Julien Alfred’s historic victory at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she clinched the gold medal in the women’s 100 meters, was a moment of immense pride for Saint Lucia. Her stunning performance, which saw her clock an impressive 10.72 seconds to defeat the likes of Sha’Carri Richardson, made her a national hero. However, what should have been a jubilant homecoming celebration in her honor took a controversial turn that sparked widespread outrage.
During the festivities in Saint Lucia, a man named Malahkee Jeanba approached Alfred during a motorcade and, in an unexpected and unsettling act, asked to “touch the gold.” He then bit her Olympic medal in front of the gathered crowd. The incident was captured on Jeanba’s social media livestream and quickly went viral, igniting a heated debate online. Many saw his actions as disrespectful, questioning the lack of decorum in a moment that should have been about celebrating Alfred’s achievement.
The tradition of biting medals, often seen in sporting contexts and occasionally requested by photographers, is generally a playful gesture among athletes after their victories. However, Jeanba’s act, done outside the sporting environment and without the athlete’s consent, was seen as inappropriate by many. The backlash was swift, with critics arguing that it diminished the significance of Alfred’s accomplishment and the respect due to her as an Olympic champion. Jeanba, however, defended his actions, claiming that people were envious and jealous of his interaction with the gold medal. He argued that those criticizing him didn’t understand the significance of the moment, dismissing their concerns as mere jealousy.
The controversy surrounding the medal-biting incident overshadowed what should have been a moment of pure celebration for Alfred. The young sprinter, who had dedicated her victory to her late father, had already made history as the first Saint Lucian to win an Olympic gold. Her success did not stop there, as she also triumphed in the 60 meters at the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships, further cementing her place as one of the top athletes in the world.
Despite the incident, Alfred remained focused on her career and her mission to inspire her nation. She chose not to directly address the controversy surrounding the medal-biting but instead continued to engage in positive initiatives, including representing Saint Lucia as a tourism ambassador at the World Travel Market in late 2024. Alfred’s message was clear: her ambition was to grow both personally and professionally in the coming years, while also inspiring the youth of Saint Lucia to pursue their dreams.
In recognition of her remarkable achievements, Saint Lucia declared September 27 as “Julien Alfred Day,” a day to honor her accomplishments and the challenges she overcame. This gesture ensured that her legacy would be remembered for generations to come, regardless of the controversy that briefly marred her homecoming. As 2025 began, Alfred’s influence remained strong, and her place in Saint Lucia’s history as a trailblazer and role model was firmly secured.
