Who is Julien Alfred? Early Life, Education, Career, and Achievements

At the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, 23-year-old Saint Lucian sprinter Julien Alfred created history by winning the gold medal in the women's 100 meters and setting a new national record with a time of 10.72 seconds. This victory marked Saint Lucia's first Olympic medal since the nation started competing in 1996.

Born in Ciceron, Castries, Saint Lucia, Alfred moved to Jamaica in 2015 to attend St. Catherine High School. From 2013 to 2015, she attended Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School in Saint Lucia. She then went on to the University of Texas, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Youth & Community Studies and competed in the university's track and field team from 2018 to 2023.

Early Life and Education

Julien Alfred was born on June 10, 2001, in Ciceron, Castries, Saint Lucia. She faced significant challenges in her early life, particularly losing her father when she was just 12 years old. This event profoundly impacted her upbringing and motivated her to excel in athletics.

Alfred began her education at Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School in Saint Lucia, attending from 2013 to 2015. She then moved to Jamaica to further her education at St. Catherine High School from 2015 to 2018. During her time in Jamaica, she developed her sprinting skills by competing against boys in her primary school, which helped her build resilience and confidence in her athletic abilities.

In 2018, she transitioned to the United States to attend the University of Texas, where she pursued a Bachelor's degree in Youth & Community Studies. At Texas, she stood out as an athlete, breaking records and winning numerous accolades in collegiate track and field.

Julien Alfred's career features a series of remarkable achievements and milestones that highlight her talent and dedication as a sprinter. Below is a detailed overview of her career highlights:

Early Career

• 2015: Alfred showcased her potential at a young age by winning the Central American and Caribbean U15 Championship, emerging as a promising athlete.

• 2017: She established herself as a top junior athlete by winning the Commonwealth Youth Games 100-meter title in Nassau, Bahamas.

• 2018: Alfred secured a silver medal in the Youth Olympic Games held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, finishing behind Nigeria’s Rosemary Chukwuma.

Collegiate Achievements

• 2022 NCAA Division I Championships: Alfred achieved an all-time best performance in the 60 meters at the NCAA Indoor Championships, running a time of 7.04 seconds in the heats. She won the 100-meter title with a time of 11.02 seconds, becoming the first track athlete from Saint Lucia to win a Division I championship.

• 2022 Caribbean Games: She marked another significant victory by winning gold in the 100 meters with a time of 11.07 seconds.

• 2023 NCAA Indoor Championships: Alfred made history by becoming the first woman in NCAA history to run the 60 meters in under 7 seconds, clocking 6.94 seconds and setting a new collegiate record. She also recorded the second-fastest collegiate time in the 200 meters with 22.01 seconds.

International Success

• 2022 Commonwealth Games: Alfred won a silver medal in the 100 meters.

• 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships: She won the gold medal in the 60 meters.

• 2024 Summer Olympics: Alfred won the gold medal in the 100 meters, setting a new national record of 10.72 seconds, marking Saint Lucia's first Olympic medal.

• 60 Meters: Alfred tied as the joint North American indoor record holder with her time of 6.94 seconds at the NCAA Indoor Championships.

• 100 Meters: Her time of 10.81 seconds at the 2022 Big 12 Conference Championships and her Olympic record of 10.72 seconds established her as one of the fastest women in the world.

Recognition and Awards

Alfred was named Saint Lucia's Junior Sportswoman of the Year in 2015 and 2017. She received the Bowerman Award in 2023, honoring the top collegiate track and field athlete in the United States.

Julien Alfred's rise from a young athlete in Saint Lucia to an Olympic champion and record-breaking sprinter exemplifies her talent and dedication. She has made historic achievements, including winning gold at the 2024 Summer Olympics and setting records in the 60 and 100 meters, making her a prominent figure in athletics and a source of pride for her nation. As she continues to compete at the highest levels, she is poised to inspire future generations and solidify her legacy in the sport.