Julien Alfred’s journey to becoming the fastest woman in the world is a testament to her determination and resilience. From leaving her home in Saint Lucia at a young age, Alfred overcame numerous challenges to achieve Olympic gold at Paris 2024, defeating top athletes like Sha’Carri Richardson.
Saint Lucia, a small island nation with just 180,000 people, now boasts its first-ever Olympic champion, an achievement that has made Alfred a national hero. She proudly represents her country and reflects on how training in Jamaica and the U.S. helped shape her into a world-class sprinter.
Alfred’s path was not without sacrifice. At 14, she left her family and island to pursue her dreams, a difficult decision compounded by the loss of her father and various injuries along the way. Despite these challenges, Alfred grew stronger and more determined.
Upon returning to Saint Lucia after her Olympic triumph, she was welcomed home as a hero, an unforgettable moment for both her and her country. The government declared September 27 as “Julien Alfred Day,” and plans are in place to rename the Millennium Highway in her honor.
Looking ahead, Alfred remains focused on her goals, motivated not by rivals but by a desire to prove to herself that she belongs among the world’s greatest athletes. While she’s not focused on breaking the 100m world record, Alfred is committed to continuing her journey and achieving even more in her career.
