Olympic 100m champion Julien Alfred is set to reunite with her podium rivals Sha’Carri Richardson and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden at the 50th edition of the Prefontaine Classic on Saturday, July 5, at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.
Alfred made history at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games by becoming the first Saint Lucian to win an Olympic medal. Her stunning personal best of 10.72 seconds not only earned her the gold medal in the women’s 100m but also set a new national record.
Now, for the first time since their dramatic showdown in Paris, Alfred, Richardson, and Jefferson-Wooden will meet again on the same stage. The rematch is among the most anticipated events of this year’s Prefontaine Classic and is expected to deliver fireworks as the trio tests form, pride, and speed.
Alfred heads into the race with momentum. She has already announced herself this year in the Diamond league winning back to back 100m race. Both in stockholm and Oslo. She closed out her 2024 season by winning the women’s 100m Diamond League Final in 10.88 seconds.
In addition to the 100m and 200m, Alfred holds Saint Lucian national records in the 60m (6.94), 200m short track (22.01), 300m (36.05), and 400m short track (52.97).
Fierce Rivalry
Her fiercest challenger remains Sha’Carri Richardson. The American sprint star finished second behind Julien Alfred in Paris and brings with her a reputation for big-stage performances. Richardson, won the 2023 World Championship 100m title. She opened her 2025 campaign with a sluggish 11.47 seconds at the Seiko Golden Grand Prix in Tokyo.
That outing raised questions. However fans know better than to count her out, especially on U.S. soil, where she clocked 10.84 seconds to win last year’s Prefontaine Classic.
Meanwhile , Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, the Olympic bronze medalist, also returns to the scene. Melissa has already shown dominance in the Grand Slam Track. She had five wins in six races, including multiple high-stakes victories over rival Gabby Thomas.
