SAINT-DENIS, France — The title of the fastest woman in the world now belongs to Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia, not Sha’Carri Richardson or Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.
In a surprising turn of events, Alfred clinched the gold medal in the women’s 100M final at the Paris Olympics, held under rainy conditions at Stade de France. She clocked a national record of 10.72 seconds, securing the first-ever Olympic medal for Saint Lucia.
“This achievement means everything to me,” Alfred expressed. “I knew Saint Lucians would be watching, hoping for their first Olympic gold, and I’m thrilled to have delivered. I’m sure they are celebrating back home.”
Sha’Carri Richardson claimed the silver with a time of 10.87 seconds, while Melissa Jefferson took the bronze, finishing in 10.92 seconds.
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Alfred shared that she started her day by writing down “Julien Alfred, Olympic champion,” a personal affirmation that ultimately became reality.
“Believing in myself and trusting my abilities was key,” Alfred remarked.
Richardson entered the final as the favorite, having set the world’s fastest time this year at the U.S. Olympic Trials with a 10.71-second run. However, Alfred’s extraordinary performance in her Olympic debut saw her triumph over Richardson.
In a race that lacked some expected star power, notable absences included Jamaica’s top sprinters. Elaine Thompson-Herah was sidelined with an Achilles injury, Shericka Jackson withdrew just before the competition, and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce unexpectedly scratched before the semifinals.
Alfred, who ran for the University of Texas, had the third fastest time globally coming into the Paris Olympics. She previously won the 100M at the 2022 NCAA track and field championships with the Longhorns.
Now, as the 2022 NCAA champion and an Olympic gold medalist, Julien Alfred has made history as Saint Lucia’s first Olympic medalist.
