(Commonwealth_ There was jubilation in the Caribbean on Sunday as St Lucian sprinter Julian Alfred and Dominican triple jumper Thea LaFond secured their countries’ first-ever Olympic medals, both golds. Their historic victories brought immense pride and joy to their respective nations and the wider Caribbean community. Julian Alfred, a relatively unknown competitor before the Games, showcased her immense athletic prowess by winning the women’s 100-metre final on Saturday with an impressive time of 10.72 seconds. The 23-year-old’s stunning performance not only left her opponents astounded but also captivated the world and won the hearts of St Lucians. Alfred outshone the USA’s Sha’Carri Richardson, who took the silver medal.
“It feels amazing, to be honest,” Alfred shared with reporters. “After waking up this morning, I wrote it down: Julian Alfred, Olympic champion. So I think just believing in myself and trusting that I could do it is what mattered to me. I’m going through the motions right now; it hasn’t sunk in yet. I had to go out there, trust myself, trust my coach, and most importantly, trust God,” said Alfred, according to the Caribbean Media Corporation news agency. St Lucia’s Prime Minister, Philip J Pierre, expressed his elation on Facebook, writing: “Today is a great day for OECS [Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States] member states and the people of the Caribbean! In one day, St Lucia and Dominica have created history by winning our first Olympic medals and bringing home the GOLD. Congratulations to Saint Lucia’s very own Julian Alfred for winning gold in the women’s 100m.”
St Lucia, an island of 238 square miles with a population of about 180,000, celebrated Alfred’s achievement as a monumental milestone for the nation. Similarly, the Commonwealth of Dominica, which spans 290 square miles and has a population of 71,000, rejoiced in Thea LaFond’s historic gold in the triple jump. Kenson Casimir, St Lucia’s Minister of Youth Development and Sports, expressed his delight at Alfred’s victory. “I think she has worked very hard; she has worked tirelessly,” Casimir said. He highlighted that the accomplishments of Alfred and LaFond underscore the talent pool within the OECS, available for scholarships and further development. “Of course, we are a territory of very small islands with a small population, and in one night, we were able to capture two gold medals,” Casimir continued. He also noted the bronze medal won by Grenada in the decathlon, further emphasizing the remarkable achievements within the OECS. “It shines a light from the rest of the world on what’s happening in the OECS and the talent pool that we have available for scholarships and further development.”
Casimir also congratulated Grenada’s Lindon Victor, who secured a bronze medal in the decathlon, marking the country’s second-ever Olympic medal. These collective accomplishments highlight the Caribbean’s growing presence and competitive spirit on the global athletic stage. Jamaican athletes were also celebrated, despite the disappointment of decorated sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s withdrawal from the women’s 100-metre semi-finals. Fraser-Pryce’s absence was felt deeply, but the region’s focus remained on the triumphs and potential of its rising stars. The remarkable successes of Alfred, LaFond, and other Caribbean athletes serve as a testament to their hard work, dedication, and resilience. Their achievements have not only brought honor to their countries but have also inspired young athletes across the Caribbean to pursue their dreams relentlessly. As the celebrations continue, the Caribbean community looks forward to nurturing and developing its athletic talents, aiming for even greater achievements in future international competitions. The historic victories of Julian Alfred and Thea LaFond will be remembered as a turning point in Caribbean sports, marking the beginning of a new era of excellence and inspiration.
