NEW YORK, CMC – Impressive St Lucian sprinter Julien Alfred says her capture of the Bowerman Award was just a reward for her triumphs over adversity in the last few seasons on the American collegiate circuit.
On Thursday, the 22-year-old was honored with the prestigious award at the US Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association’s (USTFCCCA) convention in Denver.
“It was quite a journey for me, from my season ending in 2019 to COVID-19 spoiling the party, which caused me to be stuck in the US with my borders closed; I had nowhere to go,” Alfred said.
“[In] 2022 and 2023, I saw the light that my Mom always spoke about. [I saw] the times I always prayed for.”
She continued: “It means a lot to me, especially seeing how far I’ve come and my growth; it’s just a reminder that God is real.
“He’s always going to be there no matter how dark it may seem … and there will be a light at the end. I feel extremely grateful to have Him in my life.”
Alfred enjoyed an outstanding year for the University of Texas, where she went unbeaten in the 100 meters while becoming the first woman in the NCAA to dip below seven seconds in capturing the Big 12 title.
She also set new indoor and outdoor records in the 100 and 200 meters en route to becoming the Big 12 Conference Athlete-of-the-Year and the USTFCCCA national indoor and outdoor track Athlete-of-the-Year.
Alfred also made a massive impression at the World Championships in Budapest, finishing fourth in the 200m and fifth in the 100m, and believes the performances indicated future successes.
“It just shows how much potential I have, and I hope I can get to that podium one day,” she said.
Alfred also made her mark in the Caribbean as a junior athlete, twice becoming her country’s junior Sportswoman-of-the-Year following successes at the Central American and Caribbean Games and the Commonwealth Youth Games.
And with her latest achievement, Alfred believes St Lucia will receive even more international spotlight.
“It means a lot to them because when you mention Julien Alfred [of] St Lucia, not many persons know about St Lucia, so you will find them going to search [and wondering] oh where is St Lucia,” she said.
“It will bring a lot of attraction to my country. It is a lovely island, but [this achievement] will bring a lot of attention to my country.”
The Bowerman is the highest honor in United States collegiate track and field.
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