Alfred: “My only goal is to win”

21.51, that’s the top time that Alfred ran in Monaco on 10 July. Only Florence Griffith-Joyner (21.34 in 1988) and Shericka Jackson (21.41 in 2023) have ever run faster. “I know Shericka ran that time here in Brussels and I know the track has a reputation for being super-fast, but I never think about times beforehand. My only goal is to win on Friday and lift that Diamond League trophy. I want to win as many titles and trophies as possible in my career.”

Alfred already has Diamond League titles in the 100 metres – two in fact. “I won my first one two years ago in Brussels. I remember it was very cold that evening. Fortunately, it’s set to be a bit warmer on Friday,” laughs Alfred, who is used to the warmer climes of her hometown of Austin (Texas) and her native Saint Lucia.

Has her life changed since she became the Olympic 100-metre Champion in Paris in 2024? “Not so much in my daily life in Austin, but certainly on the track. “Being introduced everywhere as an Olympic Champion does have an impact, and it also creates expectations. Last year, there were times I struggled to deal with that, but now I’m used to it. And ultimately, in every race, it all comes down to the same thing: just focusing on ‘Julien’, on myself.”