Julien Alfred Wins Historic Gold in Women’s 100 Metres at Paris 2024 Olympics
St. Lucia’s Julien Alfred made history on Saturday night by winning the gold medal in the women’s 100 metres dash at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Alfred’s stunning performance, finishing in 10.72 seconds, not only secured her first Olympic medal but also marked the first-ever Games medal for her Caribbean home nation.
Alfred, who had already shown her prowess by defeating Sha’Carri Richardson in the semi-finals earlier in the day, continued her impressive form in the final. Richardson, the American world champion, took silver with a time of 10.87 seconds, while her teammate Melissa Jefferson claimed bronze with a time of 10.92 seconds.
The victory extended the US women’s 100m title drought, which now stretches to the 2028 Los Angeles Games. The last American gold in this event was won by Gail Devers in 1996.
Jamaican sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, was a notable absentee, pulling out just minutes before her semi-final. Additionally, Elaine Thompson-Herah, the 2016 and 2021 winner, was also missing from Paris due to injury.
Marie Josée Ta Lou-Smith, the 35-year-old Ivorian, was the only African finalist and finished in eighth place.
