Julien Alfred crowned Athletics Weekly Female Athlete of the Year after record-breaking season
Key Points(5)
- Sprint sensation Julien Alfred continues to solidify her status as a global athletics icon, earning the prestigious title of Athletics Weekly (AW) International Female Athlete of the Year for 2024.
- This accolade adds yet another jewel to Alfred's glittering crown following a historic season of record-breaking triumphs on the world stage.
- Lucian phenom, who captivated the globe at the Paris Olympics with her golden sprint in the women’s 100 meters and a silver medal finish in the 200 meters, outshone an elite pool of nominees.
- Among them were Belgium's Nafi Thiam, Dutch distance queen Sifan Hassan, Kenya’s Ruth Chepngetich, Faith Kipyegon, and Beatrice Chebet, along with the USA’s Gabby Thomas and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, and Ukraine’s high-jump star Yaroslava Mahuchikh.
- <h2>A year of unrivaled excellence</h2> Alfred’s 2024 campaign was nothing short of extraordinary.
Sprint sensation Julien Alfred continues to solidify her status as a global athletics icon, earning the prestigious title of Athletics Weekly (AW) International Female Athlete of the Year for 2024.
This accolade adds yet another jewel to Alfred's glittering crown following a historic season of record-breaking triumphs on the world stage.
The 23-year-old St. Lucian phenom, who captivated the globe at the Paris Olympics with her golden sprint in the women’s 100 meters and a silver medal finish in the 200 meters, outshone an elite pool of nominees. Among them were Belgium's Nafi Thiam, Dutch distance queen Sifan Hassan, Kenya’s Ruth Chepngetich, Faith Kipyegon, and Beatrice Chebet, along with the USA’s Gabby Thomas and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, and Ukraine’s high-jump star Yaroslava Mahuchikh.
A year of unrivaled excellence
Alfred’s 2024 campaign was nothing short of extraordinary. She began the year with a commanding gold in the 60 meters at the World Indoor Championships, cementing her dominance in short sprints. She followed this with a scintillating victory in the 100 meters at the Wanda Diamond League Final, showcasing her consistency and class across multiple platforms.
Her historic Olympic performance in Paris brought St. Lucia its first-ever Olympic medals, a monumental achievement that reverberated across the Caribbean and beyond. Alfred’s golden dash in the 100 meters captured the imagination of fans worldwide, while her silver in the 200 meters further underscored her versatility and drive.
At the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC) Sports Awards last month, Alfred was recognized as the Caribbean Female Sports Personality of the Year and shared the Caribbean Breakthrough Award with Dominica’s Olympic gold medallist Thea LaFond. These regional accolades reflected her enduring impact on Caribbean athletics.
Recognition from an esteemed institution
Earning the Athletics Weekly title is a testament to Alfred’s global stature. Known as the United Kingdom’s premier platform for athletics, Athletics Weekly has celebrated the sport’s brightest stars since the 1940s, with its annual awards honoring exceptional achievements in track and field, road racing, and beyond.
“Being named the Athletics Weekly Female Athlete of the Year is a tremendous honor. It reflects the hard work I’ve put into my craft and the incredible support I’ve received from my coaches, teammates, and my country,” Alfred remarked.
A bright future beckons
Adding to her growing legacy, Alfred is also a finalist for the prestigious World Athletics Track Athlete of the Year award, competing against another powerhouse in Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. With a career trajectory that continues to soar, Alfred’s accolades are a beacon of inspiration for athletes across the Caribbean and the world.
As the world celebrates Alfred’s achievements, St. Lucia beams with pride, hailing their sprint queen as a national treasure.
