Castries, St. Lucia – Olympic dash queen Julien Alfred returned to St. Lucia on Tuesday to a grand welcome at Hewanorra Worldwide Airport.
The celebration marked the start of a four-day occasion honoring Alfred, who made historical past final month by changing into the nation’s first Olympic medalist with gold within the girls’s 100 meters and silver within the 200 meters on the Paris Olympics.
Alfred, 23, was greeted by Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre and different dignitaries. Talking on the airport, an emotional Alfred expressed her gratitude to those that supported her journey. “I’ve dreamt of this present day for such a very long time – simply being an inspiration to the youth of Saint Lucia,” she mentioned, drawing applause from the gang. “So many individuals have guided me and helped me to get thus far, and I actually simply wish to say thanks.”
Street to success
She additionally mirrored on the challenges she confronted on the street to success, acknowledging the troublesome moments when she felt like giving up however credited her assist system for conserving her grounded.
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Prime Minister Pierre described Alfred’s achievements as transcending sports activities, emphasizing the inspiration she has supplied for the nation’s youth. Sports activities Minister Kenson Casimir praised her character, describing Alfred as “type, beneficiant, and humble.”
The celebrations have been slated to proceed on Wednesday, with scholar rallies on the Soufriere Mini Stadium and the La Useful resource taking part in subject. Alfred may even go to her former faculty, Ciceron Major, on Thursday for the disclosing of a mural in her honor. The nationwide festivities will conclude on Friday with a live performance on the Daren Sammy Cricket Floor, the place her accomplishments will probably be formally celebrated.
