Julien Alfred has made her country Saint Lucia proud by winning the gold medal in the women’s 100m final at the Paris Olympics and becoming the fastest woman on Earth. Alfred caught Sha’Carri Richardson’s attention as she sped past her setting a new record of 10.72 seconds.
Saint Lucian took 0.15 seconds off US’s sprinting sensation’s 10.87 seconds to claim the record and title of the ‘Fastest Woman on Earth’. Alfred came in first, Richardson second (silver), and Melissa Jefferson third (bronze).
The 23-year-old stood tall and proud waving Saint Lucia’s flag and claiming the island nation’s first Olympic gold medal.
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Julien Alfred Had No Shoes, Ran Barefoot
Alfred dedicated her win to her father who passed away in 2013. She shared that her father believed in her and knew that she would shine, and now that she has achieved, he is not there with her on the stage.
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The sprinter said that growing up was a struggle but she defied all odds to actuate her passion for running. Alfred said she had no shoes and used to run barefoot, and run all over the field in the school uniform without shoes. They didn’t have the proper facilities to train and stadium that needed repairing. Alfred hopes the gold medal will change the conditions in Saint Lucia, help build a new stadium and give fresh life to the sport.
She highlighted her inspiration in Jamaica’s Usain Bolt who has won so many medals. Alfred has watched all his races and worked out his executions. She is a fan.
