Saint Lucians are anxious as two sprint stars - Julien Alfred and Michael Joseph - are to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics this summer.

Julien Alfred, who has been dominating the track since the start of her athletic journey, is expected to medal at the Olympics this year.

“Nobody could beat Julian Alfred over 60 metres in the world currently, nobody. I mean, she would have to have a miserable day at the office for that to happen,” said Sports Minister Casimir.

This week, Alfred copped the first place position at the Gyulai István Memorial Games in Hungary with a runtime of 22.16 seconds, equalling her season best.

Minister Casimir, who was an athlete himself, observes that Alfred will be training to maintain her speed in the coming weeks.

“Maintaining her top end speed and ensuring that she could brace the line first, I think over the next two, three weeks, would be the main area of focus and emphasis for her. I think once that is done, I think she will have a very good showing at the Olympics.”

The Minister also expressed his confidence in male track athlete Michael Joseph, who will also be competing at the Olympics.

“Not many questions have been asked about Michael Joseph, but I'm looking forward to the 400 metres for him. He is one of the athletes who has come through leaps and bounds, working very, very hard to shock the world. We're certainly expecting him to put in a very good show, make it to the finals and do the unexpected,” explained the Minister.

With the potential displayed by these two athletes, Casimir says the Ministry is even more devoted to ensuring more investment is placed into sports and sporting infrastructure.