On a night of unforgettable triumph in Paris Olympics 2024, Julien Alfred fulfilled a childhood dream and achieved something her tiny Caribbean nation had never seen before: an Olympic gold medal. The 23-year-old sprinter, hailing from St. Lucia, blazed through the 100m final in a dazzling 10.72 seconds, becoming the eighth fastest woman in history and delivering St. Lucia’s first-ever Olympic medal.
Alfred’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. As she crossed the finish line, her joy was palpable—her disbelief gave way to elation as she tore off her bib and pointed proudly to her name. This remarkable victory came against formidable competition, including pre-race favorite Sha’Carri Richardson from the USA, who secured silver with a time of 10.87 seconds. Melissa Jefferson, also from the USA, took bronze in 10.92 seconds, while Britain’s Daryll Neita finished just shy of a medal in 10.96 seconds, reflecting on her close yet elusive dream.
Reflecting on her journey, Alfred recalled her humble beginnings: “Growing up, I used to run barefoot, in my school uniform, all over the place,” she shared. Despite the lack of proper facilities in St. Lucia, her passion for running persisted. Her breakthrough came at just six or seven years old, when her PE teacher noticed her potential. After a brief hiatus from the sport due to personal loss, Alfred returned to the track with renewed determination, even traveling alone to Jamaica at the age of 14 to further her training.
The inspiring figure of Usain Bolt played a pivotal role in Alfred’s rise. On the morning of the race, she drew motivation from watching Bolt’s Olympic victories, writing down her goal: “Julien Alfred, Olympic champion.” As the rain poured just before the race, Alfred remained composed, quickly establishing her dominance from the start and leaving her competitors behind.
Richardson’s struggle was evident, as she faltered out of the blocks and failed to recover her usual grace. Despite her status as the world champion and favorite, the Olympic stage proved too daunting. Her performance highlighted the immense pressure of the Games, continuing the streak since 1996 of no American female 100m Olympic winners.
For Alfred, the night was not only a personal triumph but also a tribute to her late father, who passed away in 2013. “I hope he’s proud,” she said, dedicating her win to him. As she prepares for the women’s 200m, Alfred’s victory has already etched her name into the annals of track and field history, bringing hope and pride to St. Lucia and inspiring future generations.
