In a monumental decision for her burgeoning athletic and academic career, 16-year-old sprint sensation Naomi London, a two-time Carifta Games silver medalist, has disclosed the compelling reasons behind her choice to attend the University of Texas in Austin next fall.
London, who clinched silver in both the 100m and 200m at the 2023 Carifta Games in the Bahamas, expresses her eagerness to follow in the footsteps of NCAA triple gold medalist Julien Alfred, drawing inspiration from the Commonwealth Games silver medalist and World Championships finalists’ success.
"The main reason why I was committed to Texas was because of the environment and Julien. I was inspired to, and I think that I'll be very comfortable and safe up there. The environment was just what I need," London shared in an exclusive interview with Sportsmax.TV.
Amidst other offers, Texas stood out as the ideal fit for the talented sprinter. "I did get other offers, but I declined them. So I was just mainly focused on Texas. The athletes are very fun to be around. It makes me want to push more because they're very supportive, and I came from a club that always wants to see you grow up. So having a mimic of that in Texas makes me feel at home, and the coach as well, in that he only wants the best for you."
Expressing her desire for a challenging yet supportive environment, London emphasizes the importance of pushing herself to the limits. "I want somebody to push me to my limits, and I think that's the best and right option that I should go for right now."
When questioned about her academic aspirations, London mentions she's still exploring options. "I have not decided what I'm going to study, but I'm working on ideas into what course I want to take."
London's commitment to Texas, however, extends beyond education, as she is driven by the ambition to become an Olympian and a World Champion. "I'm actually looking forward to being an Olympian and a World Champion as well. It's not only about the education. I mean, it is about the education, but there's a balance."
In her final season as a Longhorn, Alfred had one of the best NCAA Division 1 championships ever. She won the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay which prompted her coach Eldrick Floreal to characterize her as the greatest sprinter in NCAA history.
Alfred's success at Texas has left an indelible mark on young St. Lucian sprinters, including London, and played a significant part in the teen’s decision to become a Longhorn. "It has influenced us a lot, especially me very much because Julien is a hard-looking individual that I really admire, which makes me want to push,” London said.
“She is the kindest person you could ever meet. I swear she's the kindest person you could ever meet if you actually meet her. She is dedicated. She is down to her work. She goes and gets what she wants."
With her own history in tow having been the first St Lucian to win a sprint medal at the Carifta Games, and inspired by her rising star compatriot in Alfred, London looks set to create her own legacy at the University of Texas and beyond.
“Having that and having seen that (Alfred’s success), just makes you want to look at, you know, do I actually want to do I really want to go through what she's gone through? Everybody has a different path.
“So it's not like I'm going to go through the same thing as her, but I know that there's something different out there for me. She has influenced me very much and I really appreciate that. I mean, I love Julian. We all do. She's been remarkable and watching her success over the years has inspired a lot of people.”
Leighton Levy is a journalist with 28 years’ experience covering crime, entertainment, and sports. He joined the staff at SportsMax.TV as a content editor two years ago and is enjoying the experience of developing sports content and new ideas. At SportsMax.tv he is pursuing his true passion - sports.
Olympic champion Julien Alfred promotes St. Lucia as Tourism Ambassador during UK visit
Julien Alfred, St. Lucia’s Olympic 100m champion, is currently on an influential tour of the United Kingdom in her new role as Tourism Ambassador for her island nation. The title was bestowed on her in September, following her historic victory at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she captured gold in the 100m and became the first St. Lucian to do so. Accompanied by a senior delegation led by Minister of Tourism Dr. Ernest Hilaire, Alfred is participating in a series of high-profile events aimed at promoting St. Lucia’s culture, beauty, and hospitality.
Kicking off her week on Saturday, Alfred explored iconic London landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Joining her was fellow athlete Imani-Lara Lansiquot, a British Saint Lucian sprinter who won silver with Team GB in the women’s 4x100m relay in Paris. The two shared moments of camaraderie as they toured the city, embodying the rich connection between St. Lucian talent on the global stage.
One of the highlights of Alfred’s trip was a celebratory event at The Great Hall in Leyton, organized by the Saint Lucia High Commission and the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA). Alfred was the guest of honour at the vibrant gathering, which drew around 350 members of the St. Lucian diaspora and showcased the island’s arts and culture. Performers included Tysiah Edwards, the Lucianites Quadrille dancers, West End star Tanya Edwards, and celebrated musician Sherwinn Dupes Brice, among others. The event was officially hosted by Saint Lucia’s High Commissioner to the UK, H.E. Anthony Severin, with Alfred delivering a heartfelt speech about her journey to Olympic glory and the pride she felt in representing her island on the world stage.
As part of her ambassadorial duties, Alfred participated in a series of media engagements, conducting interviews with major outlets across the BBC. During these interviews, she shared her Olympic story and expressed her excitement about promoting St. Lucia’s unique appeal to the British audience. Highlighting the natural beauty, cultural vibrancy, and warmth of St. Lucia, Alfred’s appearances underscored her passion for her homeland and her eagerness to welcome new visitors to the island.
