Image source: REUTERS
Julien Alfred made history by securing Saint Lucia’s first-ever Olympic medal, delivering a flawless performance in the women’s 100 metres final. Alfred’s impressive start and steadfast lead resulted in a national record time of 10.72 seconds.
Julien Alfred victory was even more significant as it was clouded by the unexpected absence of Jamaican star Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, leaving a contentious air around the race.
Alfred’s triumph was a display of sheer determination and skill. The Saint Lucian sprinter maintained her momentum despite the downpour, finishing comfortably ahead of World Champion Sha’Carri Richardson, who took silver with a time of 10.87 seconds.
Richardson, a pre-race favorite, couldn’t close the gap on Julien Alfred, while her fellow American, Melissa Jefferson, secured the bronze with a time of 10.92 seconds.
The race’s drama intensified with Fraser-Pryce’s absence. The two-time Olympic champion, participating in her fifth Olympics, was unexpectedly marked as ‘Did Not Start’ just before the semi-finals. This sparked confusion and controversy, especially as footage surfaced showing Fraser-Pryce and the Jamaican team in a heated discussion with officials.
Fraser-Pryce was reportedly heard saying, “they’ve changed the rules, we always come through this gate.” As of now, World Athletics is awaiting an official explanation from the Jamaican team regarding the incident.
With Fraser-Pryce out of the picture, the pressure was on Richardson, but a slow start from the blocks hindered her chances. This was reminiscent of last year’s world championships, where Richardson barely made it to the final and clinched the title from an outside lane. However, there was no repeat performance this time, as Alfred’s electrifying speed left her competitors in the dust.
Julien Alfred’s gold not only marked a monumental moment for Saint Lucia but also highlighted the end of Jamaica’s dominance in the event, having won the last four Olympic golds and claimed 10 out of the 12 available medals. Meanwhile, the United States continues to wait for its next Olympic gold in the women’s 100 metres, with Gail Devers being the last to achieve this feat in 1996. The victory of Marion Jones in 2000 was later annulled due to a doping scandal.
This historic win for Alfred and Saint Lucia will be remembered not only for the athletic achievement but also for the backdrop of controversy and the breaking of long-standing records and streaks.
