How Julien Alfred wants to turn Saint Lucia into a track and field powerhouse following memorable 2024

How Julien Alfred wants to turn Saint Lucia into a track and field powerhouse following memorable 2024

Mark Kinyanjui 10:43 - 09.11.2024

Julien Alfred has revealed her ultimate hope for Saint Lucia as a Track and Field powerhouse following her pivotal success in 2024, which saw her bag the country's first medals.

Olympic 100m champion Julien Alfred is setting her sights beyond personal accolades, aiming to turn Saint Lucia into a track and field hub while inspiring the next generation of athletes.

Alfred, who recently made history as Saint Lucia’s first-ever Olympic gold medalist, with a thrilling 100-meter victory at the Paris Olympic Games, is driven by a vision to create a lasting impact on the island's sports culture. 

This year alone, she delivered three world championship medals, adding silver in the 200 meters at the Olympics and a gold in the 60-meter sprint at the Glasgow World Indoor Championships.

Her triumphant homecoming in September was met with widespread celebrations, with fans across the island showing their pride on big screens and in watch parties

But Alfred’s goal for her country goes deeper than her wins. In a recent interview with Sky Sports, she expressed her hope for a day when Saint Lucian athletes can thrive without needing to leave the island for training or opportunities. 

“I am hoping track and field can grow in Saint Lucia to the point where we don’t have to leave home to go abroad to different schools to train and get where we want to go,” Alfred said.

Alfred’s message is particularly aimed at young girls in Saint Lucia, encouraging them to stay focused and disciplined. Reflecting on her own journey, she highlighted the importance of perseverance in a path filled with challenges and distractions. 

“I am really hoping that they can remain disciplined and not get distracted by those things around them,” she added, underlining the dedication that fueled her rise to the top.

Despite her fierce competitive spirit, Alfred’s respect for rivals like Sha’Carri Richardson and Dina Asher-Smith demonstrates her deep sense of sportsmanship. For Alfred, sprinting is not only about winning medals but also about forming bonds and encouraging others to achieve their dreams.

As she eyes further glory at the 2025 World Athletics Championships, Alfred’s true legacy may well be her role in nurturing Saint Lucia’s future track stars. Her story embodies the spirit of resilience and ambition, setting a powerful example for young girls in her home country and beyond.

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