Julien “Juju” Alfred put on a strong performance to take the Silver medal in the women’s 100m at the Diamond League Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon on Saturday 25 May.
Alfred made a good start and was quick off the blocks and for a moment held a lead in the early stages over Sha’Carri Richardson, the eventual winner.
Richardson, the reigning world champion picked up impressively at 30m and cruised into the lead with the American able to coast across the line in a time of 10.83, to complete a smooth victory.
Alfred was second in 10.93 with Dina Asher-Smith clocking 10.98 in third ahead of fellow Briton Daryll Neita. Melissa Jefferson was the second American home in fifth ahead of Cote d’Ivoire’s Marie-Josee Ta Lou-Smith.
Jamaica’s reigning Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah, making her first competitive appearance since last September’s Prefontaine Classic, was ninth in 11.30.
At a post-match interview with TrackalertsTV, Alfred said she was satisfied with her performance, though there were some aspects of her execution that she needed to work on.
“I’ll take it…I’ll take second for now,” Julien stated on the outcome of the race.
On her race strategy and getting off the blocks, she declared: “I feel that I did well … (in) my finish, I feel that I kind of panicked a little at the end and I started fighting, so I think I have to work on my finishing.”
Notably, Alfred is continuing to develop her skills as she matures in the sport. She spoke about the adjustments made to be more competitive on the tracks and stay ‘on top of things’.
“I think just my form overall, my strides are a bit wider than before …and right now I’m just focused on execution,” she explained. “Before, I would go out and just compete, but now it’s just focusing on execution and doing my best to prepare for the Olympics.”
“The last part of my race has always been a struggle of mine where I can’t really stay upright …but it’s just going back to the drawing board and trying to stay upright for the last 30 to 40 metres,” Alfred stated.
On her development as a professional athlete, Julien had this to say: “Honestly, I have my struggles, especially when it comes to confidence, when it comes to just not putting too much pressure on myself because last year I had such a great season.
“And becoming a pro, I’m putting the same pressure on myself to do well, and sometimes that can get to my head, and in my own way. So, just taking my time. I’m giving myself grace as a professional, I’m just trying to take one step at a time.”
Richardson told Olympics.com she was apprehensive ahead of 100m season debut, saying, “I would not be human to say that I wasn’t nervous. But, as my coach said, use that nervousness as motivation.
“Honestly, I feel great about my race. I feel like I’m continuing to grow and develop as a mature young lady, a mature athlete.”