Julien Alfred pens a heartfelt note after being named as the Tourism ambassador for Saint Lucia after winning the country's first Olympic gold medal

By Animesh Pandey

Modified Oct 07, 2024 01:28 GMT

Julien Alfred, the Olympic champion sprinter from Saint Lucia has been named the Tourism Ambassador for her nation. Alfred has also been nominated for the Tourism Gimmie Award for 2024 in light of her achievements at the Paris Olympics.

The 23-year-old sprinter took to Instagram to pen a heartfelt note on this joyous occasion. Alfred wrote,

"September 26th was truly a special day for me. I’ve always taken much pride in representing my country both on or off the track, but being officially announced as a Tourism Ambassador and being the Tourism Gimie Awardee for 2024, brings me an unwavering amount of joy."

"A huge thank you to the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority for allowing this young girl from Ciceron, with a dream to receive such prestigious titles. No matter where I may roam, I will forever LOVE my island home and represent as a proud Saint Lucian.

LET HER INSPIRE YOU", she further added.

Julien Alfred scripted history for Saint Lucia when she won the women's 100m finals at the Paris Olympics. Her gold medal was also Saint Lucia's first-ever Olympic medal. Alfred topped it off with a silver medal in the women's 200m finals, with the USA's Gabrielle 'Gabby' Thomas clinching the gold in the event.

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Julien Alfred on the love she received from Saint Lucia

Julien Alfred after winning the women's 100m finals at the Diamond League Finals 2024 [Image Source : Getty]

2024 has to be one of the best seasons in Julien Alfred's career. The sprinter from Saint Lucia had begun on an impressive note with a gold medal in the 60m dash at the World Indoor Athletics Championships. Then came the Paris Olympics, where she did the unthinkable by winning two historic Olympic medals [including the 100m gold] for Saint Lucia.

When Alfred finally arrived at Saint Lucia on September 27, she was given a hero's welcome. The Prime Minister of Saint Lucia even declared a public holiday in her honor. Interestingly, from this year onwards, September 27 will be celebrated as Julien Alfred Day, in honor of the athlete's historic achievements.

An overwhelmed Alfred took to Instagram to express her emotions. She wrote,

"The past four days here on island has been nothing short of amazing! I have laughed, cried, danced and celebrated with my fellow Saint Lucians and today we get to end it all on a very special day at the Daren Sammy Cricket Grounds. To All, both here and abroad, thank you celebrating me. I will forever be grateful. Saint Lucia will always be in my heart!"

Julien Alfred finished her 2024 season on an impressive note when she won the Diamond League 2024. She won the 100m finals with a comfortable margin of 10.88 seconds, becoming the first-ever athlete from Saint Lucia to achieve this honor.