CASTRIES, Saint Lucia – Saint Lucia’s track queen Julien Alfred returned from her historic outing at the World Athletic Championships in Tokyo to a major reception on Thursday at the Hewanorra International Airport.
Julien AlfredAlfred, the reigning Olympic champion in the women’s 100 metres, claimed bronze last month to capture her country’s first ever medal at the World Championships
The homecoming ceremony was attended by officials from the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, the Saint Lucia Olympic Committee, the Saint Lucia Athletics Association and the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority.
“Welcome home. We are eternally proud of you,” said Sports Minister Kenson Casimir as he greeted the 24-year-old Alfred on the tarmac.
Alfred, who was among the favourites to win gold at the World Championships, said she was pleased with her performances throughout the season.
“As I reminisce and I think about the season I had, even though it didn’t end the way I wanted it to, I’m very proud to bring home a bronze medal. The first ever for Saint Lucia,” Alfred told those gathered.
“The highlight of my season is just the amount of Saint Lucians I saw, wherever I go, the amount of flags. That will be the highlight of my season this year.”
President of the Saint Lucia Athletics Association, Dora Henry congratulated Alfred for flying the Saint Lucia flag high whenever she stepped on the track and described her as a “shining example” of determination and excellence.
“Julien, you are our pride, our star, and our lasting inspiration,” Henry said.
