Julien Alfred is a name that’s become synonymous with excellence in women’s sprinting. Following her victory at the Paris Olympics, the Saint Lucian sprinter’s accomplishments continue to gain recognition in a fiercely competitive era of women’s athletics. With the dust settling from her Olympic triumph, Alfred’s focus has already shifted toward the challenges of the 2025 season, where she will face some of her toughest rivals on the track. Among those competitors, the likes of Sha’Carri Richardson and Shericka Jackson will be aiming to challenge Alfred’s dominance, adding intrigue and intensity to what promises to be an exciting season of track and field.
The current women’s sprinting scene is one of the most competitive in history, with an unprecedented number of athletes pushing the boundaries of speed. This level of competition not only makes Alfred’s Paris victory even more impressive but also highlights the preparation and determination needed to retain the title of the world’s fastest woman. Despite the mounting anticipation around potential records that could be broken, Alfred has firmly dismissed any speculation about targeting Florence Griffith-Joyner’s 35-year-old world record of 10.49 seconds.
“That’s not on my bingo,” Alfred remarked when asked about the possibility of breaking Flo-Jo’s longstanding record. “It’s not on my list whatsoever. Whatever time comes with winning an Olympic gold or world championships, then so be it.” For Alfred, the journey is about so much more than record-breaking numbers; it’s about representing her country on the global stage and proving her worth among the elite.
With her focus firmly on being the best athlete she can be, Alfred is driven by a personal desire to excel rather than a need to chase historic times. “My motivation is to be the best in the world, to be my best self, the best athlete I can be, and to prove to myself that I belong here,” she shared. This grounded approach underpins Alfred’s outlook as she enters what will likely be an intense season filled with high-stakes competitions.
Alfred’s decision to sidestep the pursuit of Griffith-Joyner’s record is refreshing in an era where athletes are often fixated on breaking records. She is focused on her process and performance, which speaks to the maturity and perspective that she brings to her sport. As she gears up for next season, Alfred is considering advice on how to approach her training regimen and competition schedule. One such suggestion comes from Justin Gatlin, who advised Alfred to skip indoor races next season, reasoning that the move could keep her fresher and more focused on outdoor meets, where she can further cement her position among the fastest sprinters in the world.
“I don’t see why it will be beneficial,” Gatlin commented on Alfred’s potential participation in indoor races. The retired sprinter’s advice suggests that by skipping indoor races, Alfred could gain a strategic advantage, channeling all her energy into the outdoor season where championships and Olympic qualification rounds await. However, Alfred remains resolute in following her own path, approaching her training and competition with a clarity of purpose that sets her apart from others.
Despite the challenges ahead, Alfred is resolute in her motivation. Her path to Olympic glory required significant sacrifices, including time away from her family and the comforts of home. This sacrifice, however, only deepened her commitment to the sport and her desire to achieve greatness on the world stage. “For me, it’s just getting to the point that I want to get to, working hard toward that, putting my country on the map, and proving to myself that I belong among the great athletes,” she said.
With the World Championships on the horizon, Alfred’s journey promises to captivate fans and spectators alike. The 2025 season is set to be a defining one for Alfred as she faces intense competition and attempts to retain her title. Her focus on personal growth, country pride, and athletic excellence makes her one of the most intriguing figures in women’s sprinting today. While the pursuit of world records may not be on her agenda, the thrill of competing at the highest level and the desire to represent Saint Lucia on the world stage continue to drive her forward.
