Julien Alfred: Why St. Lucia’s Olympic star is captivating London while Sha'Carri Richardson watches on

Julien Alfred: Why St. Lucia’s Olympic star is captivating London while Sha'Carri Richardson watches on

Festus Chuma 18:57 - 05.11.2024

St. Lucia's Olympic champion Julien Alfred is making waves in London engaging in high-profile events and captivating audiences while embodying her nation’s pride and heritage on an international stage.

Reigning Olympic 100m champion Julien Alfred is lighting up the United Kingdom with her presence proudly carrying the spirit of St. Lucia across high-profile events in London.

As St. Lucia’s newly appointed Tourism Ambassador, Alfred’s visit is as much a celebration of her achievements as it is a tribute to the island she calls home.

Alfred, who made history with her gold medal win in the 100m at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has become a national icon and symbol of pride for St. Lucia.

“We’re thrilled to have Julien represent St. Lucia on the world stage,” said St. Lucia’s Tourism Minister, Dr. Ernest Hilaire, who accompanies Alfred alongside a senior delegation.

“With her influence, we aim to attract visitors seeking not just a destination, but an inspiring experience that resonates deeply. Together, we will create a lasting impact on our tourism sector and inspire the world to discover the beauty of St. Lucia.”

Alfred’s week-long itinerary includes visits to some of London’s most iconic landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, the London Eye and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

She explored the city in the company of Imani-Lara Lansiquot, a British Saint Lucian sprinter who secured a silver medal with Team GB in the women’s 4x100m relay in Paris.

Together, they embodied the strength of St. Lucian talent and the deep-rooted connections shared by the St. Lucian diaspora.

Their tour of London’s landmarks symbolized a bond that stretches beyond sports.

“Being here with Julien is an incredible moment of connection,” Lansiquot shared.

“It’s a reminder of the talent our little island has given the world, and it’s heartwarming to celebrate that together on such a big stage.”

One of the highlights of Alfred’s trip was a celebration at The Great Hall in Leyton, hosted by the Saint Lucia High Commission and the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA).

The event drew around 350 members of the St. Lucian diaspora and showcased the island’s arts, music, and heritage, with Alfred as the guest of honour.

The night was vibrant, filled with performances by Tysiah Edwards, the Lucianites Quadrille dancers, West End performer Tanya Edwards, and musician Sherwinn Dupes Brice.

Adding to her ambassadorial duties, Alfred engaged in multiple media appearances, including interviews with BBC outlets, where she shared her Olympic journey and her passion for promoting St. Lucia’s allure.

During these segments, she highlighted the natural beauty, warm hospitality, and rich culture of her island, speaking enthusiastically about her mission to inspire British travelers to visit St. Lucia.

Alfred and her delegation, which included SLTA board chair Thaddeus M. Antoine and CEO Louis Lewis, were later treated to a tour of the UK Parliament.

The tour culminated in a reception at the House of Commons, where Alfred had the opportunity to meet key members of Parliament and prominent figures in the travel industry.