Julien Alfred Reaffirms Track Legend's Sentiment With Monaco Diamond League Display

Julien Alfred responded brilliantly to her onluy loss of the season so far to Melissa Jefferson. (Credit: Imago)

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Julien Alfred responded brilliantly to her onluy loss of the season so far to Melissa Jefferson. (Credit: Imago)

Julien Alfred Reaffirms Track Legend's Sentiment With Monaco Diamond League Display

Stephen Awino 18:00 - 14.07.2025

Olympic champion Julien Alfred has shown the makings of a champion following her Prefontaine Classic loss to Melissa Jefferson-Wooden.

Olympic champion Julien Alfred experienced a setback at the 2025 Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon.

Despite a strong start, she was narrowly defeated by American Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, who clocked a winning time of 10.75 seconds to Alfred's 10.77.

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Gatlin's Faith in Alfred Proves to Be A Master Stroke

American Legend Justin Gatlin
Justin Gatlin. Image source: Imago

On a recent episode of Ready Set Go, track and field analyst Rodney Green expressed concern about Alfred's form heading into the 2025 World Championships. However, former Olympic sprinter Justin Gatlin offered a more optimistic perspective.

"I agree, but I also know Coach Flo," Gatlin said, referring to Alfred's coach, Edrick Floreal.

"And the reason Julien is the great athlete she is, is because Coach Flo knows how to communicate with her. He knows how to bring that dog out of her."

Gatlin believed Alfred will bounce back from her defeat to Jefferson and he was proven right.

"Prefontaine might not guarantee you a win, but it can fuel your drive toward World Championship success. After the initial disappointment fades, once Coach Flo’s words sink in, someone like Julien will come back stronger."

Can Alfred Win the World Championship in Tokyo?

Julien Alfred
Olympic champion Julien Alfred.

Alfred reaffirmed her elite sprinting status with a commanding victory in the women’s 100m at the Monaco Diamond League on Friday July 11, clocking a blistering 10.79 seconds to win the race in style.

Heading into the World Championships she remains a favorite but is expected to face stiff competition from the likes Sha'Carri Richardson in addition to Jefferson.

The Olympic champion and Richardson, who also lined up at the Prefontaine Classic have developed an intense rivalry since Alfred's professional debut in 2023, where she upset Richardson with a 10.89-second victory.

Richardson gained revenge at the 2024 Prefontaine Classic, but Alfred ultimately triumphed at the Paris Olympics, winning gold in 10.72 seconds to Richardson's 10.87.

The two continued to trade victories, with Richardson narrowly edging out Alfred at the Zurich Diamond League.

Alfred's history with Jefferson-Wooden dates back to the 2022 NCAA Indoor Championships, where Jefferson-Wooden secured a victory in the 60m final, with Alfred finishing fifth.

However, Alfred has demonstrated significant improvement since then, as evidenced by her Olympic performance, where Jefferson-Wooden took bronze.