"Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Usain Bolt, Elaine Thompson-Herah, all these amazing athletes" - Julien Alfred on what propeled her to go to Jamaica

By Neelabhra Roy

Modified Nov 14, 2024 16:25 GMT

Paris Olympics gold medalist Julien Alfred stated that the sprint culture in Jamaica is what propelled her to go there. The Saint Lucian athlete trained in the country during her younger days.

Julien Alfred became the first-ever Olympic medalist from her nation after beating the likes of Sha'Carri Richardson and Melisa Jefferson to the 100m gold after clocking a new personal best of 10.72 seconds in the final. She later clinched the silver medal in the 200m event after clocking 22.08 seconds in the final, finishing 0.25 seconds behind Gabby Thomas.

Speaking to Olympics.com, Alfred spoke about going to Jamaica, claiming that the country's sprinting culture, which included the likes of Usain Bolt, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Elaine Thompson-Herah, attracted her.

“One of the reasons I went to Jamaica was because of the sprint culture," Alfred said. “You know, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Usain Bolt, Elaine Thompson-Herah, all these amazing athletes. Wanting to be a part of that culture.

“And when you hear Jamaica, you know about sprinting, the top athletes. So I made a decision along with my childhood coach and my mum for me to go to Jamaica, to come to train and continue my career in track & field," she added.

"It was very overwhelming" - Julien Alfred on the welcome she received after returning to Saint Lucia

Julien Alfred on the Brussels Diamond League (Image Source: Getty)

Julien Alfred received a rousing welcome on her return to Saint Lucia a month following the conclusion of the Olympics. Speaking in the aforementioned interview, the 23-year-old said that she found the reception in her homeland "overwhelming." Alfred also said that she enjoyed the celebrations in her nation.

“It was very overwhelming. I felt loved and supported by my fellow Saint Lucians. Definitely not what I expected, in the way that the love they poured into me. But overall it was really exciting, an amazing four days back on home soil and I really enjoyed the celebrations," Alfred said.

2024 was an incredible season for Julien Alfred, as she won several races, including the 60m gold at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow. She also won two Diamond League races in Monaco and Brussels.

The Brussels Diamond League final was Alfred's last outing of the 2024 season and she won the 100m race after clocking 10.88 seconds in the final, edging out the likes of Dina-Asher Smith and Marie-Josee Ta Lou Smith.