Women's 100m Olympic champion, Julien Alfred, has recalled her childhood struggles in a quest to pursue her career as an athlete.
Alfred beat pre-games favourite, Sha'Carri Richardson to claim the gold medal in the women's 100m final on Saturday, crossing the finish line at 10.72s which doubled as National Record.
The victory, which marks a significant milestone not just for her but for her home country of Saint Lucia, and she hopes the victory will convince government to build a new stadium to help the sport.
“It means a lot to me, my coach, my country, which I’m sure is celebrating now,” Alfred said as quoted by World Athletics.
Alfred's win in the 100m sprint has not only brought her personal glory but also shone a spotlight on her nation's athletic potential.
Reflecting on her journey, she recounted, “Growing up, I used to be on the field struggling. With no shoes, running barefoot, running in my school uniform, running all over the place.
"I hope this gold medal will help Saint Lucia build a new stadium, to help the sport grow," she admonished.
The 23-year-old’s achievement is especially poignant as she has dreamt of this moment since childhood. “I had dreamed since I was a child of becoming St Lucia’s first Olympic medallist and it turned out to be gold,” she said.
“I definitely knew my nation would be watching.
"I feel honoured to be an ambassador for my country. Not many people know about Saint Lucia. Sometimes people ask me where it is. Now, as an Olympic champion, people will be searching for Saint Lucia.
"I'm proud to wear my country’s name across my chest and represent them. I’m looking forward to celebrating with them when I go home," Alfred concluded, looking forward to sharing her success with her compatriots.
Latest Stories
-
Bolt Holdings OU ordered to pay GH₵1.9m after passenger finds his photo as driver in ride request
21 mins -
Full Text: NPP’s response to NDC’s call for independent audit of voter’s register
31 mins -
I’ll demonstrate against gov’t if it bans small-scale mining – Dennis Miracles Aboagye
34 mins -
AKOA Group signs MOU with GCTU
48 mins -
ECG privitisation: Who will put money in a failing organisation? – asks Nana Yaa Jantuah
1 hour -
Your call for independent audit of voter’s register hypocritical and mischievous – NPP to NDC
1 hour -
Why Ayariga coughed, itchy bottom and are you using the right condom – A review of Prof. Alex Dodoo’s ‘Healthy Secrets’
1 hour -
EC has a lot to do before the election – Methodist Bishop
2 hours -
Illegal mining affects food production – CSIR
2 hours -
Joy Sports secures exclusive interview with Michael Essien
2 hours -
Illegal Mining: President must declare a state of emergency – Nyaho-Tamakloe
2 hours -
Akufo-Addo assents to Affirmative Action Gender Equity Bill 2024
2 hours -
Ghanaian politicians aren’t interested in sports development – Veronica Commey
2 hours -
Joy Prime launches Big Chef Tertiary Season 2 on September 20
2 hours -
National Security, Highway Authority address human security issues in Ahanta
2 hours