Julien Alfred’s Journey to Olympic Glory: Inspired by Usain Bolt’s Legacy

Saint Lucian sprinter Julien Alfred has taken the athletics world by storm, clinching a historic gold medal in the 100m race at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The 23-year-old’s remarkable victory not only marked her first Olympic win but also made history as Saint Lucia’s first-ever Olympic gold. Competing against a formidable lineup of athletes, Alfred’s performance set a new national record, solidifying her status as a rising star in track and field.

Alfred’s stellar 2024 season began with a bang when she secured the gold medal in the 60m race at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow. Her triumph in Paris was the crowning achievement of her year, where she also claimed a silver medal in the 200m race, showcasing her versatility and tenacity.

In a recent interview with *The Times*, Alfred revealed that her inspiration came from none other than legendary sprinter Usain Bolt, the eight-time Olympic gold medalist. Reflecting on her journey, Alfred shared that she turned to Bolt’s race footage to gain insights and motivation, especially as she sought to help her family through her success in athletics.

“I wanted to help my family, and I saw running as a way out,” Alfred explained. “So, I watched a few of his races before mine. I had to go back to my roots to see how he handled everything, from the pressure to the celebrations. He was an inspiration to me growing up, and I wanted to emulate that.”

Alfred’s victory in the 100m race was hard-fought, as she faced top contenders like Marie-Josée Ta Lou and Sha’Carri Richardson. Despite the fierce competition, the University of Texas athlete secured the gold with a stunning time of 10.72 seconds, ahead of Richardson’s 10.87 seconds and Melissa Jefferson’s 10.92 seconds. In the 200m race, Alfred earned the silver medal with a time of 22.08 seconds, further establishing her dominance on the track.

### The Road to Texas: A Choice Driven by Excellence

Julien Alfred’s decision to attend the University of Texas in 2018 was fueled by a clear purpose. While pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Youth & Community Studies, her primary motivation was the opportunity to train under renowned coach Edrick Floreal. Known for mentoring elite athletes such as Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Keni Harrison, Floreal’s reputation as a top coach attracted Alfred to the university.

“While I was in high school in Jamaica, I watched him coach Sydney (McLaughlin-Levrone) and Jasmine Camacho-Quinn. He was also coaching Keni (Harrison) at the time. Seeing him have a huge amount of great athletes, I wanted to be with a coach like that,” Alfred shared in an interview with *World Athletics*.

Under Floreal’s guidance, Alfred continued to excel, winning a silver medal in the 200m race at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Her achievements in 2024, including her Olympic success, are a testament to her hard work and the mentorship she received at the University of Texas.

Julien Alfred’s journey from a young sprinter inspired by Usain Bolt to an Olympic champion is a story of dedication, perseverance, and the power of role models. Her victories in Paris have not only brought pride to Saint Lucia but have also set the stage for an even brighter future in athletics.