Julienne Alfred, Naima Hazell secures two gold medals for Saint Lucia in Caribbean Games

Julien Alfred wins the Women's 100m final at the Caribbean Games in Guadeloupe in a blistering 11.07, well ahead of the other finalists.

Julienne Alfred, Naima Hazell secures two gold medals for Saint Lucia in Caribbean Games
Julienne Alfred, Naima Hazell secures two gold medals for Saint Lucia in Caribbean Games

Castries, Saint Lucia: As the Caribbean Games are held in Guadeloupe, the athletes from Saint Lucia secured several medals. On July 1, 2022, Saint Lucia won two gold medals through Julienne Alfred in Women’s 100m and Naima Hazell in Swimming in the Women’s 50 Breaststroke, 

Julien Alfred wins the Women’s 100m final at the Caribbean Games in Guadeloupe in a blistering 11.07, well ahead of the other finalists. She led from beginning to end and looked as if she was able to ease up towards the end, as she is capable of faster times.

Naima Hazell won Gold in Swimming in the Women’s 50 Breaststroke. Two Gold medals in one day in Saint Lucia. 

As thrilled as I am with the medal victories of Julienne Alfred, Naima Hazell and Mikaila Charlemagne at the Caribbean Games in Guadeloupe, I have learned over time to takes things in perspective and avoid irrational exhuberance or unrealistic expectations.

Julien is ranked 28th by World Athletics in the 100m but has the 4th fastest time in the world this year. Based on her current times and steady progression, she should have no problems qualifying for the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024. 

SLOC was smart to include them all in the team and will earn the appreciation of the Games organizers for so doing. Julien’s victory may well help her in her preparation for the upcoming World Championships in Oregon and boost her confidence, but everyone should all appreciate her decision to compete in these Games and give us all something to cheer about. 

Spare a thought too, for all the other athletes that are either yet to compete, or were up against strong competition and did not do as well. Michael Joseph looks good to win a medal in the Men’s 400m tomorrow. These athletes represent the future of sports in Saint Lucia, and give us hope that that future will be bright.

Further, Mikaili Charlemagne’s Bronze last night, and Michael Joseph making the finals in the Men’s 400M in Athletics.