Julien Alfred made history for St Lucia by winning the women’s 100m gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics, becoming the nation’s first Olympic medallist. The 23-year-old sprinter dominated the race under rainy conditions at Stade de France, finishing with a national record of 10.72 seconds. This remarkable achievement not only marks a significant milestone for Alfred but also puts St Lucia on the Olympic map.
Sha’Carri Richardson of the United States claimed silver with a time of 10.87 seconds, while her fellow American, Melissa Jefferson, took bronze with a 10.92-second finish. Great Britain’s Daryll Neita narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth in 10.96 seconds. Neita’s performance marked the best finish by a British female sprinter in an Olympic final in 64 years, but it was a bittersweet result.
“I’m finding it hard to find words at the minute, literally speechless, so close to the medal, so close,” Neita told BBC Sport. “I’m healthy and I have the 200m to contest. I was so close to that medal and I really want that medal but fourth in the Olympics is something to be proud of.”
British sprinters Dina Asher-Smith and Imani-Lara Lansiquot did not advance to the final. Asher-Smith finished fifth in her semi-final with a time of 11.10 seconds, while Lansiquot posted an 11.21-second run. Additionally, Jamaican sprint icon Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce withdrew from the competition before her semi-final, adding to the drama and intensity of the event.
“I’m just disappointed because I’m in great shape and have been in great shape all season. I fully expected to make that final, the race wasn’t even fast,” Asher-Smith told BBC Sport. “I know I’m in a lot better shape than that. I just go on to the 200m, but again I’m fully disappointed. I should have made that.”
Alfred’s victory was a testament to her hard work, dedication, and resilience. Born in St Lucia, she has been training in the United States, where she has honed her skills and developed into one of the fastest women in the world. Her journey to Olympic gold has been filled with challenges, but her determination has seen her overcome every obstacle in her path.
The race itself was electrifying, with the rain-soaked track adding an extra layer of difficulty. Alfred got off to a strong start and maintained her lead throughout the race, finishing with a significant margin ahead of Richardson and Jefferson. Her time of 10.72 seconds set a new national record for St Lucia and highlighted her incredible speed and agility.
Richardson and Jefferson both put up strong performances, securing the second and third spots on the podium for the United States. Richardson, the reigning world champion, was expected to be a top contender, and her silver medal performance confirmed her status as one of the best sprinters in the world. Jefferson’s bronze was also a significant achievement, showcasing the depth of talent in American sprinting.
For Neita, the fourth-place finish was a mix of pride and disappointment. Her time of 10.96 seconds was impressive, but narrowly missing out on a medal was a tough pill to swallow. Nevertheless, her performance was a milestone for British athletics, marking the best finish by a British female sprinter in an Olympic final in over six decades.
Looking ahead, both Neita and Asher-Smith will now focus on the 200m event, set to commence on Sunday morning. They hope to secure medals and conclude their Olympic campaigns on a high note. Asher-Smith, in particular, is determined to redeem herself after a disappointing 100m semi-final, and Neita will be looking to build on her strong performance.
Julien Alfred’s historic gold medal is a momentous achievement for St Lucia and an inspiration to athletes across the Caribbean. Her victory at the Paris 2024 Olympics will be remembered as a defining moment in the history of St Lucian athletics, and her legacy will inspire future generations of sprinters. As the celebrations continue, the focus now shifts to the remaining events, where more history could be made on the Olympic stage.
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