Julien Alfred, Saint Lucia’s golden girl of track and field, has returned home to a wave of pride and celebration following her historic bronze medal at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Saint Lucia’s first ever medal at the global event.

On Thursday afternoon, the nation rolled out the red carpet at Hewanorra International Airport to honour the 24-year-old sprinting sensation.

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, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority and sponsors, including 1st National Bank and BodyHoliday Saint Lucia.

Also present were local athletes eager to catch a glimpse of the national icon.

“Welcome home. We are eternally proud of you,” said Sports Minister Kenson Casimir as he greeted Alfred on the tarmac.

He praised her resilience and ability to push through adversity to put Saint Lucia, once again, on the map.

Alfred, reigning Olympic Champion following her gold in the 100m at the 2024 Paris Games, earned bronze in the 100m final in Tokyo.

Though not her personal best time or highest podium finish, the achievement was historic for Saint Lucia and deeply personal for her.

“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 the crowd, her voice full of gratitude.

For Alfred, the highlight of the season wasn’t just the medal, it was the love and support from her people.

“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.”

Her words captured the emotional connection between athlete and nation, one that has been steadily growing since her early days at Leon Hess Comprehensive, through collegiate success at the University of Texas, and now into professional stardom on the world stage.

President of the Saint Lucia Athletics Association, Dora Henry, reflected the sentiments of many:
“Julien, you are our pride, our star, and our lasting inspiration,” she said, describing Alfred as a “shining example” of determination and excellence.

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