JULIEN ALFRED SHOCKS SHA’CARRI RICHARDSON TO WIN WOMEN’S 100M GOLD

As Julien Alfred powered past the finish line, the new Paris 2024 women's 100m Olympicchampion screamed with joy and pointed to the crowd before bursting into tears.

In the blink of an eye, the three-time NCAA champion had pulled off a stunning victory in the Stade de France, beating pre-race favourite Sha’Carri Richardson to gold in 10.72 seconds and giving Saint Lucia its first Olympic medal in the history of the Games.

Alfred was overwhelmed with emotion after her victory as she dedicated the win to her late father who died 11 years ago:

"Most importantly, God, my coach, and lastly, my dad, who believed that I could do it," she answered when asked who she dedicated her victory to. "He passed away in 2013, and now he couldn’t get to see me on the biggest stage of my career. But he’ll always be so boastful of his daughter being an Olympian."

The USA's Richardson claimed silver in 10.87 while her compatriot Melissa Jefferson took bronze in 10.92, representing the first time American runners have won two medals in the event since Atlanta 1996.

posted Saturday August 3rd