Saint Lucian ace-sprinter and University Of Texas athlete Julien Alfred added another ‘feather to her cap’ with two (2) new national records, while competing in New Mexico, last weekend. Both records were also personal best.
Julien led the field in the 60m sprint with a time of 7.00, to break her previous collegiate record; while clocking 22: 56 for a second place finish in the 200m.
Local corporate sponsor – 1st National Bank commended the achievement of the company’s young Brand Ambassador- as Julien currently ranks second in the world after Aleia Hobbs.
Alfred’s 7.00-second finish over the weekend at the New Mexico Collegiate Classic in Albuquerque broke her collegiate record that she set two weeks ago at New Mexico’s Dr. MLK Jr. Invitational, dashing through the final.
The Saint Lucian Star track athlete now owns the four fastest times over 60 meters run by any woman in NCAA history at 7.00, 7.02, and 7.04 and 7.05 seconds, respectively.
Commenting on Alfred’s athletic sojourn, Minister for Youth Development and Sports Kenson Casimir, declared: “The fruits of sports development are beginning to look more and more Olympic.”
He added: “We are very impressed with Julien’s progress; we have been working with her coach to continue to get progress reports as she enters her final collegiate year, preparing her transition to a total professional.
“The Ministry is ready for her transition as there will be financial ramifications that we will be bearing on her behalf, and we are already putting things in place for her.”
Sports pundits’ state that Alfred’s latest accomplishments, put her firmly in line to compete at this year’s World Championship.
Casimir is optimistic of Saint Lucia working towards putting together a relay team to compete in the 4x100m.
He noted that Alfred is peaking “at that right time” and with high expectations for her future development, the sports department is working to ensure that the Saint Lucian sprinter will be held in high esteem as she embarks on more challenging runs.
Added Casimir: “As a nation, it augurs well for us as we continue to work with Naomi London in Vieux Fort to ensure that she continues progressing. In addition, we seek two other young women as part of our strategic plan to ensure that we not only get a medal in the 100M sprint, but we also look forward to a relay team.”