Julien Alfred opens up on how training in Jamaica shaped her experience
Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 28.11.24. | 08:40
Now, at just 23 years old, the sprint sensation stands at the forefront of a new generation of sprinters
Paris 2024 Olympics 100m gold medalist Julien Alfred proudly represents Saint Lucia, but her path to greatness was shaped in Jamaica.
Training on the island as a teenager, she immersed herself in a sprinting culture defined by legends like Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.
Her dedication paid off years later when she stunned the world, clocking a jaw-dropping 10.72 seconds to claim gold in the 100m final.
The race not only overshadowed the absence of sprinting legend Fraser-Pryce but also dashed the hopes of crowd favorite Sha’Carri Richardson. For Alfred, this victory was just the beginning.
“When you hear Jamaica, you know about sprinting, the top athletes… One of the reasons I went to Jamaica was because of the sprint culture… Wanting to be a part of that culture,” Alfred explained.
Alfred’s meteoric rise to stardom has been extraordinary. From a relatively unknown athlete to Saint Lucia’s first-ever Olympic gold medalist, she has defied the odds and etched her name among the world’s sprinting elite.
Speaking on the FloTrack podcast, Alfred acknowledged the challenge of defending her title and has since intensified her training to meet it.
“Defending your champion status is usually a lot more difficult than winning the championship itself. Training has been so different this year. It’s been a lot harder than before… We’re preparing for the World Championships next year,” she said.
The Paris Olympics marked the beginning of a dominant season for Alfred. She faced off against Richardson again in the Diamond League final, delivering another victory over her American rival.
Alfred’s composure and consistency earned her the prestigious Female Athlete of the Year award, capping off her breakthrough season.
Her success, however, goes beyond medals. For Alfred, every race is an opportunity to represent her country on the global stage.
“For me, it’s just getting to the point that I want to get to, working hard towards that, putting my country on the map, proving to myself that I belong among the great athletes,” she shared.
As she prepares for the upcoming 2025 Tokyo World Championships, Alfred remains focused on solidifying her place among the greatest sprinters in history.
“My motivation is to be the best in the world, to be my best self, the best athlete I can be, and to prove to myself that I belong here,” she said.
Now, at just 23 years old, the sprint sensation stands at the forefront of a new generation of sprinters.
With an Olympic gold medal, a stellar season, and an unyielding drive, Alfred is ready to defend her crown and inspire a legacy that transcends the track.
