BREAKING: Julien Alfred wins women’s 100m to claim Saint Lucia’s 1st medal ever at Olympics

In a thrilling race at the Stade de France following a heavy downpour, Julien Alfred secured the gold medal with a time of 10.72 seconds, while Sha’Carri Richardson, the pre-race favorite, finished second in 10.87 seconds.

Julien Alfred’s victory in the women’s 100m at the Paris Olympics marked her as the fastest woman in the world and awarded Saint Lucia its first Olympic medal ever.

Here are four key facts about Julien Alfred:

1. Saint Lucia’s First Olympic Medallist:
Saint Lucia, a Caribbean island with a population of around 180,000, celebrated its first Olympic medal through Julien Alfred’s historic win. From Castries, the island’s capital, Alfred had always aspired to be Saint Lucia’s first Olympic gold medallist.

2. Discovered by a School Librarian and Trained in the USA:
Julien Alfred’s athletic talent was initially identified by her school librarian. After her potential was recognized, she trained in Jamaica as a teenager before moving to the United States. She attended the University of Texas, where she became a multiple-time NCAA champion.

3. Overcoming Personal Tragedy:
At around 12 years old, Julien Alfred briefly left athletics after the death of her father. Encouraged by her coach to return, she continued to pursue her dream, fulfilling her father’s belief that she could be an Olympian. After winning gold, Alfred dedicated her victory to her late father, who had always believed in her potential.

4. Influence of Usain Bolt:
To prepare for the 100m final, Julien Alfred watched footage of Usain Bolt, the legendary Jamaican sprinter. Inspired by his execution, she celebrated her win in a Bolt-like fashion, marking the greatest moment of her career on the Olympic stage.

Julien Alfred’s journey from being discovered by a librarian to becoming Saint Lucia’s first Olympic medallist underscores her resilience and dedication to the sport.