In a historic moment at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia clinched the gold medal in the women’s 100m, finishing with an impressive time of 10.72 seconds. This remarkable achievement not only secured her the top spot on the podium but also marked the first-ever Olympic medal for Saint Lucia.
Alfred’s journey to this historic achievement is a story of resilience and determination. Growing up in Castries, Saint Lucia, Julien’s sprinting talents were first recognized by her school’s librarian when she was just in grade one or two, often racing against boys and outperforming them. However, her athletic pursuits were momentarily halted following the tragic passing of her father, Julian Hamilton, when she was twelve. It was her coach, Cuthbert Modeste, who reignited her passion for the sport, convincing her to return to training.
Her talent soon took her beyond the shores of Saint Lucia. At the age of 14, Julien moved to Jamaica to further her training. She celebrated her first major international victory at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Nassau, Bahamas, in 2017, where she won the 100m title. This victory laid the foundation for her future successes.
Alfred’s career has been marked by numerous accolades. She made her mark at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires in 2018, winning a silver medal in the 100m. Her stellar performances continued as she moved on to the world stage, becoming a two-time finalist at the 2023 World Championships and winning gold in the 60m at the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships.
In addition to her athletic achievements, Alfred’s academic pursuits have also been impressive. She graduated in 2022 with a degree in Youth & Community Studies from the University of Texas in Austin. During her time there, she was honored with the USTFCCCA Female National Track Athlete of the Year award and received the prestigious Bowerman Award, recognizing her as the year’s best student-athlete in U.S. collegiate track and field.
Julien’s Olympic journey culminated in Paris 2024, where her performance in the 100m final at the Stade de France was nothing short of spectacular. Crossing the finish line ahead of Sha’Carri Richardson of the USA, who finished in 10.87 seconds, and Melissa Jefferson, who claimed bronze with a time of 10.92 seconds, Julien’s win was a proud moment for her, her family, and her nation. “Winning an Olympic medal is the pinnacle of my career,” she reflected, “and I hope this inspires more young athletes from Saint Lucia to pursue their dreams.”
Her personal coach, Eldrick Floreal, has played a significant role in her development. A two-time Olympian himself, Floreal has been a mentor and father figure to Julien. “He’s seen me as a human and not just an athlete,” she said. “He’s been a great help in making me into the person that I am, and have the mindset that I have.”
Julien Alfred’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the support of a dedicated community. From her early days in Saint Lucia to her record-breaking performances on the international stage, she has shown that with determination and hard work, dreams can indeed become a reality.
