How Julien Alfred became the queen of sprinting in 2024

Julien Alfred had an incredible 2024. Deji Ogeyingbo puts the season in perspective for the tremendously talented sprinter from Saint Lucia! In the U.S., we have a plethora of great athletes, and many times, we take that gift for granted. Deji reminds us that the people of Saint Lucia sure do not do that with Julien Alfred, who won Olympic medals in the 100m (gold) and 200m (silver). What a season! 

How Julien Alfred became the queen of sprinting in 2024

At the start of 2024, Julien Alfred likely had one goal in mind—to secure a podium finish at the Paris Olympics. The 23-year-old sprint sensation from St. Lucia was no stranger to expectations, but what unfolded over the course of the year exceeded even her wildest dreams. In a season filled with surprises and high drama, Alfred emerged as arguably the number one sprinter in women’s track and field, particularly in the 100m.

Alfred’s journey to stardom this year began when she claimed the women’s 60m indoor title in Glasgow in March. This victory set the tone for the year and gave a glimpse of what was to come. She followed up this early triumph with a string of wins on the Diamond League circuit, building momentum ahead of the highly anticipated Paris Olympics. But the real breakthrough came when she did the unthinkable. Alfred claimed the Olympic 100m title, outpacing a field of track’s biggest names, including the favorite, Sha’Carri Richardson.

The Olympic final was a defining moment for Alfred, but her journey had been building to this point for years. The potential had always been there, but 2024 was the year everything clicked. All eyes were initially on the likes of Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who many thought would get her swan song at the Paris Games. Elaine Thompson-Herah, a double Olympic gold medalist from Rio and Tokyo, was also in the conversation, as was Richardson, who had long been tipped to break America’s drought in the 100m event at the Olympics.

Richardson had been the talk of the town leading up to the games. Many believed the American was destined for gold after she stormed through the heats and appeared unstoppable. However, in the semifinals, Alfred delivered the first shock by defeating…