‘Great things often come from humble beginnings,’ and Julien Alfred’s story is living proof of that, isn’t it? She left Saint Lucia at a young age, but who could have guessed she’d come back as the fastest woman in the world? After grabbing the Paris 2024 gold after outpacing athletes like Sha’Carri Richardson. What a win, right? Now, think about it: the USA, with 346 million people, has churned out the most Olympic 100m champions, and Jamaica, with just over 2.8 million, has been the powerhouse for years. So, how is it that a tiny island of just 179,929 people like Saint Lucia could produce a champion like Alfred? Seriously, what more could she have asked for in that moment?

It was a rainy night in Paris, the kind of downpour that makes you wonder if the universe has a hand in writing the story of the moment. Everyone was expecting Sha’Carri Richardson to take the gold. She was the big name, the favorite, the one everyone had their eyes on. But out of nowhere, Julien Alfred flew down that wet, purple track, leaving Richardson and the rest of the field behind. It wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. Saint Lucia had never won an Olympic gold before, never even bagged a silver or bronze, but there she was, making history in the rain.

What made Alfred’s victory so incredible wasn’t just that she won; it’s how she did it. Despite the conditions and the rain pouring down like crazy, she stayed cool, calm, and collected. No one had a perfect start as the race began, but Alfred? She hit that acceleration phase like a pro. Her technique was flawless, smooth, and powerful, every stride pushing her closer to the finish line. By the time she hit 40 meters, it was like time slowed down. You could feel it: this was her moment. She crossed the line in 10.72 seconds, leaving Richardson in second place at 10.87 and Melissa Jefferson taking bronze. It wasn’t a close race; it was Alfred’s race to own. And there she was, in the pouring rain, wrapped in Saint Lucia’s light blue flag, crying tears of joy.

But here’s the thing: this wasn’t even Alfred’s first taste of history in 2024. Remember the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships in March? Alfred made headlines there too, winning the 60m final with a time of 6.98 seconds, pulling ahead in the final stretch to grab the gold. And with the season wrapping up, it’s clear—2024 was her year. Travis Miller even shared on X that Alfred became the first athlete ever to win both the World Indoor 60m title and the Olympic 100m title in the same year. The praise came pouring in fast; people couldn’t stop talking about how legendary her season was.

Fans are furious that Julien Alfred didn’t win Athlete of the Year!

One fan put it perfectly: “I’ve been saying this for the longest. I don’t understand how she didn’t win Athlete of the Year.” Honestly, can you blame them? Julien Alfred’s year has been nothing short of amazing. She’s the Olympic champion in the 100-meter dash, a silver medalist in the 200 meters, and the first athlete from Saint Lucia to win an Olympic medal. So, she won the Best Female Athlete Award at the ANOC Awards in Cascais, Portugal, in October 2024; it felt like the perfect way to cap off such an incredible season.

That said, Alfred didn’t snag the World Athlete of the Year title, though it was a tough race. That went to Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who had an incredible year herself, winning the Olympic 400m hurdles in Paris and breaking her own world record twice. Both of them had such standout seasons, and while Alfred may not have taken home that particular title, there’s no denying she’s earned her spot among the world’s best!

Another fan couldn’t help but share their excitement, “Congratulations Queen Ju. You continue to put us on the world map. I am extremely proud of you as a person and an athlete, the world is you platform. Do your thing Queen. Bless up!” And it wasn’t just one person; another fan chimed in, saying, “She’s a beast! I love this for her.” It’s clear that Alfred has earned a whole lot of love and respect from fans all around the world, and it’s only growing!

One fan pointed out, “Don’t forget the Diamond League title!” and honestly, how could we? Recall September 2024, Julien Alfred emerged as the winner of the women’s 100m champion in the Diamond League Final in Brussels, leaving Sha’Carri Richardson in the eighth position. This was yet another fantastic event in an already incredible year for Alfred. Of course, she had won the Paris 2024 100m final prior to her clash with Richardson, but the latter triumphed in the Diamond League in Zurich earlier in the month. But once again Alfred had been defeated this year, proving that the track belonged to her. Alfred backed off crossing the line in a time of 10.88 seconds.

One fan was totally pumped, saying, “JUJU IS GOING TO BOSTON 🤘 100m Olympic Champion Julien Alfred 🇱🇨 will be contesting the 60m at the New Balance Indoor Prix on February 2nd!” Another fan chimed in, “Hope to see her dominate the next few years!” And honestly, they might be onto something; Alfred is heading to Boston, and it’s going to be exciting! She’ll be competing alongside some huge names like Noah Lyles, Grant Holloway, Parker Valby, and Jake Wightman at the 2025 New Balance Indoor Grand Prix.

What’s even more exciting? This will be Alfred’s very first appearance at the event! Given what she has achieved, it would not be unthinkable to expect her to dominate the 100m race once more. In the end, Alfred’s gold was not only for her but for the entire Saint Lucia and for anybody who ever wished against all the odds. We can only wait for her to see what she does next!