CASTRIES, St Lucia, CMC – Double Olympic medalist Julien Alfred landed at the Hewanorra International Airport in St Lucia on Tuesday to much fanfare, signalling the first of four days of celebration in honour of the island’s sprint queen.
Her arrival marked the first time the 23-year-old Alfred, the country’s first Olympic medalist, had returned home since her historic feat of grabbing gold in the women’s 100 metres and silver in the 200 metres at last month’s Paris Olympics.
She was greeted at the airport by Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre and other high-ranking officials.
In her speech, an emotional Alfred said she had always dreamt of being able to inspire young, St Lucia athletes.
“I don’t want to get emotional, but today I really want to give thanks,” Alfred said to rapturous applause.
“So many people have guided me and helped me to get to this point and I really just want to say thank you to all of you, even those I haven’t mentioned. I just want to say thank you.
“I have dreamt of this day for such a long time – just being an inspiration to the youth of Saint Lucia, wanting to give back and wanting to inspire them so we can have many more Levern Spencers and many more Daren Sammys and many more like myself,” she added.
Alfred, who also won gold in the 100 metres at the recently concluded Diamond League Final, revealed that the road to success had not come easy.
“It was truly a rocky road. Many days I wanted to just give up, throw in the towel and just say, ‘I’m done’. But my village, those persons who were around me, I just want to say thank you for just everything you have done for me. I really appreciate it,” Alfred said.
The Prime Minister told the brief ceremony that it was a day for celebration and reflection and urged Saint Lucians to support the events planned to celebrate Alfred’s achievements.
“Julien’s recent achievements at the Olympic Games transcend sports. They have been a source of inspiration to all Saint Lucians, especially our youth,” Pierre said.
Sports Minister Kenson Casimir also lauded Alfred for her historic achievements.
“We are blessed because we have the perfect representative of a Saint Lucian taking us to that level.
“Somebody who is kind, somebody who loves people, somebody who is generous and humble. That person is Julien Alfred,” Casimir said.
The celebrations continue on September 25, where rallies will be held for students at the Soufriere Mini Stadium in the morning and the La Resource playing field in the afternoon.
The next day Alfred will visit her alma mater, Ciceron Primary School for the unveiling of an iconic mural.
The national celebration will culminate on September 27, with a celebratory concert at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, where her accomplishments will be formally honoured.
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