Saint Lucia’s Olympic champion Julien Alfred is set to indulge in a luxurious Caribbean vacation following her grand homecoming celebrations.
As the 100m gold medalist from the Paris 2024 Olympics, Julien Alfred is poised to receive a well-earned reward for her historic achievements.
After a standout season that saw the St. Lucian sprinter secure her country’s first-ever Olympic medals—gold in the 100m and silver in the 200m—Alfred will soon enjoy a week-long stay at one of the Caribbean’s premier luxury resorts.
Alfred, who has captured the hearts of St. Lucians and sprinting fans around the globe, will take a break from competitive running to relax at an upscale, all-inclusive resort, courtesy of Sandals Resorts International.
Although the exact resort has not yet been disclosed, it is known to be among the top vacation spots in the region, offering breathtaking beaches, top-notch amenities, and exceptional Caribbean hospitality.
Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, expressed his enthusiasm about honoring Caribbean athletes who performed exceptionally well at the Paris Games.
“The Olympic Games are always a special time for us here in the Caribbean. Our athletes are incredibly talented, and we are thrilled to witness their wins and record-making performances,” Stewart told St Vincent Times.
“On behalf of our entire Sandals family, we excitedly celebrate with our Olympic medalists and look forward to hosting them for a relaxing vacation at Sandals,” he added.
Julien Alfred is not the only Olympian to receive this luxurious honor.
In addition to her, Jamaican athletes such as Roje Stona, who won gold in the men’s discus, and Kishane Thompson, the men’s 100m silver medalist, will also enjoy complimentary stays at Sandals properties.
Other Caribbean champions, including Grenada’s decathlete Lindon Victor and javelin thrower Anderson Peters, will join them for this opulent retreat.
Before Alfred heads to her vacation destination, her homecoming celebration in Saint Lucia is set to be one of the most eagerly awaited events of the year.
A grand program has been organized by the government of Saint Lucia to honor the 23-year-old athlete, who has made a lasting mark in the island’s history.
Alfred’s arrival at Hewanorra International Airport on September 24 will signal the start of the celebrations, with a motorcade rally planned to take her from the airport to Gros Islet. Thousands of fans and supporters are expected to line the streets to welcome their national hero.
On September 25, rallies will be held at various schools in Soufriere and Dennery, where Alfred will be celebrated by students and community members.
A key feature of the festivities will be the unveiling of a significant mural at Ciceron Primary School on September 26, commemorating her achievements for future generations to admire.
The celebrations will culminate on September 27 with a grand National Concert at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, featuring performances by leading regional artists.
In recognition of her remarkable achievements, the government has declared September 27, 2024, as “Julien Alfred Day,” along with a public holiday to enable the entire nation to participate in the festivities.
Alfred’s performances at the Paris 2024 Olympics are truly historic.
In her Olympic debut, she surpassed expectations, not only bringing home Saint Lucia’s first Olympic medals but also setting new national records in the process.
Her stunning sprint in the 100m final, where she outpaced world-class competitors, solidified her position among the world’s elite sprinters.
Following the Olympics, Alfred continued her exceptional season by competing in the Zurich Diamond League on September 5, facing strong opponents such as Sha’Carri Richardson, Tia Clayton, and Daryll Neita.
The season will conclude with the Brussels meet on September 13-14, where she is set to compete against Richardson once again.
