In a major upset at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia stormed to victory in the women’s 100 meters, capturing the first Olympic medal in her nation’s history.
Alfred’s stunning performance saw her edge out the USA’s Sha’Carri Richardson, the reigning 100m world champion, in a rain-soaked Stade de France.
The 23-year-old Alfred crossed the finish line in a blazing 10.72 seconds, leading from start to finish.
Richardson, who was widely expected to clinch gold and become the first American woman to win the 100m Olympic title since Gail Devers in 1996, settled for silver with a time of 10.87 seconds. Fellow American Melissa Jefferson completed the podium, taking bronze in 10.92 seconds.
Alfred’s triumph was not only a personal victory but also a historic moment for Saint Lucia, a country that only began competing in the Olympics in 1996.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Alfred dedicated her win to her late father, who passed away in 2013.
“He believed that I could do it,” she said, recalling her childhood dreams of Olympic glory.
Growing up, Alfred faced numerous challenges, including training without proper shoes and facilities.
“We barely have the right facilities,” she lamented.
Alfred, who honed her skills at the University of Texas, expressed hope that her gold medal would inspire improvements in track and field infrastructure in Saint Lucia and encourage the sport’s growth.
The race unfolded dramatically, with Alfred setting the tone in the semi-finals by finishing ahead of Richardson with a time of 10.89 seconds.
In the final, Richardson was slow out of the blocks and could not catch up to the relentless Alfred, who confidently eased up as she crossed the finish line.
Richardson, who had framed her Olympic campaign as a redemption story after being barred from the Tokyo Olympics due to a positive marijuana test, was left to ponder what went wrong.
Her journey to the pinnacle of her sport seemed fated, especially after key competitors, including Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson-Herah and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, were ruled out due to injuries.
However, Alfred’s imperious run ensured that any hopes Richardson had for Olympic gold were dashed.
As Alfred celebrated her monumental victory, wrapped in her country’s flag and greeted by an appreciative crowd, Richardson was left reflecting on a campaign that had promised so much but ultimately fell short.
Alfred’s victory brings pride to her Caribbean homeland. It marks a new era for Saint Lucian athletics on the global stage.
