Julian Alfred, Olympic gold winner, finished her 2024 sprinting season with a magnificent and classic victory in the Brussels Diamond League on 13th September 2024. In women’s 100m, she took home another ‘Gold’ medal, retaining her title as the “fastest woman in the world”.
Julian Alfred defeated World Champion and US’s celebrated athlete- Sha’Carri’Richardson. Earlier in Paris 2024, Alfred beat Richardson in the women’s 100m final. At the last Diamond League of the 2024 regular season in Zurich a few months ago, the American got her own back.
At the end-of-season finale, it was chilly in Brussels, Alfred made an excellent start beside British sprinter Dina Asher-Smith, with Richardson dropping off the pace. Despite being in leggings in the cold, Marie Josee Ta Lou-Smith chased the group, with the reigning world champion unable to bridge the gap.
At the end of the Brussels Diamond League on 13th September 2024, Alfred took first in 10.88, with Asher-Smith just behind her, taking second place at 10.92. Ta Lou-Smith came home third in 11.05, ahead of Daryll Neita. With a podium finish out of reach, Richardson eased down inside the last 10 metres to cross the line in seventh place in 11.23. It ends a wonderful year for Alfred as the winner of St Lucia’s first Olympic medal in Paris, adding a 200m silver to her 100m gold.
Julien Alfred’s back-to-back global wins have earned her the unbeatable title and brought pride to her country. In Paris, she made history with an outstanding 10.72 sprint and won her first-ever Gold for St Lucia in the 100m, followed by another medal in the 200m at the Olympics.
Julien Alfred made history by winning two medals in the same Olympics for St Lucia, securing a silver behind Gabriele Thomas. She capped off 2024 by claiming a perfect gold medal victory at the Diamond League. Overcoming the defeat, she has been racing to finish the “Sprinting” for herself to become World Indoor 60m Champion, Olympic Gold and Silver Medalist, and Diamond League Champion.
Following her victory, Julien Alfred reflected on her pre-race journey and stated she was not under any pressure. She added, “I have changed my mind and removed the pressure from my mind after Zurich, and now I am happy with the results. I tried just to focus on my lane and avoid getting panicked.”
When asked about her country, she said,” I am happy that I am going home, seeing my people and my family again and celebrating happiness with them. ”
St Lucia has been preparing a grand welcome for the star as she plans to return home to home on September 24, 2024. Citizens have planned many programmes such as the Motorcade Rally and a celebration concert during which Julien Alfred will meet her family, friends, and the nation’s people.
September 27th will be celebrated as “Julien Alfred Day,” a national holiday in honour of Julien Alfred.
