Julien Alfred has disclosed the reasons for her victory against world champion Sha’Carri Richardson in the 100-meter event as well as the factors that led to her defeat by Gabby Thomas in the 200-meter event at the Olympics in Paris.
Olympic 100-meter winner Julien Alfred has revealed why she lost the 200-meter championship to Gabby Thomas and how defeating Sha’Carri Richardson in the semifinals gave her more confidence heading into the women’s 100-meter final.
Julien Alfred clarified that she went into panic mode and eventually believed she wouldn’t advance to the final when she saw the semifinal lineup, which included Sha’Carri Richardson and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. Fraser-Pryce’s withdrawal from the race was announced in the call room, but the fact that the current world champion was still in the running added to the pressure.
The world indoor champion revealed that she could not change her strategy as wanted to go all the way to the finish line but the fact that she slowed down with about 5m to go and still beat Sha’Carri Richardson was a morale booster heading into the final which she heavily impressed.
The American sprint queen had to accept the silver medal after the St. Lucien sprint sensation crossed the finish line first. In the close race, Melissa Jefferson finished on the podium.
