IT was a massive day for St Lucia and Dominica at the Paris Olympics with both Eastern Caribbean islands winning gold in the 100m and triple jump respectively, writes Vlad Andrejevic.
Julien Alfred became St Lucia’s first Olympic medallist with a stunning victory in the women’s 100m at the Stade de France.
Alfred was imperious from the off as she dominated the final to clinch the gold medal with a national-record time of 10.72 seconds.
She finished ahead of the American world champion Sha’Carri Richardson, who took silver in 10.87, and USA’s Melissa Jefferson who finished in third with 10.92.
“I’m thinking of God [and] my dad, who didn’t get to see me
Julien Alfred
Alfred came into the Olympics in good form, having won a gold medal in 60m at the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships, and blitzed through the semi-final before securing the gold.
Her monumental achievement brought her to tears after the race, with her name etched into St Lucia’s folklore forever.
“I’m thinking of God [and] my dad, who didn’t get to see me,” Alfred said after the race. “He passed away in 2013. Dad, this is for you. I miss you. I did it for him, I did it for my coach and God.”
Only moments earlier on this historic night, Thea Lafond also brought Dominica their first Olympic medal, winning gold in the triple jump.
JUMPING FOR JOY: Dominica’s Thea Lafond on her way to gold Photo: World Athletics
Lafond produced a stellar performance on the biggest stage, landing a personal best and national record of 15.02m to secure the victory.
Jamaica’s Shanieka Ricketts secured silver, also securing her country’s first ever Olympic medal in the event, with a best distance of 14.87m, with America’s Jasmine Moore taking bronze with 14.67m.
Rajindra Campbell of Jamaica won bronze in the men’s shot putt final in which USA’s Ryan Crouser made history by winning his third gold medal in a row with a distance of 22.90m ahead of compatriot Joe Kovac who took the silver.
Campbell drew gasps from the crowed as he threw a brilliant 22.15m on his second attempt which was enough to exactly equal Kovac’s biggest throw, agonisingly falling just short of the silver due to the strength of the second-best throw.
Meanwhile Grenada’s Lindon Victor took home the bronze after a sensational display in the decathlon.
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Publish date : 2024-08-03 10:25:00
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