Julien Alfred, the reigning Olympic 100-meter champion, attributes her remarkable success in 2024 largely to her coach, Edrick Floreal.
Alfred made history by winning Saint Lucia’s first-ever Olympic gold medal, defeating favored sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson in the women’s 100-meter final. This achievement was soon followed by a silver medal in the 200 meters and a victory in the Diamond League 100 meters final in Brussels.
Despite her triumphs, Alfred faced challenges, notably a disappointing performance at the 2023 World Athletics Championships, where she narrowly missed the podium. However, she demonstrated resilience in her comeback, showcasing her mental strength and the pivotal support from her coach.
Training under Floreal at the University of Texas, Alfred has developed into a top-tier sprinter. She acknowledges him as a vital figure in her journey since she left her home country at just 14. “I have to give thanks to my coach. I think he is my spine and my rock,” she shared with FloTrack. “He has been with me through the highs and the lows. After Worlds last year, I cried on his shoulder so much and I just want to thank him for this, having my back throughout and the times where I felt like giving up on myself.”
Her Olympic journey reflects years of hard work and faith in her capabilities. Alfred’s 10.72-second performance in the 100-meter final not only secured her historical status but also earned her the title of “fastest woman in the world,” a distinction she takes immense pride in. “I really wanted it for myself and also so happy to have such an amazing group around me and most importantly, my coach is everything to me, and I would not be here without him,” she noted.
Alfred’s rise began as a youth athlete, winning the women’s 100 meters at the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games and earning a silver at the Youth Olympic Games in 2018. Her talent flourished at the University of Texas, where she claimed two NCAA titles in the 100 meters and one in the 200 meters.
By 2023, she had established herself as a leading sprinter, finishing fourth in the 200 meters and fifth in the 100 meters at the World Athletics Championships.
Despite setbacks, Alfred maintained her ambition, nurtured by Floreal’s guidance. Her Olympic victories mark a significant milestone in her already impressive career, and at just 23, she is poised for even greater accomplishments in the future.
