Julien Alfred has never been one to make a move without a plan. So when she stepped away from the 60m sprint this indoor season—giving up her chance to defend her world title—it wasn’t just a random decision. It was part of something bigger. Back in February, at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, the St. Lucian star set the track world buzzing with her unexpected announcement: No 60m races for her this season. Instead, she lined up for the 300m. It left fans wondering—why the switch? What was she up to?

Then, after her dominant 300m win on February 2, Julien finally gave a glimpse into the strategy. Speaking to track and field host Tiara Williams, aka Tee, she dropped a hint: “We’re working on my strength and endurance… most of the in and out would be 300, 400. But you know, I’m just going according to what he has planned for me.” That alone was enough to fuel speculation. Was Julien eyeing a future in the 400m? Was she building something massive for the outdoor season? Fast forward nearly 60 days, and guess what? The mystery is unraveling. And, just like before, she chose Tiara Williams to share the next colossal piece of the puzzle. What did she reveal? 

Julien Alfred has been playing the long game this season—literally. When she opted out of the 60m indoor races, fans were left guessing. But the pieces of the puzzle are finally coming together.

On March 29 at the Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays, Alfred stepped up in the 4x400m relay, delivering a jaw-dropping 49.8-second split—the fastest of the field. The clock told one story, but her body told another. “I mean, the way I finished, although my bu** was tight, I do feel good and I feel a lot more confident in my strength. I love that,” she admitted to Tiara Williams, post-race, pain and all. Her endurance work is paying off, but here’s where things get even more interesting. In that same conversation, Alfred casually dropped a major detail: “We do have one more 300 to run. But then, that’s like next week. And then we’ll be focusing on my 100 and 200.”Boom. There it is.

Julien Alfred’s final 300m of the season is set—April 5 at the Miramar Invitational. And after that? It’s go-time for her true calling: the 100m and 200m. This isn’t just another race; it’s the last checkpoint before she unleashes her full sprinting arsenal. If her 49.8 split was any indication, the speed, strength, and endurance she’s been building are about to collide in a blazing outdoor season. But notice one key factor. On April 5, Julien will enter the Miramar event. At the same time, Grand Slam Track will host the women’s 100m/200m events in the National Stadium, Kingston, Jamaica. Despite being the reigning Olympic champion in the women’s 100m event, Alfred is ready to miss the GST event. Why? 

Julien Alfred’s absence in the Grand Slam Track 

Michael Johnson knows a superstar when he sees one. And right now, he’s all in on Melissa Jefferson. In a recent chat with Citius Mag, the four-time Olympic champion didn’t hold back his praise: “Melissa is a superb athlete, and quite clearly one of the fastest women in the world.” He’s got a point. Jefferson was one of the best sprinters last season, and she proved it by snagging the Olympic bronze medal in the 100m final in Paris. Now, she’s gearing up for another monumental moment—competing at the Grand Slam Track event in Kingston, where she’ll try to assert her dominance in Johnson’s newly minted professional league. But what about the woman who beat Jefferson in that Olympic final?

That’s right—Julien Alfred. The St. Lucian speedster, who took down the competition in Paris, is nowhere to be found on the GST entry lists. No announcements, no teasers, no hints. Simply put—Alfred never showed any interest in competing in Johnson’s league. Why?

It’s likely a matter of timing. With a tight outdoor schedule, including her 300m finale at the Miramar Invitational on April 5 and an imminent focus on the 100m and 200m, Alfred has other priorities. She’s building toward something bigger. While Jefferson makes waves in Kingston, Alfred is plotting her own path. And when these two cross paths again on the international stage? Expect fireworks.