Saint Lucia sprint sensation Julien “Juju” Alfred is gearing up to make a mark at the Paris Olympics Games this summer.
With a stellar performance at the London Athletics Meet 2024, where she secured silver in the 200 meters, Alfred is ready to compete against the world’s best in the women’s 100m and 200m events in Paris.
The London Diamond League meet saw world leader Gabby Thomas clinch the victory in the women’s 200m, setting a new meet record while Alfred achieved a commendable second place, breaking the national record with her impressive timing.
Thomas came from behind to take the win in the women’s 200m at the 2024 Diamond League on Saturday (20 July), raising both her arms in delight after she crossed the line in a close finish.
Thomas had started well, but a similarly fast-starting Dina Asher-Smith had the home crowd at the London Stadium believing a British win could be on the cards.
Asher-Smith ran a superb bend, hitting the straight in the lead. But the 2019 world champion faded towards the line as, on her outside, Alfred overtook her as the metres ran out.
And, slightly further behind, Thomas too had kicked after a slow bend, first overhauling Asher-Smith before pipping Alfred at the line to win in 21.82 seconds into a fairly consistent 0.9m/s headwind.
That time broke the London Diamond League meet record, previously held by Elaine Thompson-Herah of Jamaica, whose 22.10 from 2015 had stood for nine years.
Alfred was four one-hundredths behind in a new St. Lucian record 21.86, while Asher-Smith held on for third (22.07) ahead of her British teammate Daryll Neita.
Alfred is revving up to represent Saint Lucia at the Paris Olympic Games. The World 60m gold medallist and reigning Senior Sportswoman for the Year, will compete in the women’s 100m and 200m.
Meanwhile, Saint Lucia’s flag bearer for the 2024 Paris Olympics Games will be Michael Joseph, the national record holder in the 400 meters.
With such talented athletes representing Saint Lucia, the stage is set for an unforgettable Olympic extravaganza!