Julien Alfred (left) clinched the gold medal in the women’s 100m final at the Paris Olympics 2024. © AFP
Saint Lucia’s Julien Alfred surprised the crowd by securing the Olympic women’s 100m gold medal, defeating favorite Sha’Carri Richardson and making history as she earned St. Lucia’s first-ever Olympic medal. Alfred, who had not previously stood on the podium in a major outdoor championship, ran a remarkable race to finish in 10.72 seconds, with USA’s Richardson taking silver in 10.87 seconds and Melissa Jefferson of the USA winning the bronze in 10.92 seconds.
Despite Richardson being the reigning world champion in the 100m, she was outperformed by the strong Alfred, who led from the start and maintained her position in the rainy conditions at Stade de France.
Alfred’s gold medal marked a historic moment for St. Lucia, as it was the country’s first Olympic medal since they began competing in the Games in 1996.
Alfred’s performance in the semi-finals, where she finished ahead of Richardson in 10.89 seconds, served as a warning to the American sprinter. Richardson struggled in the final, failing to catch up to Alfred who comfortably secured the gold medal.
Overcome with emotion, Alfred celebrated her victory by ringing the victory bell and wrapping herself in St. Lucia’s flag while embracing her American competitors.
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