Alfred says she’s always wanted to return to Saint Lucia and make life easier for the new generation of athletes.

“It's been a goal of mine ever since I was a little girl. And just to be out here and trying to make my country proud, and just trying for the best. Jamaica has so many sponsors like Puma, and when choosing the brand, I really ensured that Puma was going to sponsor my country. And I wanted to go to Saint Lucia first to help the youth,” Alfred explained at her foundation launch on Saturday, April 6th.

Alfred recalls her own experience running internationally without the proper gear. She says that sense of unease she felt only motivated her to help her country more.

“In 2020, I didn't have a sponsor going into the World Championships, and being on the world stage, it was very embarrassing to me. So just not having a sponsor, just not having the uniform that I'm supposed to have - to, you know, look good, feel good. So it was very important for me to come out here, and I don't want anybody else to experience that, especially the youth, because that was very hard on me,” she said.

Sports Minister Kenson Casimir underscores the importance of a good role model like Julien serves for the youth of Saint Lucia.

“I think having her on display like this only would motivate young people to see when you actually accomplish something for your country, how much they would appreciate you. So, we as a government, we believe in young people and we believe that when young people achieve good things, we need to acknowledge it.”

The Foundation will be managed by the Saint Lucia Olympic Committee and will provide the resources athletes need to compete overseas.

Julien Alfred will compete in the Olympics this summer in Paris where she is expected to bring a medal home.