After securing a silver medal in the 200 meters at the Paris Olympics, reigning Olympic 100m champion Julien Alfred is determined to refine her approach and challenge the best in the discipline. Alfred, who shocked the athletics world by defeating Sha’Carri Richardson for gold in the 100m, fell short in the 200m final, finishing second behind Gabby Thomas.
Thomas, who dominated the race to claim her first of three Olympic golds, proved to be the strongest in the field. Notably absent was Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson, a fierce competitor in the 200m, who was sidelined due to injury.
Reflecting on her performance, Alfred acknowledged that her approach to the race played a significant role in her runner-up finish. She admitted that fatigue and overthinking got the better of her, ultimately costing her the top spot on the podium.
“I think I was fatigued, and I was overthinking a lot. It was the final race, so I was just thinking, ‘let’s get it over and done with,’” she revealed.
Alfred also highlighted the challenges she faced in preparation, explaining how her lack of rest and focus may have contributed to her performance.
“Even after the 100m, I went to bed so late and only got two hours of sleep. I barely warmed up. I did some accelerations, and my coach told me to just go out there and be done with it,” she admitted.
Her tactical execution was also not as sharp as it could have been, as she found herself thinking too much about each phase of the race instead of running with full intensity.
“I was overthinking each phase, and it was a lot. I should have just run all out, and if Gabby caught up with me, so be it,” she said.
With the 2025 season approaching, Alfred is fully focused on making the necessary adjustments to take her 200m performances to the next level. She recognizes that Thomas remains the woman to beat, while Jackson is working hard to reassert herself as the world’s top 200m sprinter.
“I think I have a lot to work on,” Alfred admitted. “I have to get stronger, strengthen my core more, and, on the track, become stronger mentally and physically.”
Her coach is playing a crucial role in helping her develop the right mindset for the 200m, which has never been her strongest event mentally.
“My coach is going to help me improve my mindset towards the 200m, getting stronger and becoming more comfortable in the race. I might train longer hours, but I think he is helping me become mentally tougher, especially for the 200.”
Alfred also reflected on how her previous perception of the event may have held her back.
“Growing up, I was not really big on the 200m, and I think I developed a mindset that I wasn’t good at it, even though I’ve proven myself in the event,” she said.
She admitted that she has never fully committed herself to excelling in the 200m, even though she possesses the strength and heart required to compete at the highest level.
“The way I approach the 200m is different from how I prepare for the 100m or 60m,” she acknowledged.
With renewed determination, Alfred is focused on making the necessary improvements to challenge Thomas and prepare for Jackson’s return. If she successfully strengthens her mindset and race execution, the women’s 200m competition could become one of the most electrifying rivalries in the coming seasons.
