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3 facts about Julien Alfred, the newly-crowned fastest woman in the world after 100-meter Olympic gold

Aug 3, 2024; Paris, FRANCE; Julien Alfred (LCA) celebrates after winning the women's 100m final during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade de France. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 3, 2024; Paris, FRANCE; Julien Alfred (LCA) celebrates after winning the women's 100m final during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade de France. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

One of the more dramatic journeys to awarding Olympics gold at the  women's 100 meter sprint came to an end in stunning fashion on Saturday night in Paris.

Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia earned the gold medal — and the title of the fastest woman in the world — with a time of 10.72 seconds.

Americans Sha'Carri Richardson (10.87s) and Melissa Jefferson (10.92s) won silver and bronze, respectively. Richardson entered the race as the favorite in her first ever Olympics after her controversial suspension ahead of the 2021 games in Tokyo.

So who is Alfred? Here's a quick rundown on the 23-year-old.

1. Julien Alfred delivers Saint Lucia first ever Olympic medal

Before Saturday, the Caribbean island nation of just under 180,000 had never medaled at the Olympics. Now it's home to the fastest woman on the planet.

Alfred, 23, was a heavy underdog to win gold (+430) but blew past Richardson, who didn't have the cleanest start on the wet track.

2. Alfred ran track at the University of Texas

Congrats, Longhorns. You've produced another iconic athlete.

Alfred ran at Texas from 2022-2024, setting multiple records, including the NCAA's 60 meter dash — breaking her own record in the process.

3. She'll be back in action for the Women's 200m

Alfred isn't done with these Olympics just yet. On Sunday, August 4th she'll run her heat for the 200m. She's done quite well in that event in the past, setting the NCAA record in 2023.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: 3 facts about Julien Alfred, the newly-crowned fastest woman in the world after 100-meter Olympic gold