Julien Alfred Receives Massive Backing Ahead of World Indoor Championships Return

Reigning Olympic 100m champion Julien Alfred will represent Saint Lucia at the upcoming World Athletics Indoor Championships in Toruń, Poland.

The Saint Lucia Athletics Association (SLAA) confirmed, while backing the world 100m bronze medallist to shine one more time.

The 24-year-old sprinter is set to reclaim her 60m title, which she won in 2024, at the event scheduled for March 20-22 at the Kujawsko-Pomorska Arena. Competing at the 2024 event, Julien Alfred clocked an impressive 6.98 seconds to win the race.

Based in Texas, Julien Alfred enters the competition in formidable form, holding this year's fastest time in the 60m with a blistering 6.99 seconds.

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Her performance places her as the joint second-fastest woman in history over the distance. Notably, she has broken the seven-second barrier six times, a feat surpassed only by world record holder Irina Privalova.

In a statement released Friday, the SLAA highlighted the significance of Julien Alfred's participation on the global stage.

"Alfred continues to be a source of immense national pride, having elevated Saint Lucia’s presence on the international athletics stage through her remarkable achievements and consistent world-class performances," the release stated.

SLAA President Dora Henry emphasised the Olympic 200m silver medallist’s role as a trailblazer for the nation's athletic future.

"The World Athletics Indoor Championships present another valuable opportunity for Saint Lucia to showcase its athletic talent on the global stage," Henry said.

"Julien continues to serve as an inspiration to a new generation of young athletes at home, and her participation at this level reflects the continued growth and potential of athletics in our country.

"As an association, we remain committed to supporting our athletes and to providing them with the opportunities and resources necessary to compete and excel at the international level."

Julien Alfred is scheduled to begin her campaign on Saturday, March 21. The opening rounds will take place at 6:05 a.m. Caribbean time, with the semifinals and final set for later that day at 3:14 p.m. and 4:20 p.m., respectively.