- Saint Lucia's Julien Alfred wins gold in the women’s 100m with a time of 10.72 seconds
- This is a historic achievement which marks Saint Lucia's first Olympic gold medal
- Sprinters such as Fraser-Pryce and Ofili could not compete due to administrative issues
Saint Lucia’s Julien Alfred, affectionately known as ‘Juju,’ made history on August 2, 2024, by winning the gold medal in the women’s 100m at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Running an astonishing time of 10.72 seconds, Juju left rivals in her wake, including American sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson, who took silver with a time of 10.87 seconds, and Melissa Jefferson, who claimed bronze in 10.92 seconds.
This victory, which marks Saint Lucia's first Olympic gold medal, elevated Alfred to national hero status, symbolising immense pride for her country. Alfred's journey to the top has been characterised by relentless hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
Her victory has become a beacon of hope and inspiration, not only cementing her place in the annals of track and field history but also showcasing the potential of athletes from smaller nations on the global stage.
The race was filled with unexpected twists and high drama. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, one of the favourites, was shockingly denied access to the warm-up area due to an administrative mishap, causing her to miss the final. This incident sent ripples through the athletic community, highlighting the importance of organizational precision at such high-stakes events.
Additionally, Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili was unable to compete in the 100m event due to an administrative error that left her unregistered. These developments added an unforeseen layer of complexity and surprise to the race, with many saying Alfred could have met sterner competition if administrative errors did not disqualify Ofili and Fraser-Pryce.
Inspiring Alfred remembers past struggles
Alfred's story is one of perseverance and determination. From her early days training in Saint Lucia to competing on the world stage, her journey has inspired countless young athletes. Her coach, support team, and the entire nation of Saint Lucia played crucial roles in her success, underscoring the importance of a strong support system for athletes striving for excellence.
Reacting to her win, Alfred says: “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 Saint Lucia build a new stadium, to help the sport grow.”
“It [the victory] means a lot to me, my coach, my country, which I’m sure is celebrating now.”
Paris Olympics 2024: Nigeria's female basketball team stuns Australia in historic win
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Nigeria's female basketball team secured a historic victory against Australia, with a score of 75-62, in what was a thrilling match at the ongoing Paris Olympics 2024.
The victory marked a much-needed uplift for Nigeria after unimpressive performances in other sports, such as women’s football, table tennis and boxing.
The Nigerian team demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, overcoming the highly favoured Australian side. The victory was underpinned by standout performances, especially from Ezinne Kalu, who scored 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists.
