Joe
Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia captured a historic gold medal in the women’s 100m at the Paris 2024 Olympics, clocking a national record of 10.72 seconds at the Stade de France.
This victory marks Saint Lucia’s first Olympic medal.
Under pouring rain, Alfred outpaced her competitors, finishing ahead of American Sha’Carri Richardson, who took silver with a time of 10.87 seconds, and fellow American Melissa Jefferson, who claimed bronze in 10.92 seconds.
Great Britain’s Daryll Neita narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth in 10.96 seconds, achieving the best result by a British female sprinter in an Olympic final in 64 years. Despite her near miss, Neita expressed pride in her performance and optimism for her upcoming 200m race.
“I’m finding it hard to find words at the minute, literally speechless, so close to the medal, so close,” Neita told BBC Sport. “I’m healthy and I have the 200m to contest. Fourth in the Olympics is something to be proud of.”
Other notable competitors, including Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith and Imani Lansiquot, did not advance to the final. Jamaican sprint legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce withdrew from the competition before the semi-finals.
Julien Alfred’s triumph not only secured her a place in Olympic history but also brought immense pride to her home nation of Saint Lucia.
