In a thrilling finale, Julien Alfred secured the 100m title at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, etching her name in history as Saint Lucia’s first-ever Olympic medallist.
This triumph comes on the heels of her world indoor 60m gold medal win in Glasgow earlier this year.
Alfred dominated the field, crossing the finish line in a national record time of 10.72 seconds.
She outpaced world champion Sha’Carri Richardson, who claimed silver in 10.87 seconds, and Melissa Jefferson, who took bronze in 10.92 seconds.
The 23-year-old Alfred drew inspiration from the great Usain Bolt, rewatching his races earlier that morning.
Her remarkable victory ended Jamaica’s reign in the women’s 100m, which had seen their athletes claim the past four Olympic titles.
In a poignant moment, seven-time global 100m champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, competing in her final Olympics, withdrew from the semifinals.
Her compatriot Tia Clayton secured seventh place, while Marie Josee Ta Lou-Smith finished eighth after pulling up and jogging across the finish line.
Alfred’s groundbreaking achievement marks a new chapter for Saint Lucia in the world of athletics.
