Olympic 100m gold medalist Julien Alfred has revealed that breaking the 100m world record is not currently part of her aspirations, despite her remarkable achievements on the global stage.
Alfred made history at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, becoming the first-ever Saint Lucian athlete to earn an Olympic medal.
The 23-year-old sprinter clinched the gold in the women’s 100m and also earned a silver medal in the 200m event, showcasing her versatility and dominance in sprinting.
In what was an extraordinary year for Alfred, she also secured the World Indoor Championship title, further solidifying her place among the world’s best athletes.
However, her 10.72s time in the 100m final at the Paris Olympics fell just short of Florence Griffith-Joyner’s iconic world record of 10.49s, a mark that has stood for 36 years, since the 1988 U.S. Olympic Trials.
When asked about the world record, Alfred candidly stated, “That’s not on my bingo, like it’s not on my list whatsoever,” making it clear that her focus lies elsewhere. “Whatever time comes with winning an Olympic gold or world championships, then so be it,” she added, emphasizing her commitment to continuing her journey without the pressure of breaking records.
Despite not prioritizing the 100m record, Alfred remains focused on long-term success. She has expressed a desire to continue competing at the highest level and is determined to keep pushing the boundaries in the sport.
Alfred’s success has not only made her a role model for aspiring athletes in Saint Lucia but also garnered global recognition.
At home, her Olympic triumph was celebrated with great enthusiasm. September 27 has been officially declared Julien Alfred’s Day in Saint Lucia, a national holiday dedicated to honoring her achievements and inspiring future generations of athletes.
In addition to her historic Olympic wins, Alfred has also made a significant impact in the world of athletics and is now in the running for the prestigious Women’s Athlete of the Year award.
She is competing for the honor alongside U.S. track star Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who has also had an outstanding year.
Alfred’s determination, humility, and focus on her future goals have made her a standout figure in the athletics community, and fans around the world are excited to see what she accomplishes next.
