Saint Lucia sprinter and the current Olympic 100m champion – Julien ‘Juju’ Alfred will open her 2025 outdoor season at the Miramar Invitational at the Ansin Sports Complex in Florida on April 5.
The Ciceron [Castries] born sprint diva, coming off a fantastic 2024 season that also saw her claim Olympic 200m silver, World Indoor 60m gold as well as the Diamond League 100m title, opted against defending her World Indoor title this season, instead focusing her efforts on building up her speed endurance for the outdoor season.
She has already established new St. Lucian short track records in both the 300m and 400m this season and is all set to headline the fourth edition of the World Athletics Continental Tour-Silver event.
Alfred has also been booked to compete at the Diamond League events in both Oslo and Stockholm on June 12 and June 15, respectively.
Afred, 23, dominated a strong field in the women’s 100m final in Paris that included Sha’ Carri Richardson [9.87], Melissa Jefferson [10.92], Daryll Neita [10.96], and Tanisha Terry [10.97] to win gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics, setting a new national record of 10.72 seconds.
Her medal was the first-ever Olympic medal for Saint Lucia. She also went ahead to claim silver in the 200m final, behind Gabby Thomas.
By Joseph Amanortey Bleyor
