Julien Alfred, Saint Lucia’s golden girl of track and field, received a hero’s welcome on Thursday afternoon, as the island nation proudly celebrated its first-ever medal at the World Athletics Championships.
The 24-year-old sprinting sensation touched down at Hewanorra International Airport after securing a historic bronze in the women’s 100m final at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.
Though already a household name following her Olympic gold medal in Paris last year, Alfred’s latest achievement marks a new milestone not only in her career, but in the annals of Saint Lucian sport.
To honour the moment, Saint Lucia rolled out the red carpet. A jubilant welcome-home ceremony was hosted on the tarmac, attended by dignitaries from the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, the Saint Lucia Olympic Committee, the Saint Lucia Athletics Association, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, corporate sponsors including 1st National Bank, BodyHoliday Saint Lucia, and dozens of local athletes who came to pay tribute to their national icon.
“Welcome home. We are eternally proud of you,” declared Sports Minister Kenson Casimir, addressing Alfred directly as she stepped off the plane. “You continue to show the world that Saint Lucia is a place of resilience and excellence.”
Alfred’s bronze medal may not have been a personal best or her highest finish on the international stage, but it represented something far greater: the culmination of years of perseverance and a new chapter in the sporting legacy of her homeland.
“As I reminisce and I think about the season I had, even though it didn’t end the way I wanted it to, I’m very proud to bring home a bronze medal. The first ever for Saint Lucia,” Alfred told the gathered crowd, her voice tinged with both humility and gratitude.
Still basking in the energy of Tokyo, Alfred made it clear that medals weren’t her only takeaway from the season.
“The highlight of my season is just the amount of Saint Lucians I saw, wherever I go, the amount of flags. That will be the highlight of my season this year,” she said, capturing the emotional bond she shares with her compatriots.
“Julien, you are our pride, our star, and our lasting inspiration,” said Dora Henry, President of the Saint Lucia Athletics Association, describing her as a “shining example” of dedication and excellence.
As the celebrations continued, one thing was clear: Julien Alfred is a champion on the track, but also a cherished symbol of national pride.
