Julien Alfred from Saint Lucia has claimed the title of the fastest woman in the world, taking a surprising victory over both Sha’Carri Richardson and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.
Alfred stunned the world by securing gold in the women’s 100m final at the Paris Olympics, running in rainy conditions at Stade de France. She set a national record with her time of 10.72 seconds.
Sha’Carri Richardson finished second with a time of 10.87 seconds, while Melissa Jefferson earned bronze with 10.92 seconds.
Despite being the favorite, with a world-leading time of 10.71 seconds this year, Richardson was edged out by Alfred, who was making her Olympic debut.
The women’s 100m final saw fewer stars than expected. Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson-Herah was sidelined by a season-ending Achilles injury, Shericka Jackson withdrew just before the competition, and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce withdrew before the semifinals.
Alfred, who ran for the University of Texas, had the third-fastest time globally going into the Paris Olympics. She previously won the 100m at the 2022 NCAA track and field championships with the Longhorns.
Women’s 100m Final Results
| pos | Country | Athlete | mark | reaction time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LCA | Julien ALFRED | 10.72 NR | 0.144 |
| 2 | USA | Sha’Carri RICHARDSON | 10.87 | 0.221 |
| 3 | USA | Melissa JEFFERSON | 10.92 | 0.144 |
| 4 | GBR | Daryll NEITA | 10.96 | 0.135 |
| 5 | USA | Twanisha TERRY | 10.97 | 0.167 |
| 6 | SUI | Mujinga KAMBUNDJI | 10.99 | 0.136 |
| 7 | JAM | Tia CLAYTON | 11.04 | 0.160 |
| 8 | CIV | Marie-Josée TA LOU-SMITH | 13.84 | 0.143 |
