MIRAMAR, Florida — Julien Alfred defeats Shericka Jackson in a high-profile sprint clash at the 2025 Miramar Invitational, powering to a national record of 36.05 seconds in the women’s 300 meters to outshine the returning Jamaican star on Saturday in Florida.
Opening her outdoor season in style, the Olympic 100m champion from Saint Lucia delivered a commanding finish to edge out Shericka Jackson, the two-time world 200m champion, who crossed the line in 36.13 seconds. Jessika Gbai of the Ivory Coast secured third in 36.24 seconds, rounding off a highly competitive field at the Ansin Sports Complex.
The rarely run 300-meter event showcased a thrilling duel between two of the Caribbean’s most elite sprinters, offering a glimpse of the form and fitness ahead of a packed 2025 athletics calendar.
According to Olympics.com, Jackson, who missed the Paris 2024 Olympics due to an injury sustained just before the games, made her much-anticipated return to the track at Miramar. She started with intensity, leading through the curve, but Alfred’s late acceleration sealed her victory and reasserted her as a force in the sprinting world.
Alfred powers through late surge to clinch victory
While Jackson led through the early phases of the race, it was Alfred’s blistering final stretch that captured the win and a new Saint Lucia national record in the process.
“I’m just going to keep working hard and trust myself,” Alfred said after the race, reflecting on a performance that reinforced her standing as one of the region’s most promising sprint talents.
At just 22, Alfred has already secured Olympic gold in the 100m and silver in the 200m, and her latest showing demonstrates not only her speed but also impressive early-season endurance.
Julien Alfred defeats Shericka Jackson as rivalry heats up
Saturday’s result may signal the beginning of a compelling 2025 rivalry between Alfred and Jackson. While Jackson, a veteran of global sprinting circuits, looked sharp in her return to competition, Alfred’s resilience and closing speed may give her an edge heading into future half-lap contests.
With Jackson aiming to reclaim her dominance and Alfred ascending with confidence, the matchup is poised to become one of the season’s most closely watched storylines in women’s athletics.
Though the 300m distance is not featured at the Olympics or World Championships, it is often used by elite sprinters to measure strength and mid-race form. Alfred’s time of 36.05s ranks among the fastest in recent years, highlighting her evolution beyond a short-sprint specialist.
Rohan Watson wins men’s 100m; Blake places second
In other highlights from the 2025 Miramar Invitational, Jamaican sprinter Rohan Watson posted a wind-assisted 9.99 seconds to win the men’s 100m dash. The former world champion Yohan Blake followed in 10.06 seconds, with Dominican Republic’s Alex Ogando placing third at 10.14 seconds.
The early-season meet drew several of the world’s top track and field athletes, signaling a competitive buildup toward major international events later this year.
Alfred’s momentum builds toward global championship season
Julien Alfred’s victory on Saturday adds yet another milestone to her growing résumé. With her eyes set on upcoming championship meets, the Saint Lucian standout continues to prove her ability to perform under pressure and against world-class competition.
Her performance in Miramar not only boosts national pride but also sends a clear message to rivals: Alfred is a contender to watch in every race she enters this season.
This triumph follows Alfred’s recent indoor success, where she dominated the track at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in Boston, breaking Saint Lucia’s 300m record with an exceptional performance. For more details on that achievement, read our previous coverage: Julien Alfred smashes 300m national record at New Balance Indoor Grand Prix.
For continuous updates on Julien Alfred and top Caribbean athletics news, follow Unitedpac St Lucia News.
