Julien Alfred Wins Saint Lucia's First Gold Medal

[ad_1]

Black women are out to dominate the 2024 Paris Olympics!

RELATED: Sha’Carri Richardson Explains Her “I’m Not Back, I’m Better” Success Mantra and the Foundation of Her Success

St. Lucia Sprinter Takes Home Gold Medal

Congratulations are in order for Saint Lucia Julien Alfred! The athlete won the women’s 100 meters in 10.72 seconds for the State de France at the 2024 Paris Olympics, marking her country’s first medal of any kind.

Julien Alfred passed slowly Sha’Carri Richardson, finishing in 10.72 seconds. Sha’Carri, representing Team USA, finished second with a time of 10.87 seconds, earning her a silver medal. Melissa Jeffersonalso of Team USA, won the bronze medal with a time of 10.92 seconds.

After winning his gold medal, Julien Alfred spoke exclusively with AP News. The runner from St. Lucian was overcome with emotion and burst into tears after a while.

“It means a lot to me. It means a lot to my coach. It means a lot to my country. I’m sure they’re celebrating right now,” said Julien.

Julien Alfred’s victory surprised many, as NBC News notes, because Sha’Carri Richardson had shown incredible speed and consistency throughout the 2023 season.

Although she didn’t win gold in an individual event, Sha’Carri still has a chance to win a gold medal in the 4 x 100 relay on August 9, according to the New York Times.

Social Media Reacts

Commenters under The Shade Room’s Instagram post expressed their excitement for Julien and his contestants. Many felt happy to see him bring home the gold medal for St. Lucia.

Instagram user @lijitimate wrote, “I’m so proud of Julien!! Product of St. Lucia. He went to high school and competed in Jamaica! A big win for his small but strong island. Know his name. 🥇”

Instagram user @howwijourney wrote, “Our first Olympic medal and GOLD 🏅”

While Instagram user @get_moefit written, “Proud of Julian, he worked hard. All women do and all will only get better! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾”

Then Instagram user @aprnbeauty wrote, “Shacarri overcame many difficulties!! And he’s still in the Olympics and he’s still the number 2 fastest in the world in the 100m, which is impressive.”

Another Instagram user @mia_raye3 wrote, “The truth came second when he couldn’t warm up! Good for him.”

Finally Instagram user @beyoncexsavage_ wrote, “Wherever black girls take the 2024 Olympics Congratulations to all 🫶🏾”