Olympic 100m champion Julien Alfred has revealed her post-season plans, which involve a much-anticipated return to her homeland.
The Saint Lucian sprinter, fresh from her triumph at the Paris Olympics, is set to conclude her competitive season with the Diamond League meets in Zurich and Brussels.
Alfred’s journey through this season has been nothing short of historic, marking her debut in the quadrennial games with a groundbreaking performance.
Not only did she secure Saint Lucia’s first Olympic medals, but she also set new national records. Her first race post-Olympics will be at the Zurich Diamond League on September 5, where she will line up against formidable opponents such as Sha’Carri Richardson, Tia Clayton, Daryll Neita, and Marie-Josee Ta-Lou Smith.
“Yeah, I’m going to go back home. I haven’t got a chance to celebrate with my country as yet and to see the youth of my country. So, I really just want to go back to St. Lucia and celebrate with them and maybe go for a vacation after that,” Alfred stated during a press conference ahead of the Zurich event.
The Diamond League season will wrap up with the Brussels meet scheduled for September 13-14, where Alfred will face Richardson once again. This continuous competition against top-tier athletes highlights the rigorous schedule and the level of commitment required at the elite levels of track and field.
Alfred’s Olympic debut was nothing short of spectacular, as she clinched gold in the Women’s 100m by beating the fan-favorite, Sha’Carri Richardson, with a national record time of 10.72 seconds. Her performance in the 200m was equally impressive, securing a silver medal with a time of 22.08 seconds, narrowly missing a double gold finish.
Reflecting on her achievements and the impact of her success, Alfred hopes to inspire the next generation of athletes in Saint Lucia.
Her victory is not just a personal achievement but a monumental moment for her country. The celebrations planned upon her return are expected to ignite a new passion for athletics among the youth of Saint Lucia.
