St. Lucia Sprint Queen Julien Alfred Not Surprised at Olympic Success

PARIS, France – St Lucia’s track queen, Julien Alfred always believed she would overcome the odds and capture gold in the women’s 100 meters at the Paris Olympics.

The 23-year-old stunned the world on Saturday when she stormed to victory in 10.72 seconds, upsetting American pre-race favourite Sha’Carri Richardson to earn her country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal.

Speaking to members of the media after her historic performance, Alfred revealed she had written her accomplishment into existence.

“…When I woke up this morning [Saturday], I wrote it down, ‘Julien Alfred Olympic champion’, so I think that just believing in myself and trusting in myself is what really mattered to me,” the 2024 60 metres World Indoor champion said.

Alfred, who finished fifth in the 100 metres at last year’s World Championships in Budapest, could not contain her excitement after winning her country’s first Olympic medal.

“It means a lot to me. I did it at the World Indoors as well so I definitely knew that St Lucians would be watching and hoping that they could get their first Olympic medal, and it came as a gold. I’m sure they’re celebrating right now.

“…I feel honoured to just be an ambassador for my country. Not many persons know about St Lucia…but I think now being an Olympic champion, I’m sure people will be searching for St Lucia now and I feel so honoured to wear my country’s name across my chest and just be an ambassador for them,” Alfred said.

“I’m sure they’re celebrating right now and I’m just looking forward to the celebrations when I go home with them.”

The former Texas Longhorns standout credited her longtime coach Edrick Floreal for helping her achieve her goal of Olympic gold.

Alfred admitted that Floreal, a former Olympian, had been crucial to her success.

“…Earlier on this year, especially after the World Indoors I was just so hard on myself and feeling so much pressure… but he helped me turn that pressure into motivation.

“He’s been my rock. He’s been there through the ups and the downs and through the hard times. I’m just happy that he never gave up on me. He’s like a dad to me, a mentor to me and I’m just really glad he believed in me and this is why I’m here right now today sitting in front of you guys,” Alfred said.