Julien Alfred, St. Lucia’s first Olympic medalist, returned to her home island to a hero’s welcome, marking a monumental moment for the Caribbean nation. Known affectionately as “JuJu,” the 23-year-old sprinter was greeted with an outpouring of love and admiration as she celebrated her historic achievement—winning a gold medal in the 100-meter sprint and a silver medal in the 200-meter sprint at the Summer Olympics in Paris.
Upon her arrival, the government declared September 27 as Julien Alfred Day, honoring her accomplishments and her role as a symbol of inspiration for the nation. Alfred’s triumph has already inspired poems, paintings, and even a Calypso song dedicated to her extraordinary journey from the rural countryside of St. Lucia to the world’s biggest sporting stage.
“I’m truly lost for words,” Alfred said during a ceremony hosted by Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre and other officials. The ceremony was followed by a motorcade, where thousands of excited fans, some traveling from as far as London, eagerly awaited their local hero.
The gold and silver medals Alfred won at the Olympics shimmered around her neck as she took the stage. She expressed gratitude to her mother, her coach, the government, and the village that raised her, recognizing the community’s support as instrumental in her success. Reflecting on the challenges she faced, Alfred revealed the difficulties she endured along the way.
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“It didn’t come easy. It was truly a rocky road. Many days I just wanted to give up,” she shared. Alfred had quit running at 12 years old following the death of her father, but her coach convinced her to return to the sport, setting her on a path that would change her life. Eventually, she moved to Jamaica to train as a teenager, honing her skills that would lead her to become one of the fastest women in the world.
Before her Olympic success, Alfred had already made history by securing gold in the 60 meters at the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships—another first for St. Lucia. Her Olympic victory, however, was even more personal. Alfred ran the 100-meter race in 10.72 seconds, defeating favorite Sha’Carri Richardson, and dedicated her win to the memory of her father, who had always been a source of motivation for her.
Alfred’s journey from running barefoot as a child in her village to standing on the Olympic podium is a story of perseverance, resilience, and national pride. As St. Lucia celebrates its first Olympic hero, her legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of athletes to dream big and never give up, no matter the obstacles.
