JUST HOW FAST IS JULIEN ALFRED? This question is set to dominate the athletic world in the coming days. The steadfast answer is that she is blazing fast—fast enough to put her island nation, St. Lucia, on the Olympic map.

Today, on the iconic purple Mondo track, Julien Alfred etched her name into history. She outran heavyweights like Sha’Carri Richardson, Tina Clayton, Melissa Jefferson, and Twanisha Terry to win the women’s 100m dash—the first-ever victory of its kind in her country’s sporting history.

Imagine the scene: the crowd on its feet, the air electric with anticipation. In just 10.72 seconds, Julien Alfred transformed a nation’s dream into reality. As Sha’Carri Richardson gave everything she had to catch up, it was Julien’s unyielding promise to her nation that propelled her to the finish line first.

This isn’t just a win—it’s a statement, a moment that will be remembered for generations. Julien Alfred’s speed is not just measured in seconds but in the hope and pride, she brings to St. Lucia. This is more than an athletic achievement; it’s a testament to the power of dreams and determination. However, the journey had never been easy. In fact, today, Julien Alfred was about to face Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce for the second time in her athletic career. 

Previously, the duo met each other in the 100m event at the Budapest World Athletics Championships. In the final, she failed to counter the Jamaican legend, as the latter won the night. But at the semi-final round of the 100m dash, Shelly-Ann bowed out, and after the race, the St. Lucian cruised to the final ahead of Sha’Carri Richardson. With, American, she had an evenly standing track rivalry. 

Before coming to the Paris Olympics, the duo met at the 100m track in the Prefontaine Classic this year. SCR took the crown, being the champion, but Alfred remained just 0.10 seconds behind. The American sprinter had an idea of her rival and she was fairly impressed by Alfred’s talent. Exemplifying that taste, Sha’Carri appeared at the Millrose Games this year despite not being a competitor. 

She was there to taste Julien Alfred’s talent with her eyes. That wish was fulfilled, as she could be seen clapping for her rival, who was taking her strides to compete in the 60m indoor event. Ultimately, Julien won the 60m indoor race, and with that, SCR’s admiration for her. In the World Athletics Indoor Championship final as well, Julien took up the highest rank at the podium. Therefore, before coming to the Paris Olympics, she had a balanced preparation. And she has an overwhelming tenacity to make her own way. 

Julien Alfred reminded her fans of her struggle 

This is the first time St. Lucia has had an Olympic winner. So the celebration could be a memorable affair. However, before moving to this pomp, would Julien Alfred remember her past struggling days? 

Since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, St Lucia has sent less than 50 athletes to this biggest platform. Coming from such a background did not help her on the route to glory. She had a lack of confidence, whereas the lack of funding for her preparation and other things created a hole in her dream. “I want people to know first where I’m from… [and] that it took a lot for me to get where I’m at,” she added. But in this episode of her preparation, Julien Alfred provided a few anecdotes. 

“I am a strong woman of God and a hard worker, and that’s made me who I am. That’s why I’m here today.” she roared at the interview. Seriously, all these years, she worked closely to make her dreams come true. From last year’s fifth rank to today, claiming the Olympic medal, she has made an upheaval change for herself. That has proved to be good enough. Let’s hope she will continue to give such flare.