Olympic women’s 100m champion Julien Alfred will not feature in the upcoming series of Diamond League meets, her management confirmed on Wednesday. The 23-year-old sprinter from Saint Lucia, who stunned the athletics world with her gold medal performance in Paris earlier this summer, is set to take a short break from competition as she manages recovery and prepares for the final phase of her 2025 season.
Alfred, who clocked a blistering 10.72 seconds to win Olympic gold, has been one of the most consistent performers in sprinting over the past two years. Her victory marked a historic moment for Saint Lucia, delivering the nation’s first Olympic medal of any kind. Since then, her name has been a regular feature on Diamond League start lists — but not this time.
According to a statement released by her camp, Alfred’s decision to withdraw from the upcoming meets in Lausanne, Brussels, and Eugene is “part of a carefully planned schedule” designed to ensure longevity in her career.
“Julien has had an incredible, intense season,” her coach explained. “From indoor meets to the Olympics, she’s raced at the highest level non-stop. This short pause will allow her body to reset, address minor niggles, and return even sharper for the final competitions of the year.”
Her absence will be felt keenly by fans and fellow athletes. The Diamond League 100m races this season have been some of the most anticipated events, often featuring Alfred alongside the likes of Sha’Carri Richardson, Shericka Jackson, and Marie-Josée Ta Lou-Smith. Without her, the sprint fields may open up for new winners, but the buzz she brings — both for her speed and her historic significance — will be missed.
While some speculated that her decision might be linked to injury, her team insists there is no major concern. “This is purely about strategic rest,” her physiotherapist noted. “Elite sprinters put tremendous strain on their muscles and joints. A break now could prevent bigger problems later.”
Alfred’s career trajectory has been steep. A standout at the University of Texas, she transitioned smoothly into professional competition, capturing medals on the global stage and becoming a fan favorite for her humble demeanor and fierce competitiveness. Since turning pro, she has juggled the demands of a heavy competition calendar with the commercial and media obligations that come with being an Olympic champion.
Her decision also underscores a broader trend among top athletes who are increasingly prioritizing recovery over relentless racing. With the next major global championship less than a year away, many sprinters are adopting selective schedules to ensure peak performance when it matters most.
Alfred is expected to return for select meets later in the season, possibly targeting the Diamond League Final if she qualifies. For now, she plans to remain in Austin, Texas, focusing on light training, physiotherapy, and mental reset.
Though she will miss the next few high-profile races, her legacy and presence in the sport remain strong. For Saint Lucians and sprint fans worldwide, Alfred’s brief absence will only heighten anticipation for her comeback — one that promises to deliver the same explosive brilliance that made her an Olympic champion.
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