The women’s 100-meter dash at the Olympics is always one of those races that gets your heart racing. It’s simple, yet thrilling, and the winner earns the ultimate title of “fastest woman in the world.” Julien Alfred got to live that dream at the 2024 Paris Olympics when she took the gold, beating Sha’Carri Richardson and securing Saint Lucia its first-ever Olympic medal. Before that night, Alfred wasn’t exactly a household name, but by the end of it, she had become an international star.

But the win was so much more than just a medal. Alfred got emotional as she opened up about the pain of losing her father when she was just 12. She even quit running for months after his passing, unsure how to keep going without him. But she pushed through, and her victory was a reflection of that journey. “It means a lot to me,” she said, knowing her small country was watching and celebrating her success. When asked how she stayed so humble despite all the fame, her answer was truly touching!

The people who keep Julien Alfred grounded

Recently, SportsMax TV posted a really touching video on YouTube where Julien Alfred opened up about her Olympic gold win and how she stays so humble despite all the success. When asked what keeps her grounded, she said, “So many people. So many, you know, like Edric Florel, my current coach at UT.” Edrick Florel is a popular name in track and field. He has a long, successful experience as an athlete and as a trainer. He was an All-American sprinter at the University of Kentucky; now he coaches at the University of Texas and took Alfred when she arrived in America at the age of 14. She has implicated him as instrumental to her transformation into one of the world’s most prominent sprinters.

Julien further added, “He’s taught me so many things about life, how to go about doing things the right way. My childhood coach always told me about being humble—allow people to post about you, humble beginnings, and never forget where you came from. Like I said, so many people I’ve crossed paths with have made a huge impact on my life.” Alfred went on to mention the influence of her long-time coach, saying, “Coach, who I’ve had for five years, has taught me so much. He’s always reminded me to never forget where I came from and to always stay humble. There are so many people I can give thanks to, but I would say my coaches and my family, who have kept me grounded.”

Julien’s family includes her mother, Joanna Alfred, and her siblings, Juliana Hamilton, Daniel Alfred, and Chad Alfred. But there can be no doubt that in this case, Alfred’s words convincingly indicate that humility remains close to her heart, and it originates from the experiences that she has been through with the help of the people who are fostering her current success, such as coaches and family who constantly remind her of her origin. However, if you look at her path and transformation from a young athlete who once walked barefoot to receiving an Olympic medal, it is motivating.

How a tragic loss didn’t stop this Olympian’s rise to the top

Julien Alfred was raised in a small town in St. Lucia where she experienced all the hardships. She remembers that she used to hear gunshots at night, which is why she can only describe her childhood as “a very rough community, a rough childhood.” But despite the hardship and danger around her, she always held onto one belief: “I just thought that I can use my talent to get out of the ghetto.” Looking back, she says, “It’s been a hell of a ride,” but in her fixed obsession on track as her way out, she had to struggle through all this period.

Alfred formerly had to take practice in her school uniform, and she even ran barefoot. As a result, she began to outpace the boys in her first and second grades, and her teachers noticed her talent. And with time, Usain Bolt became her childhood role model, and she wanted to be like him when she grew up. But her path wasn’t without heartbreak.

At the age of just 12, Alfred lost her father. Her father always said great things about her and her future, and she could not imagine continuing the passion with him off running without him. However, by the time she was 14, Alfred saw her love for sprinting again because of his coach; she moved to Jamaica to St. Catherine High School to further her talent.

Julien secured her first NCAA title in the 100 meters after joining the University of Texas on a scholarship in 2018. But in the World Championships, it wasn’t quite like that, and Alfred seemed to lose her confidence. For this, she goes on to emphasize that her coach, Edrick Floreal, was able to assist her in getting back on form. “He has been my rock,” she said. “He’s like a dad and a mentor to me.” Despite her success, Alfred stays deeply connected to her roots in St. Lucia and hopes her story will inspire young people there. “We can come from a small place but also be on the biggest stage,” she said, dreaming of a future where the youth of her country believe they can achieve anything.