On Friday, Saint Lucia’s sprint sensation Julien Alfred triumphantly returned home to a grand welcome where she was hailed as a legend.
Alfred’s arrival at the Hewanorra International Airport was her first trip home after winning the world indoor 60-metre championship in Scotland last month.
She stormed to victory in 6.98 seconds.
The 22-year-old hoped winning the Island’s first global medal would inspire the youth.
“I am hoping it can inspire the youth to also continue in the same path, maybe a different path,” Alfred said at an airport welcoming ceremony.
She also hoped her gold medal would encourage everyone to support young people.
“We could have so many Juliens, so many more Daren Sammys and so many more Levern Spencers and I hope this could also encourage the country to just come together and just be one,” the athlete stated.
Amidst the grandeur of the homecoming, Youth Development and Sports Minister Kenson Casimir took a moment to express his deep admiration for Alfred’s unwavering dedication and the pride she brings to Saint Lucia through her athletic prowess.
Casimir hailed her as a legend.
“Let’s support track and field. Let’s support youth development. Let’s support sport and let’s all appreciate the legend that is Julien Alfred,” Casimir urged.
He acknowledged that achieving a global medal required blood, sweat, and tears.
Casimir noted that after 45 years of independence, Saint Lucia had one Julien Alfred.
However, he said finding another did not have to take 45 years if everyone played their part in contributing toward the next athlete, who might be a Julien Alfred.
Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire was also among those addressing the ceremony.
He spoke of the ‘tremendous elation’ Saint Lucians felt at Alfred’s successes, which the nation expected.
“The world is yours to conquer,” Hilaire told the young sprint sensation, adding that Saint Lucia was fully behind her.
Alfred, who grew up in poverty and used to run barefoot, returned home on a mission to give back to her country.
As part of her mission, the athlete has outlined her plans to launch the Julien Alfred Foundation on Saturday, a platform that will provide opportunities and support to the youth.
Congrats my girl, you made St Lucia proud
Don’t take on no alcohol advert like Sammy did and pretend to inspire our youths. Smart and talented girl. Bless up
God bless you, your family and all those who believed in you from the onset…remained focused on your mission and vision and stay clear of the Lucian naysayers of which they are many ..
Well done Miss Alfred. I hope your success continues and you inspire the youth of St Lucia. They need good role models. Please stay grounded.
You’ve covered us all under one great St Lucian flag.Well done and congrats!
My contribution to the “track and field youths”, may the favor of the LORD our GOD rest upon you to forward for the prize…
On the behalf of miss Julien Alfred,
I say :
Bravo St Lucia 🇱🇨
Not only Heroes of drinking ❗
But has also gifted and talented ones !
Proud of you Miss Julien Alfred 👏
Excellent performance !
Encouragement will bring with far !!!!
I am so happy for her now I need a St Lucia flag 🇯🇲
She is good no doubt BUT she needs to bring home an Olympic medal for me to see her as great…Lavern was good but wasn’t great & we gave her almost all of St Lucia,what’s in store for Julien? The universe.
Great! Now I look forward to seeing this kind of celebratory acknowledgement for ALL of our athletes when they return home after pouring their hearts and souls into performing for this country overseas.