Julien Alfred Wins Historic Gold in Women's 100 Meters

Julien Alfred delivered an exceptional performance in the women’s 100 meters final at the Paris Olympics, claiming Saint Lucia’s first-ever Olympic medal. Alfred dominated from start to finish despite heavy rain, setting a national record of 10.72 seconds.

“This feels amazing,” Alfred said after the race. “This morning, I wrote down: ‘Julien Alfred, Olympic champion.’ Believing in myself and trusting in my abilities made all the difference.” American Sha'Carri Richardson, the reigning world champion and race favorite, finished second with a time of 10.87 seconds. Melissa Jefferson, also from the U.S., took bronze with a time of 10.92 seconds.

“I’m grateful, happy, blessed,” Jefferson commented. “This is my first Olympics, and I’m glad I represented my country well. I made sure not to leave here empty-handed.”

Richardson, a prominent figure in pre-Games coverage and the subject of a Netflix documentary, did not attend interviews following her second-place finish. Meanwhile, double Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce was absent from the final due to injury, which sparked controversy when footage emerged of her and Jamaican teammates arguing with officials.

Despite Richardson’s strong performance in last year’s world championships, where she won from lane nine, she could not catch Alfred in Paris. This result also marks the end of Jamaica’s dominance in the event, breaking their streak of winning the last four Olympic golds. The United States continues its 28-year gold medal drought in the 100 meters, with Gail Devers being the last American winner in 1996.