After Crushing Sha’Carri Richardson, Julien Alfred Chooses S….read more
Julien Alfred, a sprinter from Saint Lucia, made headlines at the Paris Olympics by defeating American world champion Sha’Carri Richardson in the 100 meters, clocking a remarkable 10.72 seconds to win gold. This time not only earned her the gold medal but also set a new national record for Saint Lucia. While many were unfamiliar with Alfred before this, her exceptional performances leading up to the Games solidified her status as a rising star. Alfred had trained at the University of Texas from 2018 to 2023, and her recent shift in focus has surprised many.
During a recent interview with Ato Bolden, Alfred’s coach, Edrick Floreal, a former Olympian, let slip that Alfred might soon be competing in the 400 meters. While Alfred had focused on shorter sprints, including her specialty in the 100 meters, Floreal suggested that she would try her hand at the longer distance, despite Alfred’s personal preference for the 4×400 meter relay. With a current personal best of 58.29 seconds in the 400 meters, Alfred has plenty of room to improve.
Alfred’s journey to this point began at the CARIFTA Games, where she emerged as a standout for Saint Lucia, winning numerous medals in the 100 and 200 meters. Her impressive performances caught the attention of scouts, leading to a scholarship at the University of Texas when she was just 16 years old. Her success under Floreal’s guidance has continued to grow, with the coach recognizing her talent long before she became a global sensation.
Alfred’s emotional victory in Paris was shared with her coach, Floreal, who had always believed in her potential. After the race, the two shared a heartfelt moment, realizing that their dream of winning a medal had come true much earlier than expected. At just 21 years old and in her first year as a professional, Alfred’s achievement was a testament to her determination and perseverance, especially after overcoming challenges like false starts and anxiety at previous competitions.
Despite not being a standout early in her career, Alfred’s determination, along with Floreal’s coaching, has positioned her as one of track and field’s brightest stars. With her eyes now potentially set on the 400 meters, her future looks even more promising.