Later, Alfred and the delegation, including SLTA board chair Thaddeus M. Antoine and CEO Louis Lewis, were given an exclusive tour of the UK Parliament. This was followed by a reception at the House of Commons, where she met key members of Parliament and prominent figures in the travel industry.
Through this week of events, Alfred continues to embody the pride of St. Lucians everywhere, strengthening the bond between her homeland and the international community.
Jamaican hurdler Damion Thomas reveals career-saving surgery, eyes return to top form
Jamaican hurdler Damion Thomas, a promising talent who has seen his career hampered by injuries, on Sunday revealed that he underwent surgery on October 21 to address a persistent foot issue. The procedure, known as an osteophytectomy, involved the removal of a bone spur that had been causing severe discomfort and pain in his Achilles tendon and lower heel, limiting his ability to train and perform at his best.
Thomas, who has made significant strides in his athletic career despite facing recurring injuries, expressed gratitude for the medical support he’s received. Under the guidance of Dr. John Thompson, a specialist who has overseen his rehabilitation since March, Thomas has worked through rigorous physical therapy and orthopedic care to manage his injury. However, as the pain continued to affect his performance, surgery became necessary to give him the best chance at a full recovery.
“This past year working with Dr. Thompson has been monumental,” Thomas shared on social media. “Since March, Dr. Thompson’s overseeing of my injury through physical therapy, orthopedic care, and lastly surgical procedure has been a driving force in allowing me to finish the previous season and set myself up for a new future. I am thankful.”
The 24-year-old hurdler, who specializes in the 110m and 60m hurdles, has a decorated history in athletics. A former Louisiana State University (LSU) standout, Thomas won the 2021 NCAA Indoor 60m hurdle title, setting a school record and becoming the fifth-fastest hurdler in NCAA history. In 2018, he equaled the junior world record of 12.99 seconds in the 110m hurdles, a feat that positioned him as one of the most promising young hurdlers globally. Thomas also represented Jamaica at the Tokyo Olympics, advancing to the semi-finals with a time of 13.39 seconds in the 110m hurdles.
In early 2024, Thomas was selected to represent Jamaica at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow. Despite his impressive achievements, ongoing injuries have held him back from reaching his full potential on the international stage.
With the surgery now behind him, Thomas is focused on recovery and a strong comeback. His determination to overcome setbacks highlights his commitment to his sport, and fans are hopeful that the procedure will enable him to return to peak form in the coming season.
Julien Alfred named finalist for World Track Athlete of the Year among elite group of Olympic champions
St. Lucia’s Julien Alfred has been announced as one of only two finalists for the Women’s Track Athlete of the Year, joining a select group of elite athletes recognized for their extraordinary achievements at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Alfred, who made history as the Olympic 100m champion, shares the nomination with America’s Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the 400m hurdles gold medalist, in one of the most prestigious categories of the World Athletics Awards.
Alfred’s selection is a testament to her incredible season and historic achievements, as she became the first St. Lucian to capture Olympic gold, blazing her way into the record books and capturing the pride of her nation and the Caribbean region.
In the men’s track category, Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo stand as finalists for their outstanding performances. Ingebrigtsen, who won gold in the Olympic 5000m, showcased his tactical mastery and resilience in a fiercely contested race. Tebogo, meanwhile, surged to victory in the 200m final, demonstrating remarkable speed that highlighted his arrival on the global stage as one of the world’s top sprinters.
In the field events, Ukraine’s Yaroslava Mahuchikh and Belgium’s Nafissatou Thiam are recognized for their Olympic victories in high jump and heptathlon, respectively. Mahuchikh thrilled audiences with her powerful jumps that secured her the Olympic high jump title, while Thiam’s exceptional all-around abilities earned her a gold in the heptathlon, marking yet another milestone in her storied career.
For the men’s field category, Sweden’s Mondo Duplantis and Greece’s Miltiadis Tentoglou were selected as finalists. Duplantis, the Olympic pole vault champion, continued his dominance in the event with yet another gold, while Tentoglou captured the long jump title, showcasing his skill and consistency with a leap that secured him Olympic glory.
In out-of-stadium events, Kenyan marathon record-holder Ruth Chepngetich and Netherlands’ Olympic marathon champion Sifan Hassan are both celebrated for their monumental achievements on the road. Chepngetich has been a powerhouse in marathon running, while Hassan, already an established name on the track, made a remarkable transition to the marathon with her victory in Paris.
On the men’s side, Ecuador’s Brian Pintado and Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola are finalists for their triumphs in the Olympic 20km race walk and marathon, respectively. Pintado’s endurance and technique earned him gold in race walking, while Tola’s marathon victory in Paris reaffirmed his standing among the world’s premier distance runners.
The World Athletics Awards ceremony will celebrate these champions, recognizing their dedication and outstanding achievements that have pushed the boundaries of the sport. For Julien Alfred, this nomination highlights an unforgettable year, as her Olympic victory resonates deeply within her homeland and across the Caribbean, inspiring a new generation of athletes.
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