Lately I have been thinking that St. Lucian sprinter Julien Alfred looks and sounds familiar. Then it suddenly dawned on me that the person she reminds me of is the original Jamaican sprint queen, Merlene Ottey.
It's one of those look-alike situations in which it's not dead-on in terms of features, but once in a while there is that shot that makes you go hmmm. For example, Alfred's demeanour is quite like Ottey's - very serious, business-like facial expression and posture most of the time. Also, the way they speak in interview - not very animated like other athletes, but yet so calmly engaging. And let's not forget the hair - usually a simple pull back or braids.
That "I didn't come here to play" look at the start...
Occasionally, they crack a smile as they cross the finish line, having taken care of business.
Who is Julien Alfred? She won the gold medal in the 60 metres at the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships. Alfred achieved the fastest time in the world this year with 6.99 seconds in the 60meters. She was a silver medalist in the 100 metres at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Just in case you missed it, Alfred who is affectionately called "Ju Ju" spent some time in Jamaica where she competed at Jamaica's ISSA/GK Boys & Girls Championships representing St. Catherine High School. She is no stranger to the 'Sprint Factory', and we wish her all the best.
By the way, she looked rather powerful in Paris during the 100m heats. She is definitely one to watch.
And surely, I don't need to tell you who Merlene Ottey is. Let's just say she is a legend in athletics. A nine-time Olympic medalist, she holds the record for the most Olympic appearances (seven) of any track and field athlete. She won 14 World Championship medals, and still holds the record (as of 2017) for most medals in individual events with 10. Ottey won gold in 1993 and 1995. Her career achievements and longevity led to her being called the "Queen of the Track".
Note: Only Ottey has ran faster than Alfred in the world indoor 200m with 21.87 seconds, set in 1993. Alfred's time is 22.01 seconds which was done during her dominant 2023 collegiate season at Texas. Still, Alfred says she hates the 200m.
One last thing! Check out interviews with these two queens. What do you think?
I am Suzette Campbell
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