SAINT Lucian sprint sensation Julien “Juju” Alfred displayed her extraordinary talent at the Miramar Invitational in Broward County, Florida, on Saturday, April 5, decisively winning the 300-metre race.
The 300-meter event, often overlooked, proved to be a thrilling competition. Enthusiastic Saint Lucian fans filled the stands to witness Alfred, the 2024 Olympic 100m champion take on Jamaican World and Olympic champion Shericka Jackson in this exhilarating three-quarter lap challenge.
Alfred exploded out of the blocks, quickly asserting her dominance. Despite Jackson’s reputation as a 400-meter powerhouse, Alfred navigated the challenge with finesse.
As they rounded the bend, both athletes demonstrated their grit, with Jackson closing in swiftly. However, Alfred summoned an incredible surge of determination, pulling ahead to secure the victory in record-breaking fashion with a time of 36.05 seconds.
Running from Lane 4, with Jackson in Lane 3, Alfred established a significant lead by the 50m mark, overtaking Ivory Coast’s Jessika Gbai.
Although Jackson caught up to Alfred, the battle intensified as they both approached the final stretch. In a commanding display, Alfred surged ahead, sealing her victory confidently.
This performance not only earned Alfred a new Saint Lucian national record but also placed her 28th on the all-time list. Jackson finished in second place at 36.13 seconds, while Jessika Gbai took third with 36.24 seconds, and Barbados’ Sada Williams clocked 36.49 seconds for fourth.
Looking ahead, Alfred and her coach, Haitian-born Edrick Floréal, will now focus on excelling in the 100m and 200m events, gearing up for the World Championships in Tokyo this September.
Alfred will compete at the Bislett Games in Oslo on June 12 and the BAHAUS-galan in Stockholm on June 15, both integral stops on the 2025 Wanda Diamond League circuit.
As the reigning Diamond League champion in the women’s 100m, Alfred continues to prove her prowess on the track.
The Ministry of Youth Development and Sports congratulates Saint Lucia’s Olympic Gold Medalist and 2024 Sportswoman of the Year on her outstanding achievement.