Saint Lucians profited from the opportunity to interact with current World Athletics Indoor Championships 60 meters gold medalist, Julien Alfred, during her brief weekend visit home.

A special welcome ceremony was organized in her honor after her arrival at the Hewanorra International Airport on April 5. At the ceremony, the Minister responsible for Youth Development and Sports, Hon. Kenson Casimir, highlighted the significance of Alfred's achievements and what it means for Saint Lucia.

“I spoke with some school children a while ago and I asked who wants to be the next Julien Alfred? Both male and female hands went up. This is a testament to who Julian Alfred is to all of us as a nation. I want us to wrap our minds around that. The quest for another Julian Alfred does not have to take 45 years. If we all decide to do our part and think about what we need to do to contribute to the development of the next athlete, we just may see another Julien Alfred.”

For her part, Alfred hopes her world championship medal can inspire other young Saint Lucians to stay focused and achieve their goals.

“I feel so honoured to be here as Saint Lucia's first global medalist, a gold one at that, and I'm hoping that it can inspire the youth to also continue on the same path,” she said. “I would like for the government and community members to realize that it takes a village to get people to the point that they're at and I'm hoping that this opportunity can encourage the country to get on board and start supporting the youth. We can have so many more Daren Sammys and so many more Levern Spencers but the country needs to come together and encourage future athletes and help them to get where they want to go.”

Following the ceremony, Alfred featured in a motorcade from the airport that ended at the Prime Minister's Official Residence at Vigie. Another major component of the visit was the launch of the Julien Alfred Foundation on April 6, by the Saint Lucia Athletics Association. The Julien Alfred Foundation is dedicated to empowering youth through education, sports, and community development initiatives.