PARIS — Julien Alfred awoke on the morning of the Olympic 100-meter final feeling like she needed some extra inspiration. The St. Lucia sprinter pulled up videos of some of Usain Bolt’s Olympic victories.
“I was picturing myself coming across the line and being an Olympic champion,” Alfred said.
Only hours later, Alfred’s vision became reality. Alfred burst out of the blocks and ran away from American pre-race favorite Sha’Carri Richardson with startling ease, winning in a blazing 10.72 seconds to secure her tiny Caribbean nation’s first Olympic medal.
As a smiling Alfred streaked across the finish line, she ripped off her bib and started pointing at her name.