Julien Alfred delivered a breathtaking performance at the 2025 Wanda Diamond League meet in London, obliterating the women’s 200m field in one of the most dominant sprint displays of the season. The Saint Lucian sprint star crossed the line in a staggering 21.71 seconds, a world-leading time that sent a powerful message just weeks before the World Championships.
From the gun, Alfred looked composed and lethal. Exploding out of the blocks with her trademark sharp acceleration, she quickly made up the stagger on her rivals and entered the curve in total control. By the time she hit the homestretch, it was clear the race was hers to lose. Instead of easing up, Alfred powered through the line, maintaining her form and extending her lead to finish well ahead of a stacked field that included Olympic and World Championship medalists.
Her time of 21.71 seconds not only set a new personal best but also broke the meet record, previously held by Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson-Herah. It was the kind of performance that left fans at London Stadium on their feet and experts scrambling to update predictions for the global championships. With this run, Alfred stamped herself as the clear favorite in the women’s 200m heading into Paris.
Trailing behind Alfred was American sprinter Tamari Davis, who finished second in 22.13, and Britain’s own Daryll Neita, who clocked 22.24 to secure third place. Though both Davis and Neita ran strong races, they were never truly in contention as Alfred’s early speed and flawless transition off the bend separated her from the pack.
This dominant display is yet another milestone in what has been a sensational season for Julien Alfred. After setting multiple national records for Saint Lucia in both the 100m and 200m, she has continued to evolve as a force on the international circuit. Her consistency across distances, combined with improved endurance and race management, have made her a genuine sprint double threat.
What stood out most in London was not just the time, but how effortless Alfred made it look. Her technique was smooth, her drive phase crisp, and her top-end speed seemed untouchable. Even more impressively, she achieved this level of performance in less-than-ideal conditions, with a slight headwind on the homestretch and cool London temperatures.
Track analysts and commentators were quick to point out the historical context of Alfred’s time. At 21.71, she now sits among the top 10 fastest women of all time in the 200m. The performance also sparked comparisons to the likes of Shericka Jackson and Florence Griffith-Joyner, known for their devastating turns of speed in the half-lap event.
With just a few weeks to go before the World Championships, Julien Alfred’s London victory sends a loud warning to her rivals: she’s not just peaking at the right time — she’s redefining what it means to dominate. If this form holds, the sprinting world could be witnessing the rise of its next global superstar. And for Saint Lucia, Alfred’s performances are not only historic — they are
inspirational.