Castries, Saint Lucia: Julien Alfred- an athlete from small island Saint Lucia has stunned the world and won the gold medal in the women’s 100m at the 2024 Paris Olympics. With a breathtaking time of 10.72 seconds, she clinched the first-ever medal for her country and for the Caribbean at the global stage.
Defeating US favourte and reigning world champion Sha’ Carri Richardson, Alfred set a new national record and sent shock waves among the developed worlds. The latter won the silver in 10.87 seconds and another American Melissa Jefferson claimed bronze with 10.92 seconds.
Alfred’s monumental victory excited Saint Lucians and the Caribbean region as the social media was flooded with the wishes, waves of emotions and experience of the scripted history. On Saturday, sprinter not only win her first Olympic medal, but also finished the drought of the medals for Saint Lucia in the championship.
Julien Alfred won semi-final 2 earlier in the day and defeated Richardson in the process by posting a time of 10.84 seconds. In the final, she again showcased her talent and skills, defeating a US athlete to win the historic medal.
The victory left the world wonder how an athlete from small state came and dominated the stage in no time. Netizens lauded her dedication and determination to place the name of her country on the map and said,” Wow! Saint Lucia, a small country, smaller than Umboi Island, with less than 200,000 population pulling this off! WoWSome. Congratulations”
For sending shock waves across the United States, Alfred has been garnering huge appreciation for her performance as people voiced that the small states or limited resources could not stop someone who has an unlimited strengthen.
After missing the Tokyo Olympics, Alfred returned to the track stronger and dominated the stage in a proper class and determination.
Now, Julien Alfred has been gearing up to represent Saint Lucia in 200m race today at Paris Olympic 2024 as the round 1 will start at 4: 55 am according to Saint Lucia’s time.
The second round of the game will take place on August 5, 2024 at 6: 50 am and semi-finals will be held at 2: 45 pm. The finals will be held at 3: 40 pm on August 6, 2024.
Saint Lucia will also be represented by Michael Joseph in Men’s 400m which is also commence today and will run through Men’s 400m.
The girls of the Caribbean region has been mapping their country’s name at the global stage as Thea Lafond from Dominica also won gold- first ever medal for country in the Triple Jump.