Sprint star Julien Alfred wins Best Athlete of Paris 2024 at ANOC Awards

Saint Lucia’s global sprint star and first-ever Olympic medallist, Julien Alfred received the the Best Athlete of the Paris 2024 Award at the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) Awards 2024. This remarkable recognition added another accolade to her collection, elevating the profile of Saint Lucia to greater heights.

The ANOC Awards 2024 was held on Wednesday, 30^th October, 2024 in Cascais, Portugal. It is a celebratory event which celebrates the exceptional achievements within the Olympic community. This ceremony honoured the greatest athletes of the world who had participated in the Olympic Summer Games 2024 which was held in Paris.

While receiving this prestigious award at the ANOC Awards 2024, Alfred stated that this recognition means the most to her. “Just knowing all my hard work with sacrifices, all the challenges I’ve faced, was all for a reason.”

Julien Alfred added that this award has showed her what believing in oneself and coaches can do. She stated that she is looking forward to continue to get more accolades, in the near future and just to see what God has in store for her.

“It showed me what believing in yourself can do, believing in your coach, trusting him, trusting God. It has meant that I belong amongst the great athletes, that the same people that I look up to and was inspired by, I’m now amongst them, and I belong. That’s really what it means to me. I belong amongst the great athletes,” noted Julien Alfred.

Alfred also mentioned about the previous season and the challenges she faced, where she finished 4th and 5th in the finals. She therefore, highlighted about this year and her major focus on her goal of winning the 100m and the 200m race. “But most importantly, just coming out here making the sacrifices to get a medal for my country, for myself, for my team.”

The Government of Saint Lucia also appreciated Alfred and congratulated her for her continuous achievements on the international platform.

They extended gratitude to Alfred for always representing Saint Lucia with grace and lauded her for hard work, determination and talent.

Moreover, the Tourism Minister, Dr Ernest Hilaire also wished Julien Alfred on winning this prestigious accolade. He thanked Julien Alfred, for all that she has done for Saint Lucia. “Congratulations and there’s more to come.”

He added that all these recognitions highlight her exceptional athletic talent as well as her dedication to represent Saint Lucia with pride. He also thanked Julien and stated that her accomplishments will play a huge role in inspiring new generation of athletes.

Recently, Alfred was honoured with two prestigious awards at the inaugural CANOC Sports Awards. She was awarded the Caribbean Female Sports Personality of the Year and the Caribbean Breakthrough Award on 19^th October, 2024 in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.

These honours places her among the best in the world of sports, celebrating her outstanding performances at the games. And, these continuous achievements by Alfred outlines the recognition and acknowledgement that she has been receiving following her remarkable win in Paris Olympics 2024.