Jamaica's Ackera Nugent, the national record holder in the women’s 100m hurdles, took a moment to express her deep gratitude following a remarkable performance at the Silesia Diamond League in Poland on Sunday, where she twice broke the meet record.
In what was only her second appearance in a Diamond League event, Nugent stunned the field by first setting a meet record of 12.30 seconds in the preliminaries, and then surpassing that with a 12.29-second run in the final, just shy of her lifetime best of 12.28 seconds set earlier this year at the Jamaica National Senior Championships.
Despite her extraordinary achievement, Nugent remained humble, focusing on the significance of her journey rather than just the results.
"This is my first year of competing as a professional, and I feel so grateful to just be able to compete against these great ladies," Nugent shared. "I am just getting used to running on the circuit. Coming here to compete against all the best in the world, on one hand, I did not expect to win, but on the other, I knew I had to execute well and do what is under my control."
Her words reflected a mix of humility and determination, qualities that have endeared her to fans and fellow athletes alike. Nugent’s rapid rise in the sport is impressive, but she remains focused on the bigger picture, acknowledging the learning curve that comes with competing at the highest level.
"I do not know what is to come for me; I just want to have confidence in what I am doing and let things take their turn," she said, indicating a mindset that embraces both the challenges and the unpredictability of elite competition.
Nugent's display of gratitude and humility serves as a reminder of the dedication and perseverance required to excel at the professional level. As she continues to make strides in her career, her grounded approach is likely to serve her well as she navigates the pressures and expectations of being one of the world’s top hurdlers.
Next up for Nugent is the Golden Gala Pietro Mennea Diamond League in Rome on August 30, where she will have another opportunity to showcase her talents against the best in the world. But for now, she remains content, thankful for the journey she’s on, and looking forward to whatever the future may hold.
“I don’t feel like I’ve made it yet”- Olympic champion Julien Alfred hungry for more success
Julien Alfred’s 2024 season was one for the books and the St. Lucian superstar is eyeing even more success going forward.
The 23-year-old began her first full season as a professional athlete with a six-race win streak in the indoor 60m, culminating with her first major global title at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow, Scotland on March 2.
The 2023 Bowerman Award winner then embarked on a spectacular outdoor season which saw her become her country’s first ever Olympic medallist by winning 100m gold in Paris in a national record 10.72 in August before closing out her season by winning the 100m title at the Diamond League final in Brussels in 10.88 in September.
Alfred also won 200m silver at the Olympics in 22.08.
As a result of her exploits on the track, Alfred has been subject of an appropriate week of celebration by her home country St. Lucia since her return on September 24.
Alfred was greeted by a parade of fans upon her arrival to the island, September 27 was formally recognized by the St. Lucian Government as ‘Julien Alfred Day’ going forward, a mural celebrating her was painted at her alma mater Ciceron Primary School and she was named as a Tourism Ambassador for St. Lucia.
With all that being said, Alfred still feels like there is more work to do to solidify her legacy in the sport.
“I don’t feel like I’ve made it yet,” Alfred said on the latest episode of Out d Blocks on the SportsMax TV YouTube Channel.
“That alone keeps me pushing and going for more,” she added.
Most people with her accolades, even after just one year, would get comfortable and feel like they’ve already solidified themselves as a staple in their respective field but not Alfred.
“There are accolades that I still want in my life and my career. Yes, I accomplished an Olympic gold, World Indoors, Diamond League final winner but I don’t have accolades in the World Championships outdoors yet,” Alfred said.
“Even the 200m title at the Olympics. I feel like there’s still more I can chase and go after and just leave my legacy and pay tribute to all those who pour into me and give back to them in such a way,” she added.
After a grueling NCAA season, Alfred competed at the World Championships in Budapest in 2023. She got to the final of the 100m, finishing fifth in 10.93 before narrowly missing out on a medal in the 200m final, running 22.05 for fourth.
If her 2024 form is a precursor, Alfred could be in for a massive World Championships in Tokyo in 2025.
Olympic champion Julien Alfred gifted EC$1 million, highway to be renamed, monument to be erected in her honour
In a historic celebration of her unprecedented achievements, St. Lucia’s Olympic gold medalist Julien Alfred was honoured with a series of prestigious awards and accolades on Friday, September 27, officially designated as 'Julien Alfred Day.' The island nation’s government and its people came together to pay tribute to the 22-year-old sprint sensation, who has made history and brought immense pride to St. Lucia on the global stage.
The government, led by Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, announced several significant honours for Alfred during a celebratory event on Friday night. Among the most notable was the announcement that the Millennium Highway would be renamed the Julien Alfred Highway. In addition, a monument will be constructed in her honour at the new Cul de Sac Roundabout, ensuring that her legacy will be a lasting part of St. Lucia’s infrastructure.
Alfred will also receive a government gift of EC$1 million, as well as a plot of land of her choice, measuring 10,720 square feet. Furthermore, the prime minister revealed plans for a Julien Alfred commemorative stamp and a commemorative exercise book featuring photos of the Olympic champion, cementing her place in the nation’s history.
These grand gestures came after a whirlwind year for Alfred, who became the first St. Lucian to win a medal at the Olympic Games. She captured gold in the 100m and silver in the 200m at the 2024 Paris Olympics, further solidifying her status as a national hero. Earlier in the year, she won the 60m title at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow, and she recently capped her outstanding season by winning the 100m Diamond League title in Brussels.
The day of festivities began with Alfred receiving a special award from George Pagoulatos, the Greek Ambassador to the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States. Greece, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, added symbolic weight to the award, further emphasizing Alfred’s status among the world’s elite athletes.
Following this presentation, Alfred was honored by the St. Lucia Olympic Committee (SLOC) with a cash award of EC$75,000, a token of appreciation for her historic achievements and the pride she has brought to her country.
These latest honours follow a private dinner held Thursday night, hosted by the BodyHoliday Resort and First National Bank, where family and friends celebrated her remarkable success.
The day-long celebrations culminated in a special concert on Friday night, where fans, dignitaries, and fellow athletes gathered to celebrate Alfred’s achievements. The emotional occasion saw Alfred express heartfelt gratitude to the people of St. Lucia for their unwavering support throughout her journey.
The event also marked a defining moment in St. Lucia’s sporting history, as the island nation rallied around its Olympic hero, who was also named St Lucia's Tourism Ambassador
As Julien Alfred’s star continues to rise, 'Julien Alfred Day' will be remembered as a historic celebration of one of St. Lucia’s greatest sporting icons.
Julien Alfred honoured with special award and cash prize on 'Julien Alfred Day' in St. Lucia
Julien Alfred’s whirlwind year of achievements was celebrated in grand style on Friday, designated as ‘Julien Alfred Day’ in her home country of St. Lucia. The Olympic gold and silver medalist, who has enjoyed a stellar first year as a professional athlete, received a special award and a cash prize in recognition of her historic accomplishments.
The 22-year-old sprint star has had an unforgettable year. After winning the 60m title at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow in March, she cemented her place in history with a gold medal in the 100m at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, becoming the first St. Lucian to win an Olympic medal. She followed that performance with a silver in the 200m, further solidifying her status as a national hero. Alfred capped her remarkable season by winning the prestigious 100m Diamond League title in Brussels earlier this month.
On Friday morning, the celebrations continued with a special award presented by George Pagoulatos, the Greek Ambassador to the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States. The presentation held extra significance, as Greece is the birthplace of the Olympic Games, making the moment a symbolic recognition of Alfred’s place among the world’s elite athletes.
Following the ambassador's presentation, Alfred was then honoured by the St. Lucia Olympic Committee (SLOC) with a cash prize of EC$75,000, a token of appreciation for her historic feats on the global stage. The financial award was a gesture of gratitude for the pride and joy she has brought to St. Lucia.
These latest tributes came on the heels of a private dinner held in her honour on Wednesday night, hosted by the BodyHoliday Resort and First National Bank, where family and friends gathered to celebrate her unprecedented achievements.
The day of celebrations will be capped off with a special concert on Friday night, where fans, dignitaries, and fellow athletes came together to honour Alfred’s achievements in music and entertainment. It was an emotional moment for Alfred, who expressed her gratitude to the people of St. Lucia for their unwavering support throughout her journey.
The sprint sensation has made history for her small island nation, and with her star continuing to rise, 'Julien Alfred Day' will no doubt be remembered as a significant moment in St. Lucia’s sporting history.
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