3 facts about Julien Alfred, the newly-crowned fastest woman in the world after 100-meter Olympic gold

Saint Lucia is now home to the fastest woman in the world

One of the more dramatic journeys to awarding Olympics gold at the  women’s 100 meter sprint came to an end in stunning fashion on Saturday night in Paris.

Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia earned the gold medal — and the title of the fastest woman in the world — with a time of 10.72 seconds.

Americans Sha’Carri Richardson (10.87s) and Melissa Jefferson (10.92s) won silver and bronze, respectively. Richardson entered the race as the favorite in her first ever Olympics after her controversial suspension ahead of the 2021 games in Tokyo.

So who is Alfred? Here’s a quick rundown on the 23-year-old.

Julien Alfred just won the FIRST Olympic medal EVER for Saint Lucia! #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/2GP4jATT2g

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 3, 2024

1. Julien Alfred delivers Saint Lucia first ever Olympic medal

Before Saturday, the Caribbean island nation of just under 180,000 had never medaled at the Olympics. Now it’s home to the fastest woman on the planet.

Alfred, 23, was a heavy underdog to win gold (+430) but blew past Richardson, who didn’t have the cleanest start on the wet track.

2. Alfred ran track at the University of Texas

Congrats, Longhorns. You’ve produced another iconic athlete.

Alfred ran at Texas from 2022-2024, setting multiple records, including the NCAA’s 60 meter dash — breaking her own record in the process.

JULIEN DOES IT AGAIN!!!!

Julien Alfred sets the 60m NCAA Record with a time of 6.94 in taking the title!#NCAATF x @TexasTFXC pic.twitter.com/Q1Uz7jJiXW

— NCAA Track & Field (@NCAATrackField) March 11, 2023

3. She’ll be back in action for the Women’s 200m

Alfred isn’t done with these Olympics just yet. On Sunday, August 4th she’ll run her heat for the 200m. She’s done quite well in that event in the past, setting the NCAA record in 2023.

ANOTHER RECORD FOR ALFRED!! 

With a time of 22.01 in the 200m, Julien Alfred sets a new NCAA record with her 2023 world-leading mark!

ESPN+#NCAATF x @TexasTFXC pic.twitter.com/3gzfy3qKvk

— NCAA Track & Field (@NCAATrackField) March 12, 2023