Alfred the great: sprinter's 100m victory gives St Lucia first Olympic medal

Saint Lucia's Julien Alfred celebrates after winning in the women's 100m final of the athletics event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on 3 August, 2024. © AFP / JEWEL SAMAD

Julien Alfred claimed the women's Olympic 100m title on Saturday night at the Stade de France to offer Saint Lucia - population 180,000 - its first medal at an Olympic Games.

The 23-year-old claimed the dash in 10.72 seconds – setting a national record. Sha'carri Richardson from the United States was second and her compatriot Melissa Jefferson finished third in 10.92 seconds.

“It means a lot to me," said Alfred. "It means a lot to my coach. It means a lot to my country. I'm sure they’re celebrating right now.”

Alfred, who trains in the United States, left the eastern Caribbean island during her early teens first to go to Jamaica before moving to the University of Texas.

Julien Alfred won the women's 100m at the Stade de France to give Saint Lucia its first medal at an OIympic Games, 3 August, 2024 AP - Bernat Armangue

Bolt of inspiration

She said she started the day watching highlights of the legendary Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt to inspire her.

In 2008 in Beijing, he famously attributed his gold medal-winning run in the 100m to capacious helpings of chicken nuggets and catnaps.

After her historic feat, she dedicated the medal to her late father.

"He believed that I could do it. He passed away in 2013 - now he couldn’t get to see me on the biggest stage of my career. He believed that I could be an Olympian.

"Growing up I used to be on the field, struggling with no shoes, running barefoot, running in my school uniform.

"We barely had facilities. I’m really hoping this gold medal helps the youth and helps St Lucian government to also build the new stadium to just keep the sport growing."

Pedigree

Alfred was the only sprinter at the Paris Olympics besides Richardson to break 10.8 seconds this year.

When they lined up next to each other in the semi-finals, it was billed as part of the psychological warfare.

Alfred won that race by .05 of a second. In the final on a rain-soaked track, she tripled that margin.

The result meant the United States' 28-year gold medal drought in the event goes on.

Gail Devers was their last winner in 1996. Marion Jones was stripped of her 2000 Olympic gold for doping.

Elsewhere on the track, Norway's Markus Rooth won the prize as the best all round athlete.

The 21-year-old claimed the decathlon with 8796. Leo Neugebauer from Germany was second with 8748 points and Lindon Victor from Grenada was third.