August 03, (THEWILL) – Julien Alfred won the women’s 100-metre final at the 2024 Olympics on Saturday, earning Saint Lucia its first Olympic medal. Alfred led from start to finish in rainy conditions, crossing the line in a national record time of 10.72 seconds.
American, Sha’Carri Richardson, the world champion and pre-race favourite, finished second in 10.87 seconds. Her compatriot, Melissa Jefferson, took bronze with a time of 10.92 seconds.
The win marks a historic moment for Saint Lucia, with Alfred bringing home the nation’s first Olympic medal. After the race, Alfred was seen celebrating with the Saint Lucian flag.
Notable in her absence was Jamaican, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, the two-time Olympic champion. Fraser-Pryce missed her semi-final after security officials at the Stade de France did not allow her entry.
The race took place in heavy rain on a wet track, adding to the challenge for all competitors. Despite these conditions, Alfred maintained her lead throughout the race, delivering a strong performance from start to finish.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.