The 100-metre Olympic Champion, hailing from Ciceron, proved that Saint Lucia is among the big leagues, though possessing a humble population size.

Olympic fan favourite, American sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson, came in second behind Alfred, her Olympic ambitions fizzled before her eyes.

Following this historic win, Julien met with media personnel for a moment of reflection. She confesses that she had already claimed her victory before the race even began.

“I wrote in my book “Julien Alfred, World Champion,” she said, and the prophecy came to pass.

Alfred says she felt the mounting pressure as she had to make her country proud. All she focussed on, she adds, was giving Saint Lucia its first Gold Olympic Medal.

“I definitely knew that Saint Lucia would be watching and hoping that they could get their first Olympic Gold. I'm sure they're celebrating right now.”

The odds looked stacked against the athlete, as previous World Champions were returning to the track to claim yet even more medals. Julien Alfred, from a country with meagre resources, was not expected to beat the athletes from countries with millions to spare.

The question on the minds of many, Saint Lucian or otherwise, is “Who is the next Julien Alfred?”.

There’s hope in burgeoning athletes like Michael Joseph and Naomi London, but without adequate training and financial backing, their potential may go yet unrealised.

The island’s Sports Minister, a former sportsperson himself, has assured that more resources will be poured into the sporting arena than ever before.

With facilities across the island receiving much-needed upgrades, it is expected that even more Julien Alfreds will be found.

Julien Alfred will run with 200m event on Tuesday, August 6, vying for her second Olympic medal.