Julien Alfred’s journey in 2024 season has been nothing short of legendary! So much so that the St. Lucian has been declared a national hero after winning individual Olympic medals at the Paris Olympics. Among those shining moments, the highlight was when she defeated the fiery Sha’Carri Richardson! Yet, despite the flurry of celebrations awaiting her back home, Alfred’s focus remains unshakably set on one goal—her final face-off at the Diamond League, Brussels!

As per the schedule, the reigning Olympic champion will lock horns against the runner-up in the 100m event in the Diamond League final. The score between them is set at 2-2 this season after St. Lucian’s defeat to Sha’Carri in the Zurich Diamond League. Therefore, several things are at stake, especially regarding proving the undisputed reign in the women’s 100m event. And so, with the crown of 2024’s undisputed 100m queen on the line, tension is palpable.

“Sometimes we just have to look at the losses that we have and use it as motivation to get to where we want to go.” Alfred reflected thoughtfully ahead of the showdown. Hinting towards her defeat at Zurich, she also added, “You know the world is coming to an end when some things don’t go in our way.” Even so, her track history has been quite noteworthy.

Finishing second in the 200m event at the London Diamond League before the Paris Olympics, Julien Alfred has consistently delivered her best! In 100m races, the 23-year-old has secured both first and runner-up positions in previous Diamond Leagues.

Reflecting on her season, she remarked, “Throughout this Diamond League season, I’ve really used my resources.” She also boasted overpowering nervy moments on the track and winning her flowers. However, the world indoor champion has not seen anyone as her opponent throughout this endeavor. 

Julien Alfred vs Sha’Carri Richardson – the bittersweet relationship on track 

After the Zurich Diamond League, Sha’Carri Richardson seemed to double her efforts to reclaim the women’s 100m throne from Julien Alfred. Recently, she was seen practicing alongside Christian Coleman. In Brussels, she will look forward to shaving a few seconds from her timing in Jurich. But Julien Alfred does not seem to pay much attention to the scenes. 

Rather, before the much-awaited event, she could say, “I never run against anyone, I do it for myself and just want to finish the season in style. For the same reason, I’m not focused on times either.” Moreover, she is not ready to term the 100m event as the revenge game. It could be a fine start in her career after her fifth-place finish in the 100m event at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest last year. So, now the tone seems to be perfectly set for the event of Sha’Carri Richardson and Julien Alfred. Let’s not call it a revenge game anymore.