He passed away in 2013. Dad, this is for you. I miss you. I did it for him, I did it for my coach and God,” she said.
A Season of Success for the Rising Star
Alfred announced her presence on the world stage earlier this year by winning the world indoor 60m gold medal, another first for a Saint Lucian athlete. She has consistently improved throughout the season, setting a new national record with a personal best of 10.78 seconds in June. Her 200m best also received a significant improvement, dropping to 21.86 seconds last month in London.
Training in Texas and Inspired by Bolt
Based in Austin, Texas, Alfred trains under coach Edrick Floreal alongside British sprinter Dina Asher-Smith. She reached the finals in both the 100m and 200m at the 2023 World Championships, finishing fifth and fourth, respectively. Alfred’s dedication and talent have shone through, and she now looks ahead to the 200m event in Paris, aiming to create further history. Following in the footsteps of Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt, Alfred revealed, “I’m not going to lie, it was all Usain Bolt’s races this morning,” referring to her pre-race inspiration.
Saint Lucia Celebrates a National Hero
With a population of fewer than 200,000, Saint Lucia has participated in seven previous Olympic Games without ever securing a medal. Julien Alfred has shattered that barrier for her nation, bringing home a stunning gold medal and igniting national pride
Julien’s achievements and titles:
| Category | Event | Medal | Year | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Bests | 100 m | 10.72 NR | 2024 | Paris |
| 200 m | 21.86 NR | 2024 | London | |
| Indoors | 60 m | 6.94 =AR | 2023 | Albuquerque |
| 200 m | 22.01 NR | 2023 | Albuquerque | |
| Olympic Games | 100 m | Gold | 2024 | Paris |
| World Indoor Championships | 60 m | Gold | 2024 | Glasgow |
| Central American and Caribbean Games | 100 m | Gold | 2023 | San Salvador |
| Commonwealth Games | 100 m | Silver | 2022 | Birmingham |
| Youth Olympic Games | 100 m | Silver | 2018 | Buenos Aires |
| Commonwealth Youth Games | 100 m | Gold | 2017 | Nassau |
https://www.bbc.com/sport/olympics/articles/ce588vrd6mpo
https://worldathletics.org/athletes/saint-lucia/julien-alfred-14646562
Here’s the table summarizing Julien’s progression in the 100 meters:
| Year | 100 Metres (Time) | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 12.34 | Port-of-Spain (TTO) | 17 MAY 2014 |
| 2016 | 11.77 | Kingston (JAM) | 18 MAR 2016 |
| 2017 | 11.53 | Kingston (JAM) | 11 MAR 2017 |
| 2018 | 11.64 | Kingston (JAM) | 23 MAR 2018 |
| 2019 | 11.39 | Fayetteville, AR (USA) | 26 APR 2019 |
| 2022 | 10.81 | Terry & Linda Fuller T&F Complex, Lubbock, TX (USA) | 14 MAY 2022 |
| 2023 | 10.83 | Hornet Stadium – Sac St., Sacramento, CA (USA) | 27 MAY 2023 |
| 2024 | 10.72 | Stade de France, Paris (FRA) | 03 AUG 2024 |
Here’s a table with Julien’s personal information:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Juju |
| Born | 10 June 2001 (age 23) |
| Birthplace | Ciceron, Castries, Saint Lucia |
| Education | Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School, St. Catherine High School, University of Texas |
| Height | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) |
| Country | Saint Lucia |
| Sport | Track and field |
| Event | Sprints |
| College Team | Texas Longhorns |
| Coached by | Edrick Floreal |