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Julien Alfred has revealed more about her Olympic triumph, sharing insights into her mindset, preparation, and rivalry with Sha’Carri Richardson.
Olympic champion Julien Alfred made headlines at the Paris Olympics etching her name in history by becoming Saint Lucia’s first Olympic gold medalist.
At just 23, Alfred claimed the title of the fastest woman alive with a stunning 100m dash, finishing in a time of 10.72 seconds.
In a race that the world anticipated would belong to Sha’Carri Richardson, the reigning 100m world champion, Alfred's determination, preparation, and mental focus stole the show.
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Reflecting on her historic win four months later, Alfred opened up about what drove her to triumph over her fierce rival.
“When you know what you’re there for, when you know your purpose, you just can’t allow yourself to get distracted,” she shared with Athletics Weekly.
The Saint Lucian sprinter revealed that staying focused and committed to her own race plan was pivotal in achieving her dream of Olympic gold.
Richardson, the pre-race favorite, had consistently dominated the track in the lead-up to the Olympics.
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From winning the world title in Budapest to defeating Alfred by 0.10 seconds at the Prefontaine Classic, Richardson’s blazing form made her the athlete to beat.
But Alfred remained undeterred, channeling her energy into refining her craft and visualizing success.
In the moments before the Olympic final, Alfred turned to a personal ritual that bolstered her confidence.
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She started her day by writing down the words, “Julien Alfred, Olympic champion,” in her journal, affirming her belief in her ability to succeed.
To further fuel her motivation, she watched videos of her idol, Usain Bolt, dominating the Olympic stage.
“Growing up, I always wanted to be the next Usain Bolt,” Alfred confessed.
“Watching him achieve greatness reminded me that I could do the same.”
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That inspiration translated to the race, where Alfred executed her plan to perfection, sprinting past Richardson and the rest of the competition in the pouring rain at the Stade de France.
“I don’t think there’s anything in particular that I would change [about the Olympic final],” she admitted.
“But I think, going to the world championships next year, there are quite a few things that I have to work on with my coach. There’s always something to improve. Nobody’s perfect.”
Beyond the 100m gold, Alfred also clinched a silver medal in the 200m event, further solidifying her status as one of track and field’s brightest stars.
Off the track, however, Alfred speaks warmly of her rival.
“Sha’Carri, she’s a very sweet person to me, and so I don’t have any issues with her,” Alfred said.
With her eyes now set on the 2025 World Championships, Alfred is determined to build on her Olympic success.
“The work has already begun with Coach Flo,” she said.
“I know what I’m capable of, and I’m ready to show the world again.”
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