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At the World Athletics Awards 2024, Julien Alfred’s stellar season earned her a nomination, but McLaughlin-Levrone claimed the title.
MONACO — Julien Alfred, St. Lucia’s rising sprint sensation, narrowly missed out on top honors at the World Athletics Awards 2024. The prestigious event, held in Monaco, recognized the year’s finest athletes, with Alfred nominated for Female Track Athlete of the Year. Despite a breakthrough season filled with record-breaking performances and Olympic medals, the title ultimately went to Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who shone with two world records and double Olympic gold.
The World Athletics Awards 2024 was a star-studded celebration of athletic excellence, honoring achievements across track, field, and out-of-stadium categories. While Alfred’s nomination highlighted her incredible consistency and dominance on the track in 2024, McLaughlin-Levrone’s historic feats in the 400m hurdles and 4x400m relay at the Paris Olympics secured her the top prize. Alfred’s inclusion in the nominees reinforces her growing status as a global force in women’s athletics.
01
of 04A Historic Season for Alfred
Julien Alfred’s 2024 season was nothing short of remarkable. At the Paris Olympics, she claimed two medals—gold in the 100 meters and silver in the 200 meters—marking a historic first for St. Lucia on the Olympic stage. Her record-breaking sprints, including a personal best of 10.72 seconds in the 100 meters and a national record of 21.86 seconds in the 200 meters, cemented her position as one of the sport’s brightest stars.
Despite narrowly missing out on the Female Track Athlete of the Year title, Alfred’s achievements reflect a breakthrough season that has placed St. Lucia prominently on the global athletics map. Her consistent performances at major events and Diamond League meetings have earned her recognition as a rising powerhouse in women’s sprinting.
02
of 04A Night of Celebration and Excellence
The World Athletics Awards 2024 celebrated not only individual accomplishments but also the collective brilliance of athletes worldwide. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the winner of the Female Track Athlete of the Year award, stood out for her dominant performances, setting two world records in the 400m hurdles (50.65 and 50.37 seconds) and securing double gold at the Paris Olympics.
Other honorees included Dutch star Sifan Hassan, who claimed the title of Female World Athlete of the Year for her marathon gold and multiple medals at the Paris Games, and Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo, who made history as the first athlete from his country to win Olympic gold with a stunning African record of 19.46 seconds in the 200 meters. Field event athletes Mondo Duplantis and Yaroslava Mahuchikh were recognized for their record-breaking feats in the pole vault and high jump, respectively, while marathon champions Tamirat Tola and Sifan Hassan took home the out-of-stadium awards.
03
of 04A Rising Star in Global Athletics
While McLaughlin-Levrone’s record-setting performances captured the top honor, Julien Alfred’s 2024 achievements have solidified her status as a future star of the sport. Her ability to compete at the highest level and deliver consistent results on the global stage has made her a source of immense pride for St. Lucia and the Caribbean. Fans and analysts alike anticipate that Alfred will remain a strong contender for future accolades.
Rising stars Sembo Almayew of Ethiopia and Mattia Furlani of Italy were also celebrated for their outstanding performances in middle-distance running and long jump, respectively. These young athletes, alongside Alfred, represent the future of track and field and the sport’s evolving competitive landscape.
04
of 04Looking Ahead
Reflecting on the night, World Athletics President Sebastian Coe praised the nominees and winners for their remarkable contributions to the sport. “These athletes are redefining what is possible in terms of athletic performance,” Coe remarked. He emphasized the importance of recognizing such talent and the inspiration it provides to fans and aspiring athletes worldwide.
For Julien Alfred, the World Athletics Awards 2024 served as a reminder of her meteoric rise and potential to shape the future of women’s sprinting. Although she fell short of claiming the top honor, her 2024 season is a testament to her talent, dedication, and ability to inspire. As the sport looks ahead to another exciting year, Alfred’s journey continues to captivate and inspire a global audience.
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