Saint Lucian Olympic 100m champion Julien Alfred became the third-fastest woman ever in the 200m after a stunning win on Friday at the Meeting Herculis in Monaco. The 25-year-old finished in 21.51 seconds, thrilling the crowd at Stade Louis II and beating a strong group of competitors.
Along with breaking her own national record, Alfred set a new meeting record and posted the fastest time in the world for 2026. She finished ahead of former world leader Adaeajah Hodge and Olympic 200m gold medallist Gabby Thomas. Hodge, from the British Virgin Islands, ran 21.70 for second place. Thomas, from the United States, finished third with a time of 21.84.
The meeting record had stood since 1993, a tremendous run of 21.77 by Jamaica’s Merlene Ottey. Alfred’s national record of 21.71 was set just last year in London. And Hodge’s run of 21.68 last month was the previous best for the year.
With mostly sunny skies overhead, Alfred got off the blocks relatively poorly, but picked up from the first 10 metres, leading the race all the way.
“It’s not about the reaction time; it’s about how you finish. I don’t care about my reaction time; I was first, that’s all that matters,” she said.
“I have been preparing for this for such a long time; to finally see it pay off, I am just happy. I didn´t realise how fast it was till I crossed the line. I looked at the clock and saw my time, and that’s why I was screaming like at the Olympics. Because I have been looking forward to this for such a long time.
“I am just so happy to see that time. There are no limits right now. Today, I was actually hoping to see 21.6; I got 21.5, so I am happy nonetheless.”
Only world record holder Florence Griffith-Joyner and Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson have ever run faster.
After watching 20 replays of the 200m in Monaco today, and despite her “relatively poor start,” I am convinced that this has been Julien’s best executed race of her life!
This is the 200m race I have been expecting from her since the latter half of 2023.
20 seconds before the start of the race, I visualized how she should run the final 100 metres; and she did not disappoint!
Congrats Julien! Thanks for the tears of joy today!
She is Amaazing!
I wish nothing but the best for you. Stay humble and focused in all that you aspire to do. Congratulations 🎉🎊🎈
Awesome Super Shero of the Track. God Bless
So proud of you young lady and the dedication you put into your sport.