Athletics - Olympic Games Paris 2024: Day 8 - Source: Getty — Julien Alfred celebrates winning the gold medal during the Women's 100m Final at Olympic Games 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo via Getty Images)

From concert at Darren Sammy Stadium on Julien Alfred Day to unveiling of iconic mural: Everything to know about Olympic champion's grand homecoming

Modified Sep 18, 2024 14:32 GMT

In the wake of Julien Alfred's historic gold medal victory for St. Lucia at the 2024 Paris Olympics, her country is gearing up for another monumental moment as they prepare for her grand homecoming celebration. The country's first Olympic gold medalist will return on September 24, 2024.

Alfred bagged a gold and a silver medal at the French capital, in the women's 100m and 200m, respectively. The St. Lucian athletics star will return home on September 24, 2024, at Hewanorra International Airport. She will be honored with a motorcade to escort her from Vieux-Fort to Gros-Islet.

Her country's government has arranged a lineup of events to celebrate Alfred's achievements. On September 16, 2024, the parliament approved the Julien Alfred Day Bill. September 27, 2024, will be observed as a public holiday by banks and public offices nationwide.

On September 25, 2024, Alfred will attend rallies at the Soufriere Mini Stadium in the morning and the La Resource Playing Field in the afternoon. She will visit her school, Ciceron Primary School, the following day to unveil an iconic mural.

The celebrations will conclude on September 27, with a concert at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, where her glorious feat will be honored.

The Government of Saint Lucia shared a message on social media to urge the citizens to join in the celebrations:

"The Government of Saint Lucia encourages all Saint Lucians to participate in the official homecoming celebrations honouring Julien’s extraordinary achievements."

"Not getting ahead of myself" - Julien Alfred on being humble following her Olympic feat

Julien Alfred celebrates winning the 100m event at the Diamond League in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by via Getty Images)

Julien Alfred secured the gold medal in the 100m at the Paris Games after clocking a stunning time of 10.72 seconds to defeat the favorite Sha'Carri Richardson, who posted 10.87 seconds.

Moreover, the St. Lucian sprinter also grabbed a silver medal in the 200m, finishing behind Gabby Thomas. While the American finished in 21.83s, Alfred recorded 22.08s.

In a press conference following the Games, and ahead of the magnificent celebration, she stressed the importance of remaining humble.

Alfred said,

“It’s been good; I’ve really been enjoying the process and just really taking in what happened in Paris, but just not getting ahead of myself, I’m just trying to take it one step at a time."

Julien Alfred took the gold in her last outing before the grand celebration, winning the 100m at the Wanda Diamond League Final in Brussels, with a timing of 10.88s.