“I’ve always wanted to be Usain Bolt" - Paris Olympics gold medalist Julien Alfred opens up on idolizing the legendary Jamaican athlete

By Janhavi Shinde

Modified Sep 12, 2024 02:54 GMT

Julien Alfred recently opened up on her athletic idols, including Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. Alfred secured a gold and a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The Saint-Lucian sprinter secured her country's first-ever Olympic medal after securing the top place in the women's 100m. She clocked 10.72 seconds to beat out Sha'Carri Richardson, who clocked 10.87 seconds in the final. Alfred also clinched the silver medal in the 200m event, finishing behind Gabby Thomas.

Following her second-place finish in the 100m at the 2024 Zurich Diamond League, the Olympic gold medalist opened up on drawing inspiration from legendary Jamaican sprinters Bolt and Fraser-Pryce.

Reflecting on her recent victories, she stated that despite not having met the 100m and 200m world record holder in person, his impact on her remains significant. Further, the Saint Lucian Olympian also held Fraser-Pryce in high regard.

“I’ve always wanted to be Usain Bolt, ever since I was little," the 23-year-old said. "He was more than my idol. It’s incredible what he has achieved in his career. Unfortunately, I have never met him. I also look up to Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce very much.”

At the Zurich Diamond League, she posted a time of 10.88 seconds to finish behind Richardson, who clocked 10.84 seconds.

"I’m just trying to take it one step at a time" - Julien Alfred on her life after Paris Olympics victory

Julien Alfred celebrates after competing at the Olympic Games 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Getty Images)

Following her Paris Olympics victory, Julien Alfred has garnered immense praise and admiration from fans. However, the Olympic champion strives to remain humble.

In an interview with Olympics.com, Alfred emphasized on making efforts to stay modest.

“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," she said.

The Olympian has decided to head home to celebrate her Olympic victory with her country on September 24, 2024.

“I’m going to go back home. I haven’t got a chance to celebrate with my country as yet, to see the youth of my country. I really just want to go back to Saint Lucia, celebrate with them, and mayb\e go for a vacation after that. I’m still deciding on where I want to go.”

Alfred will next be seen competing in the Brussels Diamond League, scheduled for September 13 and 14, 2024.