When Julien Alfred crossed the finish line fourth in the Rabat Diamond League 100m, fans blinked in disbelief. The Olympic champion, known for her explosive speed, clocked a modest 11.12 seconds, well behind Shericka Jackson’s winning 11.04 seconds. Social media buzzed with worry: Had the Saint Lucian sprint queen lost her magic?
But Julien Alfred wasn’t about to let speculation run wild. She took to Instagram with a message that hinted at something bigger: “Adjusting to new training, still finding my rhythm.” Behind the scenes, her coach, Edrick Floreal, was weaving a new strategy. To prepare for the Tokyo World Championships, Alfred now trains for the long haul, tackling 300m and 400m workouts to build power and endurance, not just speed.
This shift, while slowing her 100m times for now, is all part of a grand design. Alfred’s unbeaten 200m streak and a world-leading 21.88s earlier in the season prove she’s still a force. “It’s a long season; I’m building,” she reminded her fans.
Who is Julien Alfred?
Julien Alfred bursts onto the global sprinting scene as a dynamic and record-breaking sprinter from Saint Lucia. Born on June 10, 2001, Alfred quickly rose through the ranks with her explosive speed and powerful strides.
She has captured attention by dominating collegiate competitions in the United States, shattering records and earning multiple NCAA titles. In 2023, Alfred blazes to new heights, securing a world indoor title in the 60 meters and setting national and collegiate records along the way.
Alfred continues to impress on the international stage, representing Saint Lucia with pride and determination. She challenges the world’s best sprinters, including Olympic and world champions, and consistently delivers standout performances.
In 2024, she clinched the Olympic 100m gold, making history as the first athlete from Saint Lucia to win an Olympic sprint title. Alfred’s versatility shines as she competes in the 100m, 200m, and even longer sprints, always pushing her limits and inspiring a new generation of athletes.
So, while some see a temporary dip, Julien Alfred and her team see a champion laying the groundwork for an even greater comeback—one that could leave her rivals chasing shadows when it truly counts.
