Alfred withdraws from 200m at World Championships

Saint Lucia’s participation at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 2025 is at an end, after news on September 14 that 100m bronze medallist Julien Alfred has pulled out of the women’s 200m for medical reasons. The Saint Lucia Athletics Association (SLAA) confirmed via email, whilst revealing details of the injury she suffered during the final of the 100.

“On the advice of medical professionals and in consultation with her management team, our Olympic Champion and 100m World Athletics Championships Bronze Medalist, Julien Alfred has been withdrawn from the Women’s 200m at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo,” said the correspondence from the SLAA. 

“Julien sustained a Grade 1 hamstring strain. The decision to withdraw prioritises her health and long-term career.”

A grade 1 strain is considered a relatively mild injury, involving overstretching and tearing of the muscle fibres in the back of the thigh. Treatment often involves rest, pain relief with over-the-counter non-steroid anti-inflammatories, and eventually gentle exercises to restore range of motion and strength to prevent reinjury. 

After the 100m final, where Melissa Jefferson-Wooden of the USA won in 10.61 seconds, the 24-year-old Saint Lucian champion said in three different interviews that she had pulled her hamstring, feeling in warmups, and may have sustained a cramp.

Sentiment online from Saint Lucians and Caribbean fans has been overwhelmingly supportive of Alfred, the first-ever Olympic and World Championship medallist from her home country. Several had already called for her to skip the 200m, whilst expressing their pride in her achievements to date. The Athletics Association also shared its admiration for her accomplishments.

“We remain confident in Julien’s resilience and are proud of her outstanding performances to date at these Championships,” said the SLAA. 

“Her determination and excellence continue to inspire Saint Lucians everywhere and reaffirm her status as a world-class athlete. 

“We extend our gratitude to the Saint Lucian public, regional and international supporters, and our partners for their continued encouragement and well wishes during this time. The SLAA, alongside Julien’s management team and medical staff, will provide updates as necessary on her progress and recovery.”