Julien Alfred‘s drive and resilience can be defined in one moment in her sprinting career. Remember her silver medal at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires? While the world watched her gracefully stand on the Olympic podium, after finishing in 11.23 seconds, there was something the world did not see. Her thoughts were elsewhere with her late dad and her aunt who had passed right before her trip to Argentina. “My dad passed away five years ago and he always hoped to see me compete here today,” she revealed right after.

All that heaviness and grief but, Alfred did not falter with her performance! The difference between her and gold medallist Rosemary Chukuma is two-hundredths of a second. This silver was not just a testament to her speed but also an ode to her burgeoning talent. It was the moment that put her name in sprinting history forever!

The trials of raising Julien Alfred as a single mother

Julien Alfred’s rise to the Olympic tracks is grounded in her mother’s love and support. As a single parent, Julien’s mother’s journey has not been an easy one, however, she added, “I honestly didn’t face much of a challenge. Because this was a coach (Edrick Floréal) who was committed, I guess he saw her talent, right?” she explained. “When I met with him, I spoke to him about her, and he met her and everything. I guess he saw something that we did not see.”

Julien’s mother didn’t support her emotionally but took decisive action to ensure her daughter had the best opportunities. Julien’s mother added, “I am blessed and I am humble and I am thankful that… in spite of a few fallbacks that she had, she decided to continue.” Julie’s strong support system duo of her mother and coach, acts as a launchpad in her life, from where her success takes off.

Who coached Julien Alfred for the Paris Olympics?

So, who’s been behind the scenes, coaching Julien Alfred and guiding her to Olympic glory? Enter Coach Edrick Floréal, the man behind the rich athletic career. Floréal is known for his track record with athletes like Rhasidat Adeleke and Leo Neugebauer. He took on as Head Track and Field Coach at the University of Texas in 2018. He has been an indispensable part of Julien’s journey since. With his training and guidance, Julien won the NCAA titles in both 100m and 200m.

Floréal’s influence goes beyond just impressive stats! It is also a journey of pushing your players towards constant growth. At the 2023 World Championships, the world saw her qualify for the 100m finals. But unfortunately finished fifth by narrow margins. As the Paris Olympics approach, Julien has qualified 60m race. Will she make it to the Olympic podium? The world awaits answers! With her mother and coach by her side, the world is awaiting an exhilarating journey regardless of the outcome.