Julien Alfred etches her name in history, bringing first-ever Olympic gold medal for Saint Lucia

Castries, Saint Lucia: Saint Lucia’s star athlete, Julien Alfred has etched her name in history by becoming the first Saint Lucian to win gold medal from the Olympics. By breaking barriers and setting new records, Alfred has given Saint Lucia its first Olympic medal in the Women’s 100m final in Paris.

By clocking the time of 10.72sec, Julien has not secured the first-ever Olympic medal for the Caribbean nation but also outpaced US athlete and reigning world champion, Sha’Carri Richardson, who claimed silver medal in 10.87sec. Meanwhile, the bronze medal was won by her fellow American, Melissa Jefferson, clocking the time of 10.92 sec.

Julien Alfred’s exemplary victory is a huge achievement, marking a historic moment for Saint Lucia. Following her victory, Julien ripped off her bib to hold up her name high and rang the victory bell at the end of the track to celebrate her accomplishment. While shedding light on her historic victory, Julien stated that it means a lot to her, her coach and her country. She further asserted that she is sure that her island nation must be celebrating her victory.

Julien also talked about her inspiration, Usain Bolt and stated that she has watched his races and the way he executed it. She further said that she is extremely happy to celebrate her victory like her inspiration, Usain Bolt used to do. “I grew up watching him and I just enjoyed ringing the bell today,” noted Julien Alfred.

Moreover, the gold medallist talked about her struggles and the hard work she put into turning her aspirations into reality. She remarked that she used to be on the field struggling with no shoes or running barefoot. She added that she used to run in her school uniform all over the place.

“I hope this gold medal will help Saint Lucia build a new stadium, to help the sports sector grow,” noted Julien Alfred.

After her victory, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Philip J. Pierre took to his official Facebook account and congratulated the sprinter on achieving this historic milestone for the island nation. “10.72 seconds!!! Congratulations on achieving this historic milestone in our nation. Our first Olympic medal and a you brought home the Gold,” noted PM Pierre.

The Deputy Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Dr Ernest Hilaire also congratulated Julien and stated that she has given another reason to all the citizens of the Saint Lucia to celebrate her and her achievements. “Today is a day for celebration for all Saint Lucians. There is much to celebrate. We are a proud people,” noted Minister Hilaire.

Along with that, other Caribbean leaders also took to their social media accounts and lauded Julien Alfred for bringing the gold medal to the Caribbean nation.

DOMINICA

Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit: The Prime Minister of Dominica, Dr Roosevelt Skerrit congratulated Julien for making history and winning gold medal for their sister island, Saint Lucia. “Congratulations to Julien Alfred of our sister island St. Lucia who also made history today, winning gold in the Women’s 100m,” noted PM Skerrit.

St Kitts and Nevis

Dr. Denzil Douglas: Minister of Foreign Affairs of St. Kitts and Nevis extended congratulations to the gold medallist and gives God the glory for giving her the strength and for helping her winning this remarkable competition.

JAMAICA

Andrew Holness: The Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness also congratulated Saint Lucian star for bringing first gold medal for the sister island, Saint Lucia. “Congratulations to Julien Alfred, our St. Lucian star who attended and competed for St. Catherine High in Jamaica, on winning gold and a special big up to our sister island, St. Lucia for winning their first medal in the Olympics,” noted PM Holness.