Hello, Lykkers! We're thrilled to share an amazing tale from the Paris 2024 Olympics with you. Julien Alfred has made history for Saint Lucia by winning the gold medal in the women's 100m race, despite racing through pouring rain.
Her remarkable time of 10.72 seconds not only established a new national record but also achieved Saint Lucia's inaugural Olympic medal in any discipline.
Alfred, who secured her country's inaugural senior global medal with a world indoor 60m gold in Glasgow earlier this year, showcased an exceptional performance.
Positioned in lane six with Sha'Carri Richardson and Melissa Jefferson on either side, Alfred's start was impeccable. Despite Richardson's powerful finish, Alfred proved unstoppable, with Richardson claiming the silver in 10.87 seconds and Jefferson earning bronze in 10.92 seconds.
The race was fiercely contested, with all six top finishers clocking times under 11 seconds. Britain's Daryll Neita finished fourth with a time of 10.96 seconds, ahead of Twanisha Terry from the USA and Switzerland's Mujinga Kambundji.
After her historic win, Alfred shared that she spent her morning revisiting videos of Usain Bolt, the Jamaican sprint legend known for his six individual Olympic titles. Her performance was a testament to her spirit, as she overcame obstacles to achieve this remarkable feat. Alfred's progression from racing barefoot in her school uniform to clinching Olympic gold showcases her unwavering commitment and perseverance.
Reflecting on her success, Alfred expressed deep emotion, highlighting the significance of this victory for her, her coach, and her country. She hopes this gold medal to work as a catalyst for advancing athletics in Saint Lucia, possibly leading to the construction of a new stadium.
Congratulations to Alfred and Saint Lucia once more for their victory! Keep an eye out for more updates!