Sun | Apr 26, 2026

Alfred's new groove

Published:Tuesday | August 22, 2023 | 12:05 AMDaniel Wheeler/Staff ReporterBUDAPEST, Hungary
Gladstone Taylor / Multimedia Photo Editor St Lucia’s Julien Alfred (centre) competing in heat one of the women's 100 metres round one at the morning session of the 2023 World Athletics Championships on Sunday,August 20, 2023 in Budapest, Hungary. Alfre
Gladstone Taylor / Multimedia Photo Editor St Lucia’s Julien Alfred (centre) competing in heat one of the women's 100 metres round one at the morning session of the 2023 World Athletics Championships on Sunday,August 20, 2023 in Budapest, Hungary. Alfred won the heat in 10.99 seconds.

New gear, new sponsorship, new lease on life.

In 12 months,Julien Alfred's fortunes have changed, and with that, she hopes to put herself in a position to be on the podium in the 100 metres final a the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest.

Alfred took the first step by winning her first-round heat in 10.99 seconds as the NCAA champion made the move to go pro, signing a contract with Puma.

Her gear with the St Lucian colours, a far cry from the all-black kit she sported in her first World Championships in Oregon, and having started life as a pro on the right foot, she feels that it is the platform for greater things to come with the support she needs.

"Signing to Puma was, I think, a good decision for me and my federation. Last year, it wasn't the best. I did not have any uniform or anything. I think it teaches us how life can just change in a matter of a year," Alfred told The Gleaner. "I think moving forward, I am happy to be a part of the Puma family and just going forward representing myself, my country, and Puma."

Alfred's first World Championships in 2022 ended in the semi-finals when she was disqualified. Now, she enjoyed success in her final college season and in her first race as a pro defeating American Sha'Carri Richardson, in Hungary last month, ending her unbeaten streak. And thanks to the preparations for a long season, Alfred said it has been beneficial to the form she is in now.

"It is so much different. I think that this year, mentally, I am a lot more prepared for the conditions. Last year I was just so tired mentally and physically. I think my coach has prepared me for what is to come from this championship, and I am ready for it," Alfred said. "I think that my coach prepared me for this long season All throughout this year I have been preparing mentally and physically for this championship."

Can she upset the apple cart and get among the medals? After a Commonwealth silver last year, she is betting on herself to do just that.

"I think there is a high chance with the proper execution. My start was not the best, but I am going to work on it for the next round, So I am ready."