Julien Alfred, one of the brightest young stars in women’s sprinting, is gearing up for her highly anticipated debut 100m race of the 2025 season at the Oslo Diamond League. The St. Lucian sprinter, who has steadily climbed the world rankings with her explosive starts and smooth acceleration, has made headlines not only for her performances but also for a recent personal highlight: meeting the legendary Usain Bolt.
Alfred, 23, spoke to reporters ahead of the Oslo meet, revealing her excitement about the upcoming race and the impact of her encounter with the eight-time Olympic champion. “Meeting Usain Bolt was surreal,” she said. “He’s someone I’ve watched since I was a kid. To have a conversation with him, hear his advice, and just feel that energy – it gave me a boost of confidence I didn’t know I needed.”
The two sprinters crossed paths during a promotional event in Europe earlier this year. Bolt, who remains a towering figure in athletics even after retirement, reportedly encouraged Alfred to stay focused on consistency, mental resilience, and enjoying the journey. “He told me, ‘Don’t chase perfection, chase improvement,’” Alfred shared. “That really stuck with me.”
Alfred’s career trajectory has been steadily rising. A standout at the NCAA level with the University of Texas, she has since made a smooth transition to the professional circuit. In 2023, she posted several sub-11 second times in the 100m and captured a silver medal in the 60m at the World Indoor Championships. Now, her attention turns to building momentum in the outdoor season, starting with her 100m opener in Oslo.
The Oslo Diamond League, scheduled for mid-June, marks a key checkpoint on the road to the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo. For Alfred, this race is about more than just time. “This is a statement race for me,” she said. “It’s been a long off-season of training, rebuilding, and refining. I feel stronger, faster, and more mentally prepared than ever.”
While she hasn’t revealed her time targets publicly, Alfred hinted that she and her coaching team are aiming to dip well below the 10.80 mark. “We’re not chasing numbers, but I know what I’m capable of,” she said with a smile. “If the weather is good and the competition pushes me, we could see something special.”
The Oslo field is expected to be stacked, with several top-tier sprinters confirmed, including reigning world champion Sha’Carri Richardson and Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson. But Alfred isn’t fazed by the challenge. “I love competing against the best. That’s when I learn the most and push myself the hardest.”
Looking ahead, Alfred hopes to stay healthy through the season and peak at the right time for the World Championships. But for now, all eyes are on Oslo. “It’s the first step in what I hope will be my best season yet,” she said. “I’m grateful, focused, and ready.”
With her speed, charisma, and growing confidence, Julien Alfred is poised to be one of the defining figures of women’s sprinting in 2025. And if her meeting with Bolt was any indication, she’s not just chasing greatness—she’s embracing it.
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