WATCH: Wild celebrations in Saint Lucia as Julien Alfred bags country's first ever medal after 100m gold in Paris Olympics

By Neelabhra Roy

Modified Aug 06, 2024 00:56 GMT

Julien Alfred's 100m gold at the Paris Olympics was celebrated in her country Saint Lucia. The 23-year-old's triumph secured her nation's very first Olympic medal of any kind.

Alfred clocked 10.95 seconds in the 100m heats to qualify for the semifinals. She then finished the semifinals by clocking 10.84 seconds, which was quicker than anyone else, to reach the final. Here, she ran a brilliant race in just 10.72 seconds to win gold. Sha'Carri Richardson won silver, while Melissa Jefferson claimed bronze.

A video of people back in Julien Aflred's homeland, Saint Lucia, was later shared on social media. Here, the crowd was seen getting wild and erupting when she crossed the finish line.

The Saint Lucia sprinter also set a new personal best and national record through her performance in the 100m final at the Paris Olympics.

Alfred has produced some impressive performances so far during the 2024 season, winning a lot of races. Besides her Olympic gold, the 23-year-old also won gold at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow after clocking 6.98 seconds in the final.

In 100m, Alfred won the Prefontaine Classic and the Racers Grand Prix while finishing second in a Diamond League race in London.

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Julien Alfred: "Hope this gold medal will help St. Lucia build a new stadium"

Julien Alfred celebrates her 100m gold at the Paris Olympics (Source: Getty)

Speaking after her memorable victory, Alfred said she hoped that it would help grow track and field in Saint Lucia and bring in the right facilities, which were not present during her younger days.

“Growing up I used to be on the field struggling with no shoes, running barefoot, running in my school uniform, running all over the place. We barely have the right facilities. The stadium is not fixed. I hope this gold medal will help St Lucia build a new stadium, to help the sport grow," the 23-year-old said.

The Saint Lucian also said the people back home would be celebrating her gold medal by playing music and drinking beers.

“I’m sure they are having a time. Playing music, celebrating, drinking beers," Alfred said.

Following her exploits in the distance, Julien Alfred will next compete in the 200m at the Paris Olympics. The Saint Lucian's fastest 200m timing so far in 2024 is 21.86 seconds, which she clocked in the London Grand Prix.